Artwork copyright Kelly Lyles. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017.

Mice-a-Roni, 1999

Kelly Lyles
American (born 1957)

Location: Emerald Heights Elementary, Silverdale

About the Artwork

Mice-a-Roni is part of a series of humorous, pun-inspired paintings of rodents by artist Kelly L. Lyles. This piece depicts many mice pouring out of a box labeled "Mice-a-Roni" instead of "Rice-a-Roni", and the frame is covered in fake fur similar to the coat of a grey mouse. Lyles states that the creation of this series provided an outlet for her sense of humor, and remind us that "laughter is a universal language that breaks down barriers and heals the spirit."

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Central Kitsap School District.

About the Artist

Seattle-based artist Kelly Lyles paints, wears, and drives her art. She is well-known for her wildly themed "art cars" that are elaborately decorated with found objects and images. She creates her still-life and figurative paintings in a realistic style, and they often highlight humorous and witty stories.