Mahlon Cathey is a Lee’s Summit–based abstract artist and founder of Third Person Studios. His art practice grew quietly and unexpectedly, often during late-night hours in his garage, where painting became a place to think, release, experiment, and work through emotions that were hard to put into words. He never expected to become an artist, and part of what continues to drive his work is the discovery that this creativity was in him all along. Using acrylic paint, layered texture, mixed media, palette knives, his hands, joint compound, resin, and other materials, Cathey creates expressive, tactile work that is both spontaneous and deeply personal. His guiding phrase, “What I Couldn’t Say in Words,” reflects the role art has played in his life as a mental-health tool, a form of communication, and a way to turn difficult emotions into something visible and meaningful. His work invites viewers to bring their own memories, feelings, and interpretations to each piece. Cathey has exhibited throughout the Kansas City area and is a juried member of Summit Art and a listed artist on the City of Lee’s Summit Public Artist Roster.