Originally a “townie” from Amherst, MA., Karen stayed in Amherst to complete her BFA in Art Education at the University of Massachusetts. Soon after she gravitated to New York City to enjoy the art scene and museums.
Early experiences in her childhood and grandparents’ homes exposed her to beautiful objects and artistry. She learned about materials – wood, ceramics, glass, fabrics, etc., how things are crafted, and how to respect material culture. This education is what in part, drew her to pursue her career working in museum/art education. In 1994 she received her MS in Museum Leadership from Bank Street College of Education.
Karen’s background is eclectic and versatile. Over the years she has worked in children’s museums, art museums, botanic gardens, and other arts and cultural organizations with many different teams to produce exhibits, programs, partnerships, and educational materials. The common thread has always been collaborating with different groups to generate engaging and meaningful experiences for diverse participants. Oftentimes, these initiatives require strategic planning, expert organization, creative problem-solving, patience, and consensus building to achieve desired results. She applies these well-honed management skills to working as an organizing associate.
Karen lives in Brooklyn with her husband, a retired NYC Department of Education High School teacher. They also have a cabin upstate for getaways and to use as a launching pad for hiking in the Catskills. They have two daughters who live in the city. The time spent quarantining during the pandemic proved a great opportunity for de-cluttering and re-organizing at home to create better functioning and more pleasing spaces. In addition, Karen has experience helping relatives and friends de-clutter, downsize, and manage inherited estates. She specializes in dealing with papers and knowing what should be filed, shredded, or recycled!
Favorite Room:
Our dining room is our family’s focal point. It is where we casually spend time together and also gather for festive occasions. I love how the room is furnished and decorated with meaningful things. The mid-century dining room table and hutch are from my mother-in-law. Botanical illustrations from the early 1800’s, originally from my grandparents’ home, adorn one wall. Ritual objects to help beautify Jewish holiday celebrations sit along an open shelf. A cluster of plants, like the ones from my childhood home, fill the corner of the room by the window. I am a part-time potter. Many of the serving dishes I use during the holidays are ceramic ones that I have made. Spending time with family, surrounded by these cherished items, often enjoying meals made from passed -down family recipes are a way to keep our heritage alive and bring me great joy.
