06/01/2026
The June 2026 featured artist in the gift shop is Glenville, MN artist Karen Hagen.
"Art has always been a significant part of my life. Since childhood, drawing horses, cartoons, and faces captivated my imagination. I eagerly participated in every art class offered throughout my schooling, constantly seeking new opportunities to create and express myself.
One of my most pivotal pieces is a watercolor painting of a blue jay, which I created during my senior year of high school in an Independent Study Art Class. It was a rare privilege to be allowed this opportunity for a third time, and the encouragement I received from my teacher instilled in me a lasting belief in my artistic abilities.
As life unfolded, I ventured into a career in travel—a journey I continue to navigate today. Along the way, I got married and became a mother of three. While art took a backseat, I never fully abandoned it. I found solace in doodling and occasionally worked on small projects. A folk art class led me to create various projects, yet I hadn't quite pressed "play" on my full creative potential.
In 2020, a resurgence of creativity sparked within me as I began crafting through YouTube tutorials. It didn't take long for me to realize that crafting alone wasn't enough—I needed to paint again. The longing to recreate art in the way I once did became undeniable. I had hidden my blue jay away, but its significance never faded.
The year 2023 rekindled something profound within me. My family cherished the blue jay painting, and revisiting it reminded me that it was time to fully embrace my passion once more.
The symbolism of the blue jay resonates deeply with me: communication, fearlessness, and clarity. These birds encourage us to speak our truth, stand up for ourselves, and trust our own voices.
Much of my artistic growth has come from exploring YouTube, experimenting, and dedicating countless hours to practice. Although I lack formal collegiate art training, I believe that growth stems from curiosity, dedication, and an unwavering willingness to learn. I've showcased some of the tutorials that inspired me to encourage others to try something new.
In addition to these, I am also displaying my original works, emphasizing my commitment to creativity and personal expression. Investing time, patience, and creativity into experimenting with different techniques has resulted in these creative pieces.
Now that I've pressed "PLAY," I am committed to never stopping my journey of learning, growing, and creating. Thank you for taking the time to explore my artistic journey!"
Stop in and view/purchase one of Karen's pieces or cards Wednesdays through Fridays 10am to 4pm and Saturdays 10am to 1pm.
