Karen Lucas, Artist
Born in the heartland of Milwaukee Wisconsin, Lucas has called Honolulu home since 1991. Second to Honolulu, Lucas enjoys spending time in remote Kalaupapa, where she has fostered friendships with the remaining community of the Hansen disease patients. Her favorite historical figure of this community is Brother Dutton. He first grabbed her attention because of his big beard, gracious smile and his service to the orphan boys for the last of his years to atone for earlier transgressions in his life.
Lucas worked with Navien, Formerly Hospice Hawaii, where she was the Art Therapist for over 20 years. She also worked at the University of Hawaii at Manoa (UH) teaching figure sculpture and introduction to 3-D.
Today Karen considers herself the student and continues to take art classes at KCC, the Hawaii Potters Guild and UH. Though she has mastered many artist mediums, her favorite remains to be figurative bronze casting.
Aside from painting, casting and creating mosaics, Lucas has spent the past 4 years learning to play the piano. Her passion in life extends to her surrounding community. Ohana and Hanai auntie to several lucky children.
FORMAL CV
EDUCATION:
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University of Hawaii at Manoa, MFA in Sculture, December 1998
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University of New Mexico, MA in Art Therapy and Art Education, December 1984
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Evergreen State College, Olympia, WA, BA in Education and Psychology, June 1980
- Centralia College, Centralia, WA, AA in Art, June 1977
COMMISIONS:
- Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation. 2015-2021. Homouliuli Ho’opili Station.
Two 8 foot diameter, glass tile mosaics in the floor in front of the east and west bound elevators.
- Art in Public Places, 2012-2015. Hawaii State Foundation on Culture and the Arts and The Department of Education, Ewa Makai Middle School. Ewa Beach.
Four 10’ tall concrete columns clad in glass mosaic.
- Art in Public Places, 2009-2011 Hawaii State Foundation on Culture and the Arts and The Department of Education, Keone`ula Elementary School, Ewa Beach.
A larger than life seated bronze figure on a concrete base and a ceramic tile mosaic done in collaboration with the 5th grade class.
- Art in Public Places, 2004-2007, Hawaii State Foundation on Culture and the Arts and the Department of Education, Kealakehe High School, Kona, Hawaii.
A domed glass tile mosaic with a Hawaiian Star Compass. Concrete, glass, ceramic, stone.
- Sacred Heart Church, Honolulu, 2002-2006.
The Stations of the Cross in bronze bas-relief mounted in Koa frames. 15, 24”x 16” panels.
- Makalapa Elementary School. 2005.
Mosaic on the outside walls of the Library. 3’x 25’, In collaboration with the first and second grade students.
- City and County of Honolulu Office on Culture and the Arts, 2001-2002.
Kapolei project. A larger than life bronze hula dancer in collaboration with Lynn Liverton.
- Punahou School Science Center, 1999.
A Hawaiian Star Compass Mosaic in collaboration with Lynn Liverton.
AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIPS:
- State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, Acquisition Awards:
“Dress For Success”1993,
“Autobiography” 1995,
“The Traveler” 1995
- Emerging Artist Award, 1998, Artists of Hawaii.
- Achievement Awards, 1993, 1995, College Art.
- Ceramics Hawaii Glass Award, 1996, College Art.
- Borders Books and Records Award, 1995, College Art.
EXHIBITIONS:
- “A Body of Work” 2 man show, Honolulu Academy Art Center, September 2007
- Hawaii State Art Museum’s inaugural exhibition, curated group show, November 2002
- “Containers of the Soul,” collaboration with Kloe Kang, The Koa Gallery, March 2002
- “The Distant Shore,” solo exhibition, UH Commons Gallery, August 1998
- Artist of Hawaii, Juried show 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2003, 2004, 2008
- Hawaii Craftsmen, Juried show 1993, 1995, 1997, 2000, 2001,2003, 2008, 2010, 2018, 2020
- Japanese Chamber of Commerce, Juried show 1997, 2019
- DAC Down town Art canter, Ho’opuka show 2-21
EXPERIENCE:
- Lecturer, University of Hawaii, August 1995 to 2017
- Teaching Figure Sculpture and Introduction to 3-D Art,
- Reference: Art Department (808) 956-8251