Gary Kelley is a well-established, highly regarded artist among both the public and his peers. With the ability to capture the essence of his subject, his beautiful works have become an emblem of fine art within the industry. He received his degree in art from the University of Northern Iowa in 1968 and received an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from the University of Northern Iowa in 1995. Gary is a member of the prestigious Society of Illustrators and has received 27 gold and silver medals from the Society's Annual Exhibitions in New York, setting a society record. These exhibitions are highly competitive and respected; the definitive showcase for illustration in America.

In 2007, Gary was inducted into the Society of Illustrators Hall of Fame. He is a member of a prestigious group of the country's best illustrators, including Frederick Remington, Norman Rockwell, N.C. Wyeth, Maxfield Parish, Ben Shahn and Rockwell Kent.

Kelley is a highly sought after artist whose clients include Time Magazine, Atlantic Monthly, Rolling Stone, The New Yorker, and Playboy. His illustrations have been commissioned by The National Football League, The National Basketball Association, Geffen Playhouse, Santa Fe Opera and Island Records. He is also the creative force behind the murals that are displayed in Barnes & Noble Bookstores across the nation depicting famous writers of the past two centuries. His artwork brings to life distinguished poets and authors from our history with a unique style. He was also the official artist for the Kentucky Derby 2002.

His repertoire includes the illustration of many picture books, including The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, Rip Van Winkle, The Necklace, Macbeth, Poe's Tales of Mystery and Imagination, Boshhlobberbosh, Tallchief, T is for Toscana, The Stolen Smile and Black Cat Bone. Kelley has also showcased his enormous talent at his one man shows in Los Angeles, New York, Tokyo and Paris.

He has lectured and conducted seminars at The Smithsonian - Washington, D.C., Corcoran Gallery - Washington, D.C., Art Center College of Design - Pasadena, CA, Art Institute of Southern California - Laguna Beach, Academy of Art - San Francisco, Ringling School of Art - Sarasota, FL, Hallmark Cards - Kansas City, Rhode Island School of Design, Society of Illustrators New York and Los Angeles, The Chicago Art Institute, The Norman Rockwell Museum and Montreuil Book Fair in Paris.

Kelley travels the world for inspiration as he creates unusual and unique works, which stand as a benchmark of excellence. The parents of two children, Gary and his wife, Linda, reside in Cedar Falls, Iowa.