UM Alumna’s ‘Heart Art’ is Taking Instagram by Storm

By Katelyn Mohler, Grace Gebhart, Jayme Whittington and Walter Demasi
IMC Students

Mary Kathryn Decker, an Ole Miss alumna from Tupelo, is taking Instagram by storm with her popular spray paint art. What began as a project for Decker’s dorm room quickly turned into a career after several friends asked for commissions.

“Before I knew it I had a small art business,” Decker said.

Mary Kathyrn Decker, an Ole Miss alumna, is pictured with her heart-shaped spray paint art. Photo provided.

Recently, Decker released a spray-painted heart design that became her most popular item. The hearts are combined with gold foil to create a unique urban look. Decker began painting the hearts on canvas about one year ago, she said.

As her popularity grew, she started painting hearts on other objects like welcome mats and restaurant walls. Decker’s heart design is on display at Pizza vs. Tacos in Tupelo.

“I was inspired to start painting the hearts after visiting NYC in 2017, but it wasn’t until the next summer in 2018 when I painted my first heart canvas,” she said.

Instagram has played a major role in the success of Decker’s art business. Last month she hosted a giveaway on her page for a three-panel version of a heart design that gained her 500 followers.

“Instagram has been a wonderful tool for my business and I recommend anyone with a small or large business to be on it,” she said.

Decker’s art is not only displayed on Instagram, it’s also in local Mississippi stores. Her art can be found in Staggs Interiors in Tupelo, Inside Out in Ridgeland and more locally at Provisions in Oxford.

She said her faith also plays a big role in the art business she created. A Bible verse—Jeremiah 31:3—is inscribed on the back of every piece of commissioned art.

“My hope and desire is to glorify God with my work and spread His light and love in all that I do,” she said.

Decker’s art starts out at $24 and increases depending on the size of the piece. Ordered pieces can also be shipped. 

Follow Mary Kathryn’s Instagram @mkdeckerdesigns for the latest designs.