The Wonder of Watercolor with Karen Reede is a very special exhibit for MAFAC.  In the late 90’s Karen and others began the work of activating the Marshall Area Fine Arts Council and its Arts Center. Its doors were opened with the first exhibit in 1999 and have continued to be available to the Marshall community today.  Of course Karen has not only been known in the Marshall area for her advocacy for the arts, but also her wonderful watercolor paintings. Many community residents have purchased or commissioned her work. 
   

Karen says “Visual art has been a life-long passion and compelling activity for me.  For the past 35 years watercolor has been my medium.  Since my retirement, I spend regular hours in my home studio in Paynesville MN.  My subject matter most often comes from ordinary objects such as area scenes, still life subjects and objects in nature.  Studio art classes at Southwest Minnesota State University launched my art education.  Art workshops, interaction with fellow artists and art patrons continue to nurture my work. 

My paintings have sold through area galleries, group shows, art fairs, benefits and commissions.  I have been honored to receive Southwest Minnesota Arts and Humanities Council artist grants and several regional art awards, such as a First Prize in Watercolor,  Peoples’ Choice award and the Southwest Minnesota Arts and Humanities Prairie Disciple award.  I have enjoyed promoting community art opportunities through teaching watercolor classes, leading children’s art activities, helping establish the Arts Center in Marshall and participating in the Paynesville Art Guild.

Presently, I have artwork in the MAFAC Arts Center in Marshall, the Blessingwell Gallery in Paynesville, the Paynesville Area Library and the Terrace Mill Foundation Gallery in Terrace MN.  In 2008, I created a series of historical paintings depicting aspects of Paynesville’s 150 year history.  Members of Paynesville's Grace United Methodist Church purchased my series of nine historic area churches for display in their church.”

It is a pleasure to have Karen back with us again at the MAFAC Arts Center. Please join MAFAC for a reception with Karen on Sunday September 27 from 2 pm to 4 pm at the Arts Center, 109 North 3rd St. in Marshall