About

ABOUT US ...

Karylyn Bliss and Kortney Johnson are owners and artists of Chikamu Arts (pronounced Chick-a-moo). Functional and artistic creations include hand build and wheel thrown pottery, wood burned signs, paintings, drawings, crocheted "techie" towels, and more!

In 2013, this mother-daughter duo made a decision to share their artistic creations by starting a business together. Together they researched options to name their business using various forms combining their names. Kortney came up with the idea to use the word “chikamu,” and Chikamu Arts was established.

NOTE: The word "chikamu" is a made up word created by Kortney as a young child along with her cousin. They gave the name to ground squirrels scampering through the woods near a family cabin in mountains near Oakley, Utah.

Chikamu Arts is a pop-up small business that participates in local community markets, holiday bazaars, and sells directly from their studio located in Oakley, Utah.

Chikamu Arts - 1st logo drawn by Kortney Johnson (2013)

2nd logo drawn by Kortney Johnson (2014)

Current logo created by Kortney Johnson (2016)

Left-Right: Karylyn Bliss, Kortney Johnson (2017)

Left-Right: Karylyn Bliss, Kortney Johnson (2015)

Left-Right: Karylyn Bliss, Kortney Johnson (2013)

Left-Right: Kortney Johnson, Karylyn Bliss (2025)

Additional Family Team of Artists

(2018) Jason Bliss (Karylyn's son)

(2023) Ellie Johnson (Kortney's daughter)

CHIKAMU ARTS GIVES BACK ...

From the inception of Chikamu Arts in 2013, we planned to give back to the community through various charitable donations:

In 2013, we sponsored a pediatric stroke victim with funds to assist with medical expenses.

In 2014, we sponsored a high school floral design student to attend the Utah Professional Floral Association Annual Convention.

From 2015 through 2024, we gave 10% of our annual profits to the Oakley Utah Chapter, Tough Enough To Wear Pink to support women in the Kamas Valley diagnosed with breast cancer.

In 2025, we built a satellite studio in Kortney's home (Layton, UT).

We are planning future charitable endeavors to support the creative arts.

In December 2016, we added an additional charitable feature at the Park Silly Holiday Bazaar where Chikamu Arts featured a one-of-a-kind Christmas tree designed by Karylyn with heirloom ornaments handcrafted by her. This tree was featured in the Chikamu Art's booth and sold after the Bazaar, resulting in a donation of $1,000 to the Oakley Utah Chapter of Tough Enough To Wear Pink!

Christmas tree designed by Karylyn Bliss, featuring heirloom ornaments made by Chikamu Arts.