Kathy J. Karlson, M.A., Ph.D., Artist in Residence at Greenbelt Community Center in Maryland
Paintings in more than 50-60 private collections. Exhibited in juried shows, at Johns Hopkins, Montpelier, Wilson Gallery, Torpedo Factory, and many others.
Karlson’s paintings reflect layered sources of inspiration, from her interest in abstract expressionism and her upbringing near the prairie, to her years in the Peace Corps in West Africa.
As a colorist, I begin a painting without intent, except to choose gold, blue, Hooker's green (or whatever invites me at the moment.) I am influenced by Wordsworth, Dickinson, Joan Mitchell, deKooning, Rembrandt...friends, children, grandchildren, the leaf, the sunlight on our lips, the crimson light, mother and father, sisters, cliffs, birds...
In 1998, Kathy Karlson was awarded an NEA grant for fiction writing, which allowed her to devote more time to both writing and painting. Her stories have been published in The Barcelona Review, Carve, Chiron Review, Madison Review, Worldview, Calyx, Stories With Grace, The MacGuffin, SNReview, 13th Warrior, and several other journals.
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Giving Back
SOME (So Others Might Eat)
Kathy Karlson has donated 100+ paints to SOME, bringing art to the community.
SOME is an interfaith, community-based service organization that exists to help and support residents of our nation’s capital experiencing homelessness and poverty. SOME offers a variety of services, including affordable housing, counseling, addiction treatment, and job training. In addition, SOME helps meet immediate daily needs by providing food, clothing, and healthcare.
Below are a few paintings at SOME (So Others Might Eat).
Woodley House
Woodley House provides personalized mental health supportive services and housing for District of Columbia residents. Founded in 1958, Woodley House has enabled tens of thousands of people to access mental health care and to live independently in our communities. With a team of community providers and professionals who ensure our residents receive the right services at the right time, Woodley House operates homes and programs across four DC wards for 400 Washingtonians annually.
Central Union Mission
In the heart of Washington, DC, Central Union Mission has stood as a beacon of compassion for over 140 years—serving those in need with dignity, hope, and unwavering care.
Prevention Point
Prevention Point Philadelphia is a nonprofit public health organization providing low barrier services to Philadelphia and the surrounding area.
African Womens Cancer Awareness Association (AWCAA)
The African Women's Cancer Awareness Association (AWCAA) is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization. AWCAA was established in 2004 by a coalition of African immigrant women health professionals in order to address disparities in awareness, prevention and access to healthcare for African immigrant and descent communities that face cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. The group has grown to encompass healthcare professionals, entrepreneurs and concerned individuals dedicated to eliminating these disparities within the Washington metropolitan area, the continent of Africa and beyond.
Greenbelt CARES
Greenbelt CARES is dedicated to promoting responsible behavior and appropriate family management skills, utilizing existing community resources wherever possible and responding to the special needs of Greenbelt citizens. CARES provides high quality counseling and support services to the community by working with children, adolescents, and their families on a pro-active basis.