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.

Kathy Karlson on Facebook

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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).

Women’s Shelter

Kathy donates her art to a local women’s shelter that protects women and children from abusive situations.

Any donation inquiries please contact Kathy directly.

A Child for All

A Child for All is an organization that gives vulnerable children in Mali a safe and loving environment to support their health, education, happiness, and success.