Education

Born in a small town in the south, Kelly did not have access to music education financially or socially and only learned about classical music her junior year of high school- when it changed her life. Her mentor and voice teacher guided her out of her destitute situation and encouraged her to apply to schools in New York. Since music education and mentorship changed her own life, she became a mentor with ArtSmart, where she saw youth who were in similar situations as her grow through the power of music. Kelly also enjoys being a teaching artist and is passionate about exposing new young audiences to opera in an exciting way.

Clarke currently serves on the board of ArtSmart, a national nonprofit providing free, one-on-one music mentorship to underserved youth. A strong believer in nurturing young artists, Clarke currently serves on the board of Classic Lyric Arts,  an international training program for young opera singers.

Board Involvement

National Sawdust

ArtSmart

Classic Lyric Arts

Disability

Following a devastating diagnosis of a severe spinal autoimmune disease and its related comorbidities, Clarke turned from performing in full operas to seeking answers on how one be both a performer and disabled- which lead her to become a supporter of disabled justice in the arts and beyond.

Funding contemporary works and cross-pollinating different art forms are one of Clarke’s deep passions. As a community builder, Clarke often engages in cross-disciplinary projects and lectures in salons and global venues.

She currently serves on the board of National Sawdust.