Karen Kliethermes
Karen Kliethermes (KLEE-thur-miss) is a fine artist, muralist, illustrator, instructor, speaker, author, and eco-activist based in the Boulder/Denver area. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree with an Ecology Minor from the University of Colorado -- Boulder with an emphasis in Drawing and Painting. Karen is deeply passionate about preserving the life on this planet, and her main objective is to do all that she can to contribute to the cause through her work.
Karen spends most of her time working on products that highlight the importance of our natural world, including animal portraits, animal oracle card decks, and environmentalist coloring books. Karen also collaborates with numerous non-profit organizations through live-painting animals portraits at events, and donating proceeds made from her artwork at the events to those non-profits. So far, Karen has raised/donated over $5,000 for numerous non-profits that support our natural world. Karen also tries to be eco-friendly in her business as much as possible. As of now, her studio is completely run on wind-power and she uses recycled cardboard and paper in her labels and packaging!
If you want to learn more, read Karen's Voyage Denver Interview here!
Artist Statement:
"Ever since I was a child, animals and the natural world in general have held a very special place in my heart. It was as if every living being carried a bright, unique light within them, and I found each one to be equally fascinating to one another. Each kind of animal and plant has a different character, archetype, or "essence" to it, and I so enjoy delving into the specifics of how each one shines. I am intrigued at how every living being contributes to the ecosystem, these perfectly balanced and interconnected webs of thriving, adaptable life. My connection to the natural world--and especially animals--often feels spiritual, sacred. When a certain animal consistently shows itself to me at a certain time, it's as if that animal's essence is speaking to me. What can I learn from this animal and its distinctive way of being?
My main goal in my personal work is to realistically and soulfully highlight the glorious individuality of the Earth's creatures, and by doing so, connect the audience with their special essences. And even further, remind humans as a species why our animal kingdom and natural world as a whole are so important--important enough for us to take care of it.
With the fourth mass extinction occuring as we speak (due to consequences of the global infestation that is the human species), we are losing between 200-2,000 species every year. A portion of these species are crucial to maintaining ecosystems worldwide, and even keep the human species alive.
In my eyes, there is no more pressing or more important issue than the climate crisis (and all the branching effects of it), and I believe we all need to dedicate our own unique skills and efforts towards bringing awareness, mitigating the effects, and creating positive change."
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Education
2015//Bachelor of Arts//Emphasis In Drawing and Painting//University of Colorado//Boulder, CO
Exhibitions
2018-2021//Group Exhibition//Karen Kliethermes//Staufer Real Estate//Louisville, CO
2018//Solo Exhibition//Karen Kliethermes//Salto//Nederland, CO
2016//Group Exhibition//Texture//Linus Galleries//Long Beach, CA (Web)
2016//Group Exhibition//Waterscapes//Fusion Art Gallery//Palm Springs, CA (Web)
2016//Solo Exhibition//Karen Kliethermes//Unity Church of Sedona//Sedona, AZ
2014//Group Exhibition//The Everyday//Santa Fe Theatre//Denver, CO
2011//Group Exhibition//The Art of Students & Teachers//Dairy Center for the Arts//Boulder, CO
2004//Group Exhibition//Youth Exhibit//New Mexico Arts & Crafts Festival//Albuquerque, NM
2003//Group Exhibition//Youth Exhibit//New Mexico Arts & Crafts Festival//Albuquerque, NM
Vendor/Live Art Events
2022//Pongo Lifestyle's Seasonal Events//Animal Conservation Fundraising Event//Denver, CO
2022//Katie's Night//Animal Conservation Fundraising Event//Denver, CO21
2021-
2022//The Wild Animal Sanctuary's "Into The Wild: Running Festival"//Animal Conservation Fundraising Event//Keenesburg, CO
2019//Staufer Real Estate Holiday Pop-Up Series//Vendor Event//Louisville, CO
2019//Butterly Pavilion's Holiday Bazaar//Animal Conservation Fundraising Event//Broomfield, CO
2019//Divine Canine Fall Festival//Vendor Event//Louisville, CO
2019//WPS App Event//Animal Conservation Event//Denver, CO
2019//World Rhino Day//Animal Conservation Fundraising Event//Denver, CO
2019//Body Mind Spirit Expo: Fall//Metaphysical Exhibition//Denver, CO
2019//Katie's Night//Animal Conservation Fundraising Event//Denver, CO
2019//Running Wild Race//Animal Conservation Fundraising Event//Denver, CO
2019//Rock of Apes//Animal Conservation Fundraising Event//Denver, CO
2019//Center for Great Apes Member Event//Animal Conservation Fundraising Event//Wauchula, FL
2019//Body Mind Spirit Expo: Spring//Metaphysical Exhibition//Denver, CO
2018//ENDANGERED Fine Art and Photography Exhibition//Animal Conservation Fundraising Event//Miami, FL
