Renowned visual artist Aaron Kizer is bringing his “I Am Drugs” art show back to the Owensboro Convention Center on February 6, promising a night that blends high-energy performance with a gallery-style showcase of local artistic talent.
Kizer, who will paint live on stage during the event, said the show builds on last year’s success and aims to become an annual tradition — one that eventually runs without his name as the headliner.
“The goal of this show is to give artists a place to showcase all their work and the ability to sell it while they’re there,” Kizer said. “I’d love to turn this into something where I’m not performing — just a big art fair that supports the community.”
More than 15 regional artists are expected to participate, with each contributing at least three pieces to be displayed in a gallery-style format. Most of the participating artists are from the Owensboro area, with a couple traveling from Lexington.
“There’s no judgment in this show,” Kizer said. “We don’t look at people’s work and say it’s good or bad. It takes a lot of guts to put your work out there and open yourself up to critique. This show gives them a safe space to do that.”
The title “I Am Drugs” is inspired by a famous quote from surrealist Salvador Dali: “I don’t do drugs. I am drugs.” For Kizer, the phrase symbolizes his own journey as an artist and a reminder that creativity itself can be transformative.
“When I was younger, people told me art wasn’t a viable career — that it was just a hobby,” he said. “But I’ve sold a ton of paintings, and I did it all from Owensboro. It’s important to me to show young artists that they can do it from here, too.”
Despite achieving international success with clients ranging from professional athletes to major corporations, Kizer is committed to keeping the Owensboro show accessible. There is no set ticket price — attendees simply pay what they can.
“The show doesn’t make sense if it’s only for people who can afford a $50 or $100 ticket,” he said. “Art shouldn’t be out of touch or out of reach.”
Guests can expect an immersive experience, with live painting from Kizer, music throughout the night, and a chance to purchase original artwork directly from the participating artists — all commission-free.
Kizer’s career has taken him across the globe, with live shows in New York, Salt Lake City, Chicago, Orlando, Tampa, and Los Angeles. His typical show fee is $50,000 for a 30-minute performance, but the Owensboro event is a passion project.
“I’ve painted for folks like Tyreek Hill, Karl-Anthony Towns, and done work for places like the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, NASA, Nike, and the University of Kentucky,” Kizer said. “But this show is different. It’s not about money. It’s about giving back.”
Kizer said he hopes the event reinforces to the community, especially the next generation of creatives, that their work has value and their dreams are possible.
“You don’t win a Grammy or an Oscar in the art world,” he said. “You just need a platform and a public that’s willing to look, engage, and support. That’s what I want this to be.”
Tickets can be reserved on the Owensboro Convention Center’s website.
