#PeopleOfWilmDE: Kristen Vaughn

Kristen Vaughn is a Freelance Illustrator, and this week’s #PeopleOfWilmDE. Read her story below.

“I have lived in Wilmington for a lot of my life. I grew up here until I was a teenager. My husband and I both graduated from The University of Delaware, stayed in Newark for a few years, and then moved back to Wilmington around 2017.

My favorite attraction in Wilmington is the Blue Rocks. I grew up going to games with my family. Now, it’s a nostalgic activity for me. My husband and I still have fun going to them every year!

Three fun facts about me are:

1. I am a self-taught artist.
2. I dabble in knitting and other crafts like leather work, jewelry making and sewing.
3. I play a lot of video games.

I am a huge homebody and would usually rather stay in and cozy up on the couch to watch Lord of the Rings, however if I am going to enjoy an evening out, I would start with Mikimotos for dinner. Then I’d probably go to see a show either at the Grand Opera House, or there’s usually great live music at Oddity Bar. During the day I love going to The Brandywine Zoo or grabbing coffee at Brew HaHa in Trolley Square. Local shopping at Books & Bagels or Trolley Square Market. I also love walking the Jack A Markell Trail!

I have tickets to the ballet, Dracula, at The Grand Opera House for late October, which I’m super stoked for. We’ve also been having quite a few food festivals lately, and I’m all about that. We have a fun local craft and vintage market happening on October 19 at Cool Spring Park!

I continue to choose Wilmington because we have beautiful parks, really good food, and a diverse community. We love this city. It’s growing and changing, but it still feels like home. I’ve met a lot of wonderful local business owners in Wilmington, and we have formed really great networking connections. Everyone wants each other to succeed here. 

I was really proud of being a local artist at this year’s Brandywine Festival of the Arts. It felt good sharing with the community and adding to our city’s art scene. I would love to see more art and farmers market events around the city in the future, specifically the Riverfront area or Trolley Square.

My advice to Wilmingtonians? Reach out to people. Everyone wants to help you succeed, you just have to ask for help and connect with the community.”

You can keep up with Kristen and her art on Instagram.

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