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Artist Statement

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"I originally started painting to entertain myself - a pleasant diversion after 30 plus years of direct service and advocacy work. Now, as I make my creations open for public viewing, it is my hope that people will enjoy my art, while maybe finding a social or political message worth considering or even embracing.

 

I see my work as highly accessible. For some it will be the colors that compel the eye to look more deeply. For others the intricate designs or detailed narrative will be the reason to look further.

Part of my creative process is to locate discarded items. Whether I find the item at a garage sale, thrift store or abandoned in the street I know that every piece has a story. My challenge is to rework these items to have a new tale, often with a written message and a piece of my own interpretation of the past, present and future.

 

My work appears in collections throughout the country. Much of it is done on a commission basis. Inquiries are welcome." -Karen Rechtschaffen

Education

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BA - Roosevelt University
MA - University of Chicago (social work)

 

 

Select Exhibitions

 

2015 - Juried Community Show, Fountain Hills, Arizona; honorable mention in category

​2014 - Juried Community Show, Fountain Hills, Arizona

2012 - 69th Annual Salon Show, Oval O. and Margaret C. Haag Memorial Award, Munster, Indiana

2012 - Consumer Culture, juried group show, Woman Made Gallery, Chicago, Illinois

2009 - Mirando Al Sur, juried group show, Woman Made Gallery, Chicago, Illinois

2009 - Juried Community Show, Fountain Hills, Arizona; 3rd place in category

2008 - Juried Community Show, Fountain Hills, Arizona; 3rd place in category

2008 - Invitational Anatomically Correct EcoArt Apollo Theater, Chicago, Illinois

2008 - Icons, juried group show, Woman Made Gallery, Chicago, Illinois

2007 - Holiday Bazaar and Exhibition, Woman Made Gallery, Chicago, Illinois

2007 - 64th Annual Salon Show, South Shore Arts, Munster, Indiana - Renee Denmark Memorial Award

2007 - Invitational, Allstar Smiles, Bolingbrook, Illinois

2007 - Primary, Woman Made Gallery, Chicago, Illinois - Solo Exhibition

2007 - Sham to Shame: A Woman's Perspective on War and Politics, Woman Made Gallery, Chicago, Illinois - Juried Group Exhibition

2005 - Members Show, Fountain Hills, Arizona, Cultural Council

 

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