Born in Lexington, Kentucky, Cynthia was surrounded by beautiful art and antiques during her entire childhood. Her parents, Charles and Dottie Kelly were the foremost dealers in antique furniture and art in Kentucky.

After obtaining her B.A. from the University of Kentucky in 1975, Cynthia traveled to Florence, Italy, where she earned her Master of Art and Master of Fine Art Degrees from the famed Rosary Graduate School of Fine Art.

Learning the basic art of drawing, which is absent in much of today’s art and the sophisticated use of glazes and oil media, Cynthia was recognized as a true talent, earning an Inaugural Award for a One Person Show in Florence in 1979.

Following two shows at the Villa Schifanosa in Florence, Cynthia returned to the United States. In addition to two shows at the Salmagundi Club in New York, her work has been exhibited at Morehead State University; The Old Capital at Frankfort, Kentucky; Lagerquist Gallery in Atlanta; The Lorillard Wolfe Art Club in New York; The Midwest Museum of American Art; and various other galleries throughout the United States.