Kelly SALCHOW MACARTHUR (USA)

Olympian Artist – Graphic design: Tokyo 2020, Paris 2024

Kelly Salchow MacArthur is a professor of graphic design at Michigan State University and president of the international design organisation United Designs Alliance.

From 2009 to 2011, she also served as president of the Detroit Chapter of the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA), a professional graphic arts association, and launched AIGA's poster campaign in 2020 (“Get Out The Vote: Empowering the Women’s Vote”) to commemorate 100 years of female suffrage in 2020.

Kelly Salchow MacArthur, who competed in the Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004 Games, has found a balance between her passion for graphic design and teaching, and still spends hours rowing her skiff on the Huron River.

ARTISTIC PROJECT

IN SPORT

From training in our own countries to competing on the world stage, sport is the culmination of our work and sacrifice. In this piece, these messages are shared in English and Japanese, as we rejoice with our international neighbours, in admiration for the athletes and in reverence for global harmony. The Olympics create this collective experience. © Kelly Salchow MacArthur

IN JOY

A mixture of colour on a rock face that evokes the wonder of natural and human potential. © Kelly Salchow MacArthur

IN PEACE

Like intertwining plants quietly growing from shared soil. © Kelly Salchow MacArthur

IN HONOUR

On the surface of the water and in its depths, we see the present and past. A solemn moment of gravity; human strength and resilience are unmistakable. © Kelly Salchow MacArthur

IN HOPE

The sun’s radiance as a beacon lighting the way to promising things ahead. © Kelly Salchow MacArthur

Olympian Artists programme for Paris 2024

Kelly Salchow MacArthur participated in the Paris edition of the Olympian Artists programme by leading creative workshops to create collages inspired by the Olympic values and photographs taken in their local neighborhood with at-risk children living in foster homes in the 10th and 19th districts of Paris in October 2023.

"We talked about Olympic values, which can truly provide life lessons and guidance in terms of the choices we make when faced with decisions. The values of self-confidence, resilience, determination, teamwork, self-actualization, fair play, and setting long-term goals can guide us in pursuing our strengths to the point of reaching our potential."

Creative workshop at paris 2024

Creative workshop with Kelly Salchow MacArthur with at-risk children living in foster homes in the 10<sup>th</sup> and 19<sup>th</sup> districts of Paris in October 2023.

Questions and answers

What does being an Olympian or Paralympian mean to you personally? How does it define your approach to life and how you view yourself and the world?

Being an Olympian gives me confidence, because I know that I can achieve my goals and fulfil my potential through determination and focus. It connects me to the global legacy of sport, where competition inspires enthusiasm and fair play represents international peace and cooperation. I feel a strong bond with my teammates and a deep respect for my opponents, because of everything we’ve been through together.

When we talk about “Olympic culture”, what does that mean to you?

The Olympic Games are the culmination of many years of sacrifice and hard work. The Olympics are the target after a long, painful and arduous journey that tests the physical, spiritual, and mental will. During this brief two-week period, the world turns its attention to the feats of amateur athletes who may otherwise be unseen. Olympic culture is a global sisterhood and brotherhood of respect for this peaceful and unparalleled experience.

If you could go back in time and give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?

Recognise that this is extraordinary and that it will be over quickly. Life will go on afterwards, and other athletes will take my place. But it will always be an accomplishment I am proud of.

Are there parallels in your approach to your art and your approach to your sport?

There are many parallels. As a graphic design professional, I plan and focus on long-term goals and constantly try to progress. As a graphic design educator, I talk to my students about team work, the importance of practice and iteration, and the determination you need, as well as the joy to be found in learning.

Some of my strongest design concepts come to me while I’m rowing. After a tough workout, my mind is clear to tackle creative work. After a long day in the studio, getting on the water for a workout is rejuvenating.