The Ohio Artist Registry (OAR) is an exciting opportunity for artists to share their work, connect with the creative community, and establish an online presence—all on a free, virtual platform! The OAR encourages artists working in all art forms, throughout Ohio and beyond, to create a profile, which allows them to better promote themselves and their work. Being listed in the OAR provides artists with new opportunities to share their work with clients, galleries, patrons, and audiences. A listing in the OAR does not confer an endorsement, approval, or verification by the Ohio Arts Council.
For more information, contact Kathy Signorino, artist programs director, at kathy.signorino@oac.ohio.gov or 614-728-6140.
2025 Ohio Artist Registry Juried Exhibition
Kim Weitkamp
Treehouse ArtistsBio
“If we are talking rock and roll, Tina Turner was a national treasure, country has Dolly Parton and in the world of storytelling we have Kim Weitkamp.” Steve Perry, Highway 89, Sirius XM.
Singer, songwriter, storyteller, funny human. Just a few of the titles used to introduce Kim Weitkamp to her audiences.
Kim grew up in Amish Country as the middle child of exhausted parents. Labeled by teachers as high-spirited, uncooperative and too talkative, Kim took those comments and channeled them into a lifetime of high-energy, heartfelt and hilarious artistry. Kim’s love of telling a good story and singing started at a young age, and it set her on the path of enjoying those things in a myriad of ways.
“A voice like warm honey. …Kim studs her storytelling performances with bits of music Americana that match the sweet tones of her narratives.”The Oregonian
She performs full-time at festivals and theaters around the country, has written a well received folk operetta and has been a guest editor and contributor for various publications. Kim’s material gets regular airplay on Sirius XM and NPR affiliate stations.
Kim has 9 of her own award winning albums, has produced and/or designed 32 albums for other performers and has hosted a morning show for a DOVE Award winning radio network. She has been honored with leadership and speaking awards for her work with internationally known companies and non profits like Feeding America, Habitat for Humanity and Conflict Resolution Centers.
“Singular characters, fantastic situations and heartfelt wisdom. All the best that a storyteller can offer. ” Kimball Theater, Williamsburg, VA
Artist Statement
Artist Statement
Connection. Creativity. Community.
These are the driving forces behind my work. I believe in the transformative power of story. I’ve seen it firsthand, how a single story can bring together a room of 1000 strangers from different backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences. Laughter, tears and applause rise in unison. That is connection.
I believe that Storytelling is unique among the arts. It’s the only form where the audience leaves creating the very thing they just witnessed. After my performances, I often hear people in the lobby, or backstage, trading stories, sparked by the themes I explored. Their hearts are open, and their memories are awakened. That’s creativity.
My work extends beyond the stage. During my two decades as a performing storyteller, I was lead storyteller and creative facilitator for the Peace by Piece Project, where over 300 children shared personal stories of peace. Combining narrative and art techniques, their stories were turned into individual panels and ultmatley a large quilt. The quilt, along with the book of stories, toured the state of Virginia coming to rest at the governors mansion.
I also created the Wrinkles Project, a process of memory mapping and gathering the stories of our elders. Some of the stories were digitally recorded and made available through Library’s across United States. The wrinkles project was eventually adopted in multiple states, and used by various representatives as a tool for community engagement and historical preservation.
I am currently working on a large-scale project titled VOICES: Lifting Communities through Story. This initiative includes several groups, ranging from people experiencing food insecurity, to survivors of domestic violence, to family members who have lost loved ones to gun violence. Voices helps participants use their experiences to inspire change. I teach them how to craft their stories and share them in an authentic, powerful way. Then, we give them a stage, or prepare them to speak in places where their stories need to be heard.
When we hear each other’s stories, we grow stronger as a community and are moved to action, through empathy, for others. This is Community.
Whether you are looking for an entertaining evening of story and song, or a meaningful project for your company or community, I am here to guide it to success.
Peace,
Kim