Karen Bush
Jewelry
Artist Bio

Karen graduated from Northern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science degree, and later from California Polytechnic University with a Master of Science degree. She began working with acrylic on fabric, wood, and paper along with design in the 1970’s but did not pursue her artistic passion full time until the early 2000’s. By then, she had moved to Prescott, AZ and studied under a number of well-known local artists, including Linne Thomas, Betty Carr, Chris Saper, Ernie Wallace, and Dana Cohn among others.
Her 2D work has been shown in a number of local galleries, including Prescott Center for the Arts, Mountain Art ists Gallery and the Yavapai College Art Gallery, That New Gallery and is currently on display at “Athena’s Heart’, located in Prescott. Her work can be found in the homes and offices of many collectors across the country.
Karen managed the Mountain Artist Guild’s Artist Show Tent for many years during their two shows on the Square in May and August. She participates in the Artists’ Studio Tour each year and teaches workshops when the opportunity presents.
Karen’s first love was watercolor because of the fluidity of the paint and the natural blending of the colors which adds dimension and interest to each work. Adding acrylic painting and mixed media collage to her repertoire has given her a wider perspective and continues to add to her body of work, much of which is totally abstract. She has built a following in this area as well.
While she still enjoys working in 2D, her interests have taken her in a new direction. Because creating with color is a passion for Karen, she is now working on designing a line of jewelry with a European flair under the name Kay-Lee. She uses imported materials including Italian Titanium Mesh and Murano Glass along with more readily available local beads and pendants to create unique necklace and earring sets. She believes that when an artist stops learning, she loses the passion that keeps her artwork fresh and appealing. Karen also enjoys working as a professional face painter creating free hand designs on faces young and old.
928-830-2372
Her 2D work has been shown in a number of local galleries, including Prescott Center for the Arts, Mountain Art ists Gallery and the Yavapai College Art Gallery, That New Gallery and is currently on display at “Athena’s Heart’, located in Prescott. Her work can be found in the homes and offices of many collectors across the country.
Karen managed the Mountain Artist Guild’s Artist Show Tent for many years during their two shows on the Square in May and August. She participates in the Artists’ Studio Tour each year and teaches workshops when the opportunity presents.
Karen’s first love was watercolor because of the fluidity of the paint and the natural blending of the colors which adds dimension and interest to each work. Adding acrylic painting and mixed media collage to her repertoire has given her a wider perspective and continues to add to her body of work, much of which is totally abstract. She has built a following in this area as well.
While she still enjoys working in 2D, her interests have taken her in a new direction. Because creating with color is a passion for Karen, she is now working on designing a line of jewelry with a European flair under the name Kay-Lee. She uses imported materials including Italian Titanium Mesh and Murano Glass along with more readily available local beads and pendants to create unique necklace and earring sets. She believes that when an artist stops learning, she loses the passion that keeps her artwork fresh and appealing. Karen also enjoys working as a professional face painter creating free hand designs on faces young and old.
928-830-2372