About Starke Art

Kelly Starke | Starke Art Designs

Kelly Starke is the artist and creative force behind Starke Art Designs, a needlepoint brand celebrated for its beautifully hand-painted canvases and expert finishing techniques. A Michigan native and what the Cape Cod locals affectionately call a “wash ashore,” Kelly has called the Cape home for over 25 years — long enough to have earned her stripes as a true local.

Kelly’s work spans a wide range of designs — from whimsical ornaments and one-of-a-kind ornament toppers to her beloved 3D lobster traps — each reflecting her eye for charm, color, and coastal character. Her canvases are cherished by stitchers of all skill levels and are distributed nationally through Pepperberry Designs and carried by needlepoint shops across the country.

Beyond designing, Kelly is a dedicated teacher who brings her finishing expertise to workshops and classes, empowering fellow needlepoint enthusiasts to complete their pieces with confidence and craftsmanship. She has taught at guilds and needlepoint groups throughout the country and offers self-finishing tutorials through the Starke Art Designs YouTube channel, making her knowledge available to stitchers everywhere.

Whether she’s painting a new canvas, leading a sold-out finishing workshop, or connecting with her community on social media, Kelly’s warmth and artistry shine through everything she creates.