Kelly Hart, founder of Carson Birch Art Consulting, is a lifelong arts leader with more than 30 years of experience in arts management, gallery operations, and nonprofit leadership.

Raised in Tacoma, Washington, she earned a B.A. in Art History from the University of Oregon, with a focus on early and Indigenous arts traditions. She furthered her studies through the Sotheby’s American Arts Course in New York City.

Kelly began her career in Sun Valley, Idaho, working in gallery sales at Gail Severn Gallery and later serving as Director of the Kneeland Gallery. During this time, she also launched her first consulting practice, “Answers for Artists,” which evolved into Carson Birch Art Consulting.

In 1999, she joined the Buhl Arts Council as Program Director and later became its first Director, helping to build the organization’s programs, partnerships, and community presence. During this time, she completed a Master’s Certificate in Arts Management from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Kelly went on to serve for 17 years as Executive Director of Allied Arts of Whatcom County in Bellingham, Washington. Under her leadership, the organization grew into a dynamic regional arts nonprofit, serving tens of thousands of community members annually through exhibitions, events, arts education programs, and cross-sector partnerships.

Her service extends to numerous boards and committees, including the Idaho Commission on the Arts (Member-at-Large), Bellingham Tourism Commission, and Inspire Washington (formerly the Washington State Arts Alliance).

Now based in Olympia, Washington, Kelly continues to support artists, collectors, and organizations through Carson Birch Art Consulting—bringing a collaborative, strategic, and deeply experienced approach to the evolving arts landscape. Her work is grounded in the belief that the arts are essential to thriving communities—economically, culturally, and socially.