Profile

Classically trained in art and mosaics, Karen has the ability to transform an idea into a richly desired piece of art art that will last for generations. Mosaics, a time honored tradition, allows creativity through color, texture and the beauty of the materials. Meticulous dedication and a passion for creating mosaics, is the key to her award winning works of art.

Experience

• 2002 - Present, Owner, Rainbow Mosaics, Moultrie, GA.
  One-of-a-kind mosaic art for interior, exterior, sculptural or installation, public art, community mosaics, unique mosaic supplies and tiles, design consulting, private and group workshops.
• 2007, Rainbow Mosaics Vendor, The Society of American Mosaic Artists (SAMA) Conference, Chicago, IL 2007
  The Society of American Mosaic Artists (SAMA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating, inspiring, and promoting excellence in fine mosaic art.
  "Let The Journey Begin", Introduction of Denwar glazed ceramic tile collection, The Story of Buddy, sales of unique mosaic tools, tiles and kits.
• 2007 - present, Senior Painting Instructor, Colquitt County Arts Center, Moultrie, GA.
  A United Way funded senior painting class. Acrylic painting instruction, including the basics of design, color, value and composition.
• 1992 - 1998, Owner, My Favorite Blanket Co., Atlanta, GA.
  Created and ran an at-home personalized baby blanket business.
• 1988 - 1991, Design Assistant, Stan Topol Interiors, Atlanta, GA
  Executive assistant to lead designer Barry Stone.
• 1987 - 1988, Designer, Fran Murphy Interiors, Palm Beach, FL.
  Designer and assistant to Owner Ms. Fran Murphy

Education

• 2007 Scuolo Orsoni, Master in Mosaico, Venice, Italy
• 1983 - 1987 Savannah College of Art and Design, Savannah, GA: BFA, Interior Design
• 1982 New York Summer School of the Arts, Summer residential program in art Continuing Education
• 2009 SAMA Volunteer at the Mosaic Marathon, San Diego, CA
• 2008 SAMA Volunteer at the Mosaic Marathon, Mesa, AZ
• 2008 SAMA "A Lighter Base for 3-D Mosaics" by Sherri Warner Hunter
• 2008 SAMA "Color and Value" by Shug Jones
• 2007 SAMA "Exterior Large Scale Mosaics" by Sherri Warner Hunter
• 2007 SAMA "Photographing Your Mosaics" by Louis Weiner
• 2006 SAMA "The Indirect Method of Mosaics" by Gary Drostle
• 2006 SAMA "Designing and Presentation" by Lynn Chinn
• 2004 Intermediate Mosaic Workshop by Tracy Melody, Tampa, FL

Awards and Exhibitions

• 2009 Southwest Georgia Regional Winner Showcase, Juried Exhibition, Selected 3-D Work, "Dolphin", Albany, GA
• 2009 Best of Spring Into Art, Juried Exhibition, Selected 3-D Work, "Baby", Albany, GA, Annette Turner Howell Center for the Arts, Valdosta, GA
• 2008 Mosaic Arts International Juried Exhibition, Selected 2-D Work, "Asian Garden", BAKEHOUSE ART COMPLEX, MIAMI, FL
• 2007 Mosaic Artists Organization (MAO), Yahoo International Organization Mosaic of the Year, Selected 2-D Work, "Asian Garden"
• 2007 Glass, Clay and Glaze Show, Colquitt County Arts Center, Moultrie, GA
• 1983 Creative Scholarship to the Savannah College of Art and Design, Savannah, GA.
• 1983 Governor's Honors Award, Atlanta, GA. Piece chosen to hang in the Atlanta Capitol building for a year.
• 1982 Artisitc Honors Award, New York State Summer School for the Arts (NYSSSA) SUNY, Buffalo, silk screen chosen for the permanent collection in the Albright Knox Museum, Buffalo, NY.

Publications

• July, 23 2209 Moultrie Observer, Moultrie, GA, Front Page, "Commissioned Art"
• July, 19 2009, Moultrie Observer, Moultrie, GA, Page 2A, "Sculpture on the Move"
• August, 2008, Mosaics, "Finding Your Own Voice" by E. Brit Hammer
  "Sunflowers for Omi", Page 110-111
  "The Asian Garden", Page 130-131
• February 26, 2008, Moultrie Observer, Moultrie, GA
  "R. B. Wright Community Creates Community Mosaic"
• January 30, 2008, Moultrie, Observer, Moultrie, GA
  "Italian Workshop Influences Sasine’s Mosaic Artwork"
• January 19, 2008, Moultrie Observer, Moultrie, GA
  "Mosaic Wins Two Honors for Moultrie Artist"
• June 2006, Water’s Edge Magazine, Jacksonville, FL
  "Mosaic Artist Evolves Bit by Bit"

Gallery Representation

• Mineral City Ponte Vedra, FL
• Stellers Gallery Jacksonville, FL
• Cherished Seaside, FL

Commissions and Community Mosaics

• 2009 "In His Hands" 7’ x 5’ ft Spiritual hands fountain. Private commission for Dr. David W. Adcock, Moultrie, GA
• 2008 R. B. Wright Elementary School, Moultrie, GA: 48” x 60” Community Mosaic
• 2007 Colquitt County High School, Moultrie, GA: 48” diameter Packer Hog Mosaic
• 2007 Rayanne Weiss Special Projects Director WLOX, Biloxi, MS: 2 mosaic panels using bits and pieces from their home that was destroyed in Hurricaine Katrina.
• 2007 24” x 48” Twin Suns Coffee Table. Private commission for Scott Riley, Owner, Stellers Gallery, Jacksonville, FL.
• 2007-2008 The Cummer Ball table centerpiece and silent auction Statuette, Commission for Laura Howson, Owner of Mineral City, Ponte Vedra, FL
• 2007-2008 Various commissions for Mineral City, Ponte Vedra, FL
• 2005 48” diameter table commissions for Carla Hard, Owner, Rock Hard Designs, International, Grayton Beach, FL
• 2006 Blue Sky Grill, Moultrie, GA: 6’ x 8’ floor mosaic
• Privately-owned mosaics in various homes throughout the country
• 2006 Moultrie Pet Center, interior design and murals
• 2006 Live Oak Vet, Moultrie, GA: murals

Professional Memberships

• Moultrie Chamber of Commerce Business Member
• Colquitt County Arts Center Bronze Membership
• The Society of American Mosaic Artists (SAMA) Professional membership
• MosaicArtists.org (MAO) International Yahoo Organization
• Contemporary Mosaic Art (CMA) International Ning professional group
• The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) Alumni Association
• New York State Summer School of the Arts (NYSSSA) Alumni Association