Karen Whalen

If life is a journey, then spirituality, family and creativity are my loyal companions and guides. Art has been my respite, inspiration, comfort, and passion. Art expression is a partnership with our Creator, an expression of emotion and humanity, an appreciation of the beauty and nuances of this magnificent life.

As a child, after digging into and enjoying many, many differing arts and crafts, I was hooked! In college, I earned a Bachelor Degree in Interior Design, and topped that off with an MBA for extra security. My window treatment business, North Shore Interiors, enjoyed a 10-year reign until a move took me off the art-business track.

I leaned into business, handling office management and marketing at Lake Geneva Youth Camp, Brand Management at Don Johnston and Training Direction at TCGRx, which led me to 10 years running at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater teaching digital marketing and AI marketing. Practicing art remained, but during this time, it was for me and gift-giving.

Now, with this ever-growing passion and drive to create art, specifically mosaics, I plan to pursue it with enthusiasm and determination. I exhibit and sell my work at Gallery 223 in downtown Lake Geneva and online. I'm excited to learn more from the masters and continue to offer mosaics in antique windows, trays, vases, framed glass-on-glass pieces, commissioned pieces and kitchen backsplashes to others. I also offer pet portrait watercolor paintings and home portrait watercolors, custom watercolor maps, and the list goes on.... Thank you for your interest in learning about me and my artwork. Have a beautiful day!