Kim Hammel

   Self Portrait

Since a young child I have always been interested in art and as a result after graduating from high school I decided to persue a degree in art and eventually become an art teacher.  While attending Rend Lake Community College, near my hometown of West Frankfort, I started working part - time for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Rend Lake.   I used my artistic and creative abilities to design brochures, maps, and flyers and also present interpretive programs.

I continued working as a Park Ranger while attending Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, in which I received a BA degree in Fine Arts.  After graduation I obtained a job with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and currently work at the Carlyle Lake Project Office, home to Illinois largest man-made lake.

Although I never pursued a teaching career I am still very active in art .  I do commissioned portraits in colored pencil.   I have worked in many differentl mediums, but colored pencil is my medium of choice.  Working in colored pencil takes a considerable amount of time!  But , I find the process of layering colors very relaxing and enjoyable.  It's amazing to see the final results. 

I live in rural Carlyle were I reside with my husband Bob and my daughter Jessica.