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Karen LaValley

Artist Bio:
Karen LaValley, BFA The Ohio State University, is passionate about plein air. Years ago two good friends invited her to go painting with them outdoors. From that first brushstroke she was hooked and still prefers to paint from life in all its manifestations whether it be from a landscape or a figure. Her colorful paintings, primarily in oil or watercolor, reflect not only the image viewed but also the emotion it evokes. Being reared in Springfield within a theatrical family (her father had a dancing school there where she took every type of dance class) gave Karen a taste for the dramatic ---it expresses itself in her bold brushstrokes and color choices. She can often be seen painting at Hoover Reservoir in Westerville or at a sunflower farm in Pickerington. Karen is a signature member of the Ohio Watercolor Society and a charter member of the Ohio Plein Air Society. Some of the awards she has won in juried exhibitions include, for the second time, the Art for Life People’s Choice Award (Columbus Aids Task Force) 2006, Second Place in Ohio Plein Air Society’s Exhibition at the Schumacher Gallery 2005, and the Earthwood Gallery Awards of Artist’s Choice and People’s Choice in Estes Park, Colorado, Paint the Parks Competition 2006.


Address: 6510 Old 3C Highway Westerville, Ohio 43082	E-Mail: klavalleyartist@SAFe-mail.net	Phone: 614.882.8828



"Dogs" 24" x 30" Oil on Canvas
"Peaches and Mustard" 30" x 30" Oil on Canvas	"Westcott House" 10" x 20" Oil on Canvas	"Wise One" 30" x 40" Oil on Canvas

"Hollyhocks"
60" x 40"
Oil on Canvas

"Iris Field #1"
36" x 24"
Oil on Canvas


"Galena Mudflats" 30" x 24" Oil on Canvas
"Daybreak" 38" x 38" Oil on Canvas	Photo to Come "Iris Fields #2" 48" x 36" Oil on Canvas	"Anderson Farm" 24" x 30" Oil on Canvas

SHORT NORTH GALLERY HOP

MAHAN EXHIBIT A RELATIVE AFFAIR

by BILL MAYR for THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

   On the first Saturday of the month for more than 20 years, thousands of people have descended on High Street in the Short North for the Gallery Hop.
   The evening toasts art with new exhibits and offers shopping, eating and more.
   The official hours are 4 to 10 p.m., but many shops open earlier and many bars and restaurants close much later.
ALL IN THE FAMILY
   "Inherit, Inherent" will bring together three family members in an exhibit at the Mahan Gallery, 717 N. High St.
   The three are Karen LaValley of Westerville and children Brooke and Grant.
   Karen is an active plein air painter who works in Ohio and elsewhere.
   Brooke is a photographer studying at Ohio University in Athens who, according to the gallery, finds inspiration on trips between Columbus and Athens.
   Her brother, Grant, draws.
   His drawings, according to the gallery, "often depict the likes of exaggerated bodybuilders; bloodthirsty corpses; emaciated, half-naked women; and gore. Grants new body of work features defiant depictions of women with their kindred spirit in the shape of an animal."
   An opening reception will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday. The exhibit will be open for the hop.
   The gallery will be open during the hop.

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