Karen Anderson (1960-2004), artist/creator of GRACE and MANNERS was a passionate advocate of art education, libraries as centers that build communities, and all expressions of human kindness. Her commitment to public service was cut short when she succumbed to Hughes {Antiphospholipid} Syndrome. Her life is an inspiration, and she (is), our focus.

 

Born a truly creative soul, Karen studied classical ballet in her youth before displaying an aptitude for the visual arts in her teens. She spent summers at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, studied Visual Communication at The Art Institute of Atlanta after high school, and years later, studied at Rhode Island School of Design's Continuing Studies program.

 

After high school, Karen worked as an Assistant Location Scout with an independent film/video producer, and then as a Promotional Model representing cosmetic companies and designers, among them, Norma Kamali, Willi Smith, and Perry Ellis. She continued honing her illustrating skills by studying the works of her two favorite illustrators, Joe Eula and Rueben Toledo, as well as the work of her favorite designers: Thierry Mugler, Vivienne Westwood, Bella Freud, Issey Miyake, Yohji Yamammoto, and Isaac Mizhari. Karen celebrated these artisans and their universal contribution as "… humanitarians and custodians of beauty, brilliance, and glamour …". This industry permeated all aspects of her work. After five years, she returned to performing art as a production assistant with the Children's Radio Theatre.

 

This opportunity led to a collaborative effort between DC Public Schools and The National Capitol Children's Museum where she created and facilitated a visual arts curriculum for elementary schools. Here, Karen used her skills as a visual communicator to introduce problem-solving skills and self-expression to children during their formative years in the hope of providing an awareness that would stay with them throughout their lives.  Within two years, the DC Public School System eliminated arts education from its curriculum, and Karen returned to her background in the performing arts as a regular production assistant for both the Kennedy Center Honors Award and Christmas in Washington productions, in the interim, she was a make-up artist with The Washington Opera Company.

 

After three years, she turned her attention to public access television production, focusing her attention and experiences on arts education by producing children's programming. Karen used local children in productions knowing this undertaking would foster community support and serve as an incentive to broaden the impact of the arts in communities.

 

Karen never gave up one interest for another. She sought to use her skills in the visual and performing arts, arts education, and video production to make a difference. Each of her creative interests merged and inspired the next one -- all of them working to serve the highest and greater common good for the human family. She NEVER stopped drawing, sculpting, painting, and producing visual products. Even during the challenges of her illness, she turned her concerns to philanthropy and patient advocacy. Grace & Manners work to complete her vision as a public servant working to make a social impact.