Concepts

Kelley is known for his concepts. These insights are attributable to his having been a part of a symposium held at the University of Illinois in 1967 called "Matrix for the Arts." In addition to being a symposium panel member, Kelley attended the late R. Buckminster Fuller’s inspiring talk on intuition. Also during the mid-1960s, Kelley’s explorations with artist Francois Gilot and the late Dr. Jonas Salk (Salk had previously been a subject of Fuller’s study on intuition) have been so productive and include: 

1968 - Design of program for the Fine Arts program for North Woods Institute, Dallas campus
1968 - Dallas Mayor J. Erik Jonsson appointed Kelley to the "Goals for Dallas" of the Education Task Force Committee where he laid the groundwork for the professional arts high school
1970 - Free University in Lee Park – after the Kent State Massacre in Ohio, Kelley organized the university with community leaders Mo Levy and Larry Kelly, a volunteer effort
1971 - "Rap with the Establishment"  – added to the Free University in Lee Park, where leading citizens such as Dallas Mayor Wes Wise, Stanley Marcus, Judge Sarah Hughes, Ray Nasher, Robert "Bob" Cullum, Harry "Buzz" Crutcher, and others, met with students
1976 - Wildflower Works – environmental artworks which combine aesthetics and conservation 
1988 - "Archipelago" – a rising Lake Michigan prompted environmental and aesthetic protection for Chicago’s lakefront (March 17, 1988 - Chicago Tribune, "Kelley's Islands,"  Tempo Section 5, Page 1, 19 )
1989 - Sculpt Bridge – fine art solution allowing citizen access to Lake Michigan and adjacent parkland thereby avoiding potential road hazards; subject of an October 3, 1989 - Chicago Sun Times, "Bridging the wonders with style", Page 18, Editorial
1989 - "Design Chicago" – educated public officials in the use of professional designers for projects benefitting the public