Cocktail Reception for Megan Karlen: An Expressionist's Journey from the Canvas to the Loom
Jul 11 - Jul 11 2025
The Oyster Point Gallery is pleased to present the work of Megan Karlen, with guest curator Kathleen Karlen Keating overseeing this exhibit. The cocktail reception will be on Friday, July 11, 2025 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. It's a free event and everyone is welcome.
Megan Karlen spent her summers in Wellfleet, Massachusetts, on Cape Cod, which is known as "The Gallery Town." Surrounded by the abstract expressionists of the Hans Hofmann school and countless coastal and realism artists, she could not help but be influenced by these masters. The presence of artists and galleries formed the backdrop for a lifetime of summers at the Cape.
In addition to being surrounded by art, Karlen was enveloped by the beauty of the coastal waters, whether it was Cape Cod Bay in Wellfleet (noted for its mile-long tidal change), the ocean, or the numerous freshwater ponds formed by glaciers thousands of years ago. These natural wonders provided an incredible backdrop of beauty that profoundly influenced the young artist. As a young girl, Karlen was shaped by these artistic elements, which established the foundation of her creative career.
While Karlen did not initially intend to be an artist, the roots were there. While working in a publishing house after earning her BA in Languages and Literature from Bard College, she embarked on a serious soul-searching journey, which led her to persuade her boss to let her work evenings while honing her skills during the day by studying under newly minted MFAs who taught affordable continuing education classes. Once Karlen recognized that she was a painter, she considered continuing her studies with New York City artists in their lofts or pursuing her MFA. She gained admission to several graduate programs but chose to develop her vision through residencies and exploration.
As Karlen’s painting evolved into more conceptual work, she frequently exhibited in NYC. She had very successful gallery representation at Beauregard Fine Art in Rumson, NJ, where sales of her work garnered a large following. Her art adorns the homes of many collectors across the nation.
Never resting on her laurels, Karlen explored themes in clay and fiber. She says, “When I sit at a loom, I am painting with thread. I am not applying paint to a surface - I am creating a surface that only exists because of my choices with the material.”
Karlen will showcase early oils and images alongside woven abstractions. Please join us on July 11 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm at the Oyster Point Hotel, 146 Bodman Place, in Red Bank, NJ. The exhibit will be displayed from July 2 to August 31, 2025.
