Based in Chicago, Kennedy Free is a painter and entrepreneur known for her whimsical gouache portraits. They reflect her intersectional experience and reimagine her existence without the typical social constraints that she and other Black women face. Her work offers a space where Black womanhood exists in a romantic and feminine context. She enjoys experimenting with vibrant color, patterns, and textures to create dynamic and attention-grabbing pieces.

Alongside visual art, Free has dedicated the last several years to fostering a community that prioritizes women of color. She has been the head curator of events such as : fashion shows, open mics, vendor markets, gallery shows and more. Through her art and community work, she hopes to continue blending her creative vision with her passion for uplifting others.

Kennedy has been involved in many notable projects. One being the curation of an activation at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago, that featured visual art, textiles, music and performance. Through the artist opportunity platform HUG, Free curated a digital art show on a billboard in Times Square, NY. In partnership with the Design Museum Chicago, she created a shirt design for their
Chicago Threads' showcase. Most recently, she collaborated with the Chicago women’s soccer team, Chicago Stars, to create a limited edition poster for their Celebration of Black Culture Match. Follow her journey on Instagram @kennedyfree_