Penny Thieme: Artist

2018, "Within Reach" National PTA, Reflections (SMS), Overland Park, KS
2014, "Atchison Art Association Membership Show"​, Muchnic Gallery, Atchison, KS
2014, "Wild Wing Rapture"​ Benefit Exhibition, Buffalo River Gallery, Parkville, KS
2014, Summit Arts Festival, Lee's Summit, MO
2013, 2012, Student Exhibition, Shawnee Mission East, Shawnee Mission, KS
2012, 2011, Hidden Glen Arts Festival Scholarship, Shawnee Mission, Ks

Mentor: 

At 13, I was blessed by an angel, brought to me by unfortunate circumstances. Penny met me with an open heart, arms and smile, at a Crime Victims Exhibition where I submitted artwork at her gallery. She invited me into her home, her VALA Gallery, where I spent every Sunday morning growing under her sunlight and love. Penny taught me to be fearless, bold, and brave. Always be brave. She taught me about so much more than art, which is so closely connected to my life. She taught me about myself and what exactly I was made of. Penny planted and fostered my dream of attending the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, where I was recently accepted. As for everything I learned from her in a short version; be strong. Be unforgiving of who you are and what you stand for, but remember to love, forgive and forget, and remember there is beauty in the storm. If I could recommend a life and art teacher to any young person it would be one of my greatest friends and mentors, Penny Thieme; Artist and Mentor. ~Aurora Davis

Penny saved my art career. Simply that. Saved it. I was ready to quit from several harsh experiences in the beginning years of it and her friendship, support, mentoring and knowledge of the art business, quite literally, drew me back from the brink. So, I stayed the course with help of the directions she supplied and I began to grow exponentially, as a Fine Art Photographer. Several years later...at her urging... I took up painting and sketching. I have enjoyed great success with both! My first solo showing of my painted works was titled "The Faith of Friends" mostly in honor of Penny's faith in me and nurturing of me when I needed it most. She now owns my first painting. It was my gift back to her. WAY too small a thing to ever compare with what her mentoring and friendship as meant to my life. ~Scott Anderson


VALA Gallery 2008-2014 (Brick & Morter)

Penny Thieme has provided a unique and much needed space for the Kansas City Art Scene. VALA Gallery is a venue of love and dedication bestowed by an artist, entrepreneur, and humanitarian, to other artists of all mediums. Her tireless commitment and enthusiasm for art, artists, and charitable causes is a testament to her desire to make the Kansas City metropolitan area a place of civil discourse, peace, and culture.
~Larry Thomas, Professor of Fine Art & Department Chair, Johnson County Community College

As a local artist, I have witnessed Penny Thieme's generosity and devotion towards fellow artists and worthy causes first hand. She is a proud supporter of all vehicles for artistic expression and is a charitable champion for many underfunded organizations. She has made remarkable progress in turning previously unused storefronts into working spaces and galleries for other like-minded individuals. She has the indomitable passion and spirit of an artist with the heart of a mother. Never one to boast about her accomplishments, she continues to look for ways to give others the creative voice she believes they deserve. I'm honored to know her and utilize VALA gallery in my own artistic pursuits. Rick Wright/Artist

Mission Art Walk
Penny and VALA Gallery were instrumental in launching the first Mission ArtWalk season in 2011. Her influence in the arts community brought out artists willing to take a chance on the ArtWalk which was successful beyond everyone's expectations.~ Marty Hugo