‘Different is always a better story’: Inside Kent Youngstrom’s Kamas art studio

Photo: TownLift // Kirsten Kohlwey

KAMAS, Utah — Two years ago, Kent Youngstrom bought a property in Kamas sight unseen, having viewed only pictures before moving from North Carolina to transform an old metal barn into an art studio and gallery.

When Youngstrom purchased the barn, it had just a metal wall on the west side. He replaced it with a garage door featuring see-through panels across the entire west wall, creating what is now kent youngstrom art.

Growing as an artist

Youngstrom transitioned from running a graphic design, branding and interior design company to becoming a full-time artist 15 years ago. He’s painted for recognizable names and collaborated with major companies, but has never wanted painting to become just a job because that would diminish his joy. For him, the most meaningful part of his career has been the people who put his work on their walls and encourage him to keep going.

The Art

Youngstrom calls himself an artist operating outside the traditional art world — an underdog who paints words and refuses to conform to gallery expectations. His work is distinctive: bold text-based paintings layered with texture and meaning. Words dominate his canvases, sometimes painted over abstract backgrounds, other times standing alone in deliberate simplicity. The pieces carry titles like “love doesn’t suck” and “check yes or no,” reflecting his philosophy that “brevity is sexy.”

More than just a gallery

Youngstrom opened kent youngstrom art as a collaborative space where he hosts painting sessions for couples and families — but not the typical paint-and-sip format where everyone creates the same image. He developed shippable boxes with supplies for people to start at home or attend a two-hour session at his studio.

During these collaborative sessions, Youngstrom encourages participants to relax and paint or write whatever they want. He then completes the work by painting over some parts while leaving others untouched, transforming the collaborative piece into a finished Youngstrom artwork. Sessions cost $250 per person, and participants take home a framed piece.

“I’ll write a note on the back of why I chose to do what I did or what I saw that it might mean to you,” Youngstrom said. “I don’t want people to like something. I want them to love it and smile when they walk by in the morning.”

The studio also shares space with other artists – local painters who call to reserve studio time on Thursdays or Fridays – as well as community activities. In November, a group of professional women will use the space for yoga and breathing sessions.

Visit the studio

The studio at 1264 S. State Road 32 in Kamas is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call or text 704-533-1831 to confirm availability