BIO:  

Karen has been creating works in wool using traditional rug hooking methods for 40 years. Initially self-taught, she went on to study with well-known artists throughout the U.S. and Canada. In 1996, she pursued and received her teaching certificate in 1998 from the National Guild of Pearl K. McGown Hookcrafters.

She is a member of the Association of Traditional Hooking Artists, and has held the offices of Treasurer and President of her local chapter, the Piedmont Rug Hookers in Central North Carolina. She is an active teacher, designing and teaching in her studio as well as at a variety of workshops.

Karen's pieces have been collected throughout the country. She is a juried member of the

Piedmont Craftsmen Guild based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina and the Carolina Designer Craftsmen Guild in Raleigh, NC. Her work has also has been juried into and exhibited with the American Craft Council. She has also been a two-time winner in Celebrations and a contributor to Rug Hooking Magazine.

Karen enjoys creating pieces using a painterly, impressionistic approach. Her most recent works have included still lifes, animal portraits, and landscapes.

Several years ago Karen had the opportunity to take a workshop with Carol Marine, the creator of the Daily Painters, an online venue for the sale of small “daily” paintings. This experience prompted her to create small still life “paintings” in wool. She loves to hook painterly pieces. By blending colors together and employing very lights and darks she creates captivating drama in her pieces. The small pieces have become quite popular with her students. Due to their small scale a piece can be completed in a relatively short period of time.