Artist Statement

This photograph encapsulates a moment I encountered during a community event celebrating recovery from substance use disorder.

The image is a kaleidoscope of emotions and experiences—colorful, messy, and scattered - mirroring the spectrum of lives touched by addiction. The chalk, initially a tool for innocent creativity, takes on a deeper significance. Its smudged, ruined state becomes a metaphor for the unseen traumas endured by the children in attendance—those born into the shadows of addiction, incarceration, and homelessness.

The children's laughter, seemingly carefree as they created their pavement masterpieces, couldn't conceal the mandatory resilience etched into their beings. Behind those joyous expressions lie untold stories of responsibility and sacrifice, far beyond what childhood should bear.

Chalk Memories is a testament to the countless Kentucky children who prematurely traded their innocence for circumstances beyond their control. 

I urge viewers to attempt to understand the unseen struggles of children affected by addiction, allowing an opportunity for us all to become more compassionate and empathetic neighbors as we reduce the stigma around addiction and trauma.

Artist Bio

Elle Travis is a Frankfort native and graduate of Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota, Florida, where she obtained her Bachelor’s Degree of Fine Arts with a major in Photography and Digital Imaging. In her early career while in Florida she worked as a freelance photographer, a full-time nanny, gymnastic coach and homeschool teacher. After a severe auto accident, Elle returned to her Frankfort home where she found recovery following addiction to prescription opioid pain medication. 

In 2008, Elle began to establish herself in her hometown community by taking a position with the Kentucky Arts Council. In 2012, Elle followed her passion for working with children to become the Director of Children’s Ministries at First Christian Church, where she still serves today, working with children and overseeing the church’s technology needs. From 2014-2022, she served as the Store Manager at Completely Kentucky, a shop in downtown Frankfort carrying the work of 650+ Kentucky artists. Today, Elle is the Executive Director of Yes Arts, a 501(c)3 arts organization in downtown Frankfort with a mission of mobilizing the power of community and the arts to disrupt the cycle of addiction. Elle is passionate about community service and previously served on the Board of Directors for the Franklin County Women and Family Shelter and is currently serving on the Franklin County Board of Health. 

Elle enjoys spending her free time with her devoted husband, Pete, their 2 boys, Rhys and Lane, and Rhys’ service dog - a Double Doodle named Toast.  She continues her freelance work in photography, digital imaging, graphic design, social media marketing, and dabbles in watercolor, needle felting,  jewelry making and many other forms of art for fun in her spare time.