Contributed by Michelle Cornelius, Valley Fine Arts Association
Meet Karen Mattson
11/3/2017 – 5PM
Valley Fine Arts Association
Bear Paw River Brewery
4605 E Palmer-Wasilla Hwy. Wasilla
FREE Admission
Bear Paw River Brewery:
November's Bear Paw River Brewery artist is Karen Mattson.
Karen has been actively painting oils, watercolors, acrylics, alcohol inks and pastels for five decades. Her art shows her love of gardening and the beauty of color and nature. She has enjoyed plein air painting for several years, and she hopes the future holds more adventurous outings.
Karen has received numerous awards and her work is in collections internationally. She is a signature member of the Alaska Watercolor Society and the Alaska Artist Guild, charter member of Valley Fine Arts Association and participates in many art organizations. Several artworks are in corporate collections in Alaska.
Karen will be meeting and speaking with the public on Friday, November 3rd between 5pm and 8pm at the Brewery.
Espresso Café:
Maria McKernan is the artist appearing at Espresso Café.
Maria is originally from Massachusetts. She has engaged in painting, drawing and a variety of crafts throughout her life. Maria has lived in Alaska since 1979 and spent several years in Ketchikan before moving to Anchorage. Maria and her husband, John, eventually settled in Wasilla, where they have lived for over 34 years.
Maria retired from a career in special education in 2009, and now turns her energy toward the creation of art. She works in pencil, charcoal, watercolor, pastel and oil paint. Maria especially enjoys plein air painting and working with a model. She has won several awards, including third place in the Ketchikan Arts and Crafts Guild All Alaska Juried Art Show. Maria was awarded blue ribbons for her pastel, watercolor and oil paintings at the 2016 and 2017 Alaska State Fairs held in Palmer.
She has participated in various community events that showcase art and artists, including the painting of wine glasses for the Palmer Museum Wine Walk, the demonstration of watercolor and oil painting at the Alaska State Fair and the annual Garden and Arts Fair in Palmer. She has also acted as a volunteer art instructor for the Sherrod/Swanson PTA Art Night. Maria has served on the board of directors of the Valley Fine Arts Association for three years and currently holds the position of treasurer. She is a member of the Alaska Watercolor Society.
Recent & Present Featured Artists:
August: Glenda Field
September: Michelle Cornelius
October: Judy Vars
November: Karen Mattson
Artists: VFAA Membership is $25 annually. Your membership will gain you access to information on venues such as Bear Paw River Brewery art shows, Painting workshops taught by renowned artists, annual art retreats, paint outs and more! For more info on memberships and bimonthly meetings go to www.valleyfineartsassociation.org.
