Tiles and mosaics were the focus of Karen’s work. Various designs and colors were available. The work was inspired by flora and fauna – animals and the outdoors. Each piece was handcrafted and painted with glazes which were then fired to achieve a gloss or matt surface. Since the process is time consuming and labor intensive, it took several weeks to receive an order. Each piece was made to order with attention to quality and detail.
Karen Howell (b. 1948) created functional pottery and one-of-a-kind pieces for more than forty years. She was full-time studio artist that produced porcelain mosaics and tiles as stand-alone feature and installation pieces. A veteran exhibitor in the art festival world, she sold work retail…and wholesale to galleries across the country. Solo artist shows and invitational exhibits highlight Karen’s career. Her art is included in museum and private collections.
Karen’s background included five years teaching art in public schools. She’s conducted private ceramic classes and worked as an advertising artist for a daily newspaper.
Karen completed ceramic studies at the Alfred University with Peter Vandenberg and at Penn State with Zellko Kujundzic. A Master’s degree in Ceramics from Indiana University of Pennsylvania followed her Bachelor’s in Art Education. At IUP, she was part of a unique group of artists mentored by the renowned Frank Ross. Karen also earned a Commercial Art diploma at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh.
Karen was a member of Associated Artist of Pittsburgh. She sat on the marketing board of the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen and was a member of the Ohio Designer Craftsmen. She was a former board member of the Pittsburgh Craftsmen’s Guild where she frequently served on the jury committee. And for four terms, she held the treasurer’s office of the Artist Co-Op of Washington,Pennsylvania. Karen is the founder and sole member of the Purple Socks Society. To be continued…..
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