Artists find inspiration in different ways and sometimes that inspiration is right where the artist lives. Karen Petta is a local artist who embraces the state of South Carolina in her artwork. “I throw myself into South Carolina,” she said. “…the landscape, birds, marsh scenes, turtles, old churches, the flavor of S.C. I’m absorbed in the beauty here.”
Although she has an educational and work background in psychology including a master’s degree, she has always delved into painting. “My background is in mental health. I owned and operated an outpatient mental health clinic in Wisconsin for over ten years,” she shared. “When we moved here in 2005, I decided to focus on my other love, art, and opened a hands-on studio.” About six years later, her plans changed. “In 2011 I decided to turn over my storefront and devote more time to my painting, though I still hold a few summer camps and classes.” While focusing on her paintings, she keeps a hand in psychology. “Psychology is not completely out of my life though,” she said. “As I teach dual enrollment through the USC system at the local high schools.”
Petta is multi-talented with a gift for teaching and a talent for painting. As for her painting mediums, she mostly works with acrylic on canvas, but she also works with oil. Her artistic talent was recognized with an exhibit recently when some of Petta’s artwork was on display at the Columbia Metropolitan Airport. There were 12-14 paintings displayed along a hallway from December 2023 until February 2024.
Petta exhibits in various shows and art crawls throughout the year in different places around the state. Some of these have included the Cottontown Art Crawls, Cola Eclectic, Melrose Art in the Yard, SCA Autumn Faire, and Wingard’s Art in the Garden. “I am also active in the Crooked Creek Art League ‘s Galleries and annual shows,” she said. Petta takes commissions for specific requests and sells her paintings in two locations, Hi Noon Framers in Balentine and Ellen Owens Salon in Columbia.
This summer she takes on a new role as artist-in-residence at a state park.” I will be the artist-in-residence at the Colleton State Park from June 9-16,” Petta said. “During this time, I will create a painting to donate to the state parks.”
For future show announcements, follow Petta on Instagram or Facebook.