Carolina, Close to Home by Karen Petta Opening Reception
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Join us for the Opening Reception of the next exhibition at Gemini Arts! Carolina, Close to Home by Karen Petta.
Originally from Wisconsin, Karen Petta has been passionate about drawing, painting, and creating since childhood. She earned a master’s degree in psychology from the University of
Wisconsin–Madison and began her career in mental health, often incorporating art into her therapeutic work.
After relocating to South Carolina in 2005, Karen shifted her focus more fully to art. She opened a hands-on art studio in Lexington, sharing her love of creativity with children and families before eventually devoting more of her time to her own work. Since then, she has exhibited throughout the region, painted murals in local schools, and continued to encourage young artists in her community.
Karen was a featured artist at Columbia Metropolitan Airport in 2023, selected as an Artist-in-Residence with South Carolina State Parks in 2024, and juried into Charleston’s Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art Exhibition in 2026.
Working primarily in acrylics and oils, Karen draws inspiration from South Carolina's beauty and character. From Lowcountry landscapes and wildlife to historic buildings and churches, her work reflects a deep appreciation for the places and subjects that make the state distinctive. Through an impressionistic approach, she seeks to capture not only what she sees, but the feeling and sense of place that first inspired her to paint it.
We hope that you will join us!
Originally from Wisconsin, Karen Petta has been passionate about drawing, painting, and creating since childhood. She earned a master’s degree in psychology from the University of
Wisconsin–Madison and began her career in mental health, often incorporating art into her therapeutic work.
After relocating to South Carolina in 2005, Karen shifted her focus more fully to art. She opened a hands-on art studio in Lexington, sharing her love of creativity with children and families before eventually devoting more of her time to her own work. Since then, she has exhibited throughout the region, painted murals in local schools, and continued to encourage young artists in her community.
Karen was a featured artist at Columbia Metropolitan Airport in 2023, selected as an Artist-in-Residence with South Carolina State Parks in 2024, and juried into Charleston’s Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art Exhibition in 2026.
Working primarily in acrylics and oils, Karen draws inspiration from South Carolina's beauty and character. From Lowcountry landscapes and wildlife to historic buildings and churches, her work reflects a deep appreciation for the places and subjects that make the state distinctive. Through an impressionistic approach, she seeks to capture not only what she sees, but the feeling and sense of place that first inspired her to paint it.
We hope that you will join us!
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Where is it happening?
2847 Commerce Drive, Columbia, SC, United States
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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Host or PublisherGemini Arts
