Hello! I have been immersed in the magic of visual art-making since someone first put a crayon in my hand. This eventually led me to obtaining a BFA from Xavier University and at that time I also began to teach young people art through summer camps and volunteer opportunities. Inspired by how art allows me the space to dive into my inner world and find the healing needed along life’s Journey, I went to graduate school for Cultural Management at City University London where I studied how organizations used the arts for social change. This eventually led to the creation of Creative Courage Art (www.creativecourageart.com).

I have taught art to people of all ages through Creative Courage Art and through other organizations such as Urban Gateways Center for Arts Education, Oak Park Arts District, Oak Park Education Foundation, Changing Worlds, Woman Made Gallery, Hinsdale Center for Arts and The Community House.

At the core of my teaching is what I am passionate about as an artist and a human being. My personal artwork is woven into my teaching and my teaching is woven into my artwork. Although materials and approaches may change, there is a constant of searching for the truths nature is always revealing, a craving for bright, beautiful color and an exploration of the stories that art tells about us as individuals and as a part of something much bigger. This manifests in work that boldly colorful and layered with meaning using a variety of materials.

My work has been exhibited in galleries, cafes, kids’ stores and a national traveling exhibit. I also just finished illustrating a children’s book about the Jitterbug dancers, Shorty George and Big Bea and I am working on writing and illustrating more magical tales! You can see more at www.KarenLight.com.