Meet Crissi Rice

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Crissi Rice a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Crissi, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?

My resilience comes from the foundation laid by my parents, who, despite not having much, always found a way to make it work. They showed me how to persevere with determination, resourcefulness, and faith. Their example taught me to give my best in everything I do, no matter the circumstances. I also draw strength from my relationship with God, who provides me with guidance, purpose, and the unwavering belief that even in the toughest times, I can rise above and keep moving forward. Together, these influences have shaped my ability to face challenges with grace and grit.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

My art is a reflection of my passions and purpose, blending creativity with the themes that matter most to me. As a social worker in Kansas City, I work closely with adolescents, helping to shape their minds and guide them through some of the most formative years of their lives. This work fuels my artistry, inspiring pieces that speak to resilience, identity, and empowerment. I’m deeply passionate about natural hair and the beauty of self-expression, which often finds its way into my creations. Through both my art and my work with young people, I aim to inspire confidence, creativity, and growth.

My solo traveling exhibition, Texturized, is currently on display at Kansas State University starting Jan 25 th to Feb 25th
Artist reception Feb 7th 5 to 8pm .
This body of work explores the beauty, complexity, and empowerment of natural hair, celebrating its cultural significance and individuality. Alongside this, I host an annual event called KCCurly, a large-scale photoshoot that brings the community together to honor natural hair and promote self-love and empowerment.
I also have exciting exhibitions on the horizon, including a show at Kansas City Community College on January 21 called The Essence of Women .
“Essence: Intelligence & Power of the Black Woman”
Jan. 21 through March 7
Closing Reception: Feb. 28, 5-7 p.m.

In February at the InterUrban ArtHouse .These pieces are a testament to my dedication to using art as a means to inspire, uplift, and connect.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, resilience, creativity, and the ability to connect with others have been the most impactful qualities in my journey. My resilience was deeply shaped by surviving significant health challenges, which taught me to find strength, hope, and purpose even in the face of uncertainty. These experiences pushed me to keep moving forward and to embrace life with gratitude. Creativity has been a source of healing and empowerment, allowing me to transform my personal story into art that resonates with others. Finally, my ability to connect with people, especially the adolescents I work with, has been essential in inspiring growth and fostering meaningful relationships.

For those starting their journey, I’d encourage building resilience by finding purpose in adversity and leaning on faith or support systems. Nurture creativity by letting your experiences inform your work and creating with intention. To deepen connections with others, practice empathy and authenticity—both are powerful tools for making a lasting impact. Remember, every obstacle you overcome can be a stepping stone to something greater.
One of my favorite scriptures that is the most impactful in my life is …
Joshua 1:9 Be strong & courageous do not be afraid for the Lord your God will be with you .

Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?

My biggest area of growth in the past 12 months has been truly knowing who I am and letting go of imposter syndrome. I’ve learned not to care about what others think of my art or my life, focusing instead on staying true to myself and my vision. I’ve grown secure in who I am in Christ, finding strength and peace in my faith. Accepting myself, including how my mind works, has been a liberating journey, aided by therapy, which has provided tools for self-awareness and healing. I’ve also come to realize that I can juggle it all—the demands of my art, career, and personal life—with grace and confidence.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.crissicurly.com
• Instagram: Crissitheartist
• Facebook: Crissi Curly Art