My Story

…bringing a little bit of HAPPY into the world, one piece at a time.

Kim Dettmer Art is built around colorful collage artwork and a belief that small moments matter—a handwritten card that arrives at just the right time, a piece of art that makes someone smile, or a few words that make someone feel seen.

What began as one creative outlet has grown into a collection of greeting cards, art prints, calendars, stickers, and other happy things. Some pieces are heartfelt. Some are hopeful and encouraging. Some speak up for kindness, inclusion, equality, and simply treating people like people. And some are just a little snarky. At the heart of all of it is the same idea: art can help us connect with each other and bring a little more happiness into everyday life.

Hi, I'm Kim.

My path to becoming an artist wasn't exactly traditional.

I earned both a bachelor's and a master's degree and spent the early part of my career working with college students in Student Life. Later, I became a stay-at-home mom, and creativity became an outlet.

Eventually, I began writing a children's book and decided to illustrate it myself. In the process, I discovered collage—and discovered that I loved making art.

That discovery eventually grew into Kim Dettmer Art.

About the Art

Collage is still at the heart of what I do. I work with layers of color, shape, pattern, and texture to create bright, whimsical artwork with a lot of personality.

Sometimes the artwork starts with a message I want to put into the world. Other times, the image comes first and the words follow. Either way, I want the finished piece to feel like something worth sharing—whether that's because it makes someone laugh, offers encouragement, celebrates something wonderful, or simply adds a little color to their day.

Today, my artwork can be found on greeting cards and other paper and gift products carried by independent retailers across the country, as well as right here in my shop.

Along the Way

My work has been featured in Stationery Trends and Waterfront Living magazines, and in 2026, one of my greeting card designs received a Louie Award from the Greeting Card Association.

It's pretty amazing to look at where something that began simply because I needed a creative outlet has taken me.

But the reason I keep creating hasn't really changed.

I still believe in the power of small moments. I still believe a card can arrive at exactly the right time. I still believe art can make someone smile, help someone feel understood, or remind us that there's plenty of good in the world if we remember to look for it.

And I'm still trying to do my part by bringing a little bit of HAPPY into the world, one piece at a time.

Thanks for being here—and for being part of the journey.