2018//Center of Great Apes 25th Anniversary//Animal Conservation Fundraising Event//Miami, FL
2018//Body Mind Spirit Expo: Fall//Metaphysical Exhibition//Denver, CO
2018//Running Wild Race//Animal Conservation Fundraising Event//Denver, CO
2018//Katie's Night//Animal Conservation Fundraising Event//Denver, CO
2018//Rock of Apes//Animal Conservation Fundraising Event//Denver, CO
2018//Body Mind Spirit Expo: Spring//Metaphysical Exhibition//Denver, CO
2017//Boulder Holiday Gift Festival//Arts & Artisan Exhibition//Boulder, CO
2017//Body Mind Spirit Expo: Fall//Metaphysical Exhibition//Denver, CO
2017//Katie's Night//Animal Conservation Fundraising Event//Denver, CO
2017//Running Wild Race//Animal Conservation Fundraising Event//Denver, CO
2017//Sedona Wolf Week//Animal Conservation Fundraising Event//Sedona, AZ
2016//Sedona Artist Market//Residency//Sedona, AZ
Non-Profit/Environmentalist Business Collaborations
2022//The Wild Animal Sanctuary//Keenesburg, CO
2021-2022//Pongo Lifestyle Boutique//Littleton, CO
2018-2022//Center for Great Apes//Wauchula, FL
2017-2022//Rock of Apes - Great Ape Conservation//Denver, CO
2017-2022//Katie Adamson Conservation Fund - Prevent Extinction//Denver, CO
2020//Mission:Wolf//Westcliffe, CO
2019//Butterfly Pavilion//Denver, CO019//
2019//Wildlife Protection Solutions//Denver, CO
2019//Baby Rhino Rescue Organization//Denver, CO
2017-2019//Running Wild - Racing Against Extinction//Denver, CO
2017-2018//Plan B Foundation to Save Wolves//Sedona, AZ
2017//International Hoofstock Awareness Association//Denver, CO
2017//Apex Protection Project - Wolfdog Rescue//Sedona, AZ
Charity/Donations/Artwork Used To Raise Money for Conservation (includes both partial and full donations)019//
2022//"The Exploited" Original Drawing//Katie Adamson Conservation Fund//Denver, CO
2022//"Sunshine & Cahaya" Original Drawing//Rock of Apes//Denver, CO
2022//"The Scientist" Original Painting//Katie Adamson Conservation Fund//Denver, CO
2022//"The Noble" Original Drawing//Rock of Apes//Denver, CO
2022// "Swaddled Cubs"//Katie Adamson Conservation Fund//Denver, CO
2022//"Glistening In The Light" Original Drawing//Katie Adamson Conservation Fund//Denver, CO
2021//"The Perfumer" Original Drawing//Katie Adamson Conservation Fund//Denver, CO
2021//"On The Hunt" Original Drawing//Katie Adamson Conservation Fund//Denver, CO2021
2020//"Prowling in the Branches" Original Drawing//Katie Adamson Conservation Fund//Denver, CO9
2020//"Ember Eyes" Original Drawing//Katie Adamson Conservation Fund//Denver, CO9
2020//"Forest Rest" Original Drawing//Katie Adamson Conservation Fund//Denver, CO9//
2020//"Sunset Journey" Original Drawing//Katie Adamson Conservation Fund//Denver, CO9/
2020//"Reflection of Love" Original Drawing//Katie Adamson Conservation Fund//Denver, CO9/
2020//"Heart Howl" Original Drawing//Mission: Wolf//Westcliffe, CO//"Tr
2020//"Love Transcends Death" Original Drawing//Katie Adamson Conservation Fund//Denver, CO9/iu
2020//"I Will Always Be With You" Original Drawing//Katie Adamson Conservation Fund//Denver, CO9/
2020//"Watchful Eyes" Original Drawing//Katie Adamson Conservation Fund//Denver, CO9/m
2020//"Ecosystem Engineers" Original Drawing//Katie Adamson Conservation Fund//Denver, CO9/,p
2020
2019//"Triumphant Breach" Original Drawing//Orca Event//Katie Adamson Conservation Fund//Denver, CO9//"Trium,p
2019//"Bonding Nap" Original Drawing//Katie Adamson Conservation Fund//Denver, CO
2019//"Blissful Run, Version II" Original Drawing//World Rhino Day//Katie Adamson Conservation Fund//Denver, CO
2019//"Blissful Run, Version I" Original Drawing//World Rhino Day//Katie Adamson Conservation Fund//Denver, CO
2019//"Learning to Share, Version II" Original Drawing//African Wild Dog Event//Katie Adamson Conservation Fund//Denver, CO
2019//"Learning to Share, Version I" Original Drawing//African Wild Dog Event//Katie Adamson Conservation Fund//Denver, CO
2019//"Nowhere To Go" Original Painting//Katie's Night//Katie Adamson Conservation Fund//Denver, CO
2019//"Sibling Love" Original Drawing//Katie's Night//Katie Adamson Conservation Fund//Denver, CO
2019//"Bubble's Eyes" Original Painting//Rock of Apes V//Rock of Apes//Denver, CO
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2019//"Maternal Love" Original Painting//Rock of Apes V//Rock of Apes//Denver, CO
2019//"Enjoying Youth" Original Painting//Rock of Apes V//Rock of Apes//Denver, CO
2019//"Jam" Original Painting//Center for Great Apes Member Event//Center for Great Apes//Wauchula, FL
2018//"The Bachelor" Original Painting//Center for Great Apes Member Event//Center for Great Apes//Wauchula, FL
2018//"Geri" Original Painting//ENDANGERED Fine Art & Photography Exhibition//Center for Great Apes//Wauchula, FL
2018//"Butch" Original Painting//Center for Great Apes 25th Anniversary//Center for Great Apes//Wauchula, FL
2018//"Sudan" Original Painting//Katie's Night//Katie Adamson Conservation Fund//Denver, CO
2018//"Learning to Sense" Original Framed Drawing//Katie's Night//Katie Adamson Conservation Fund//Denver, CO
2018//"Windows to the Soul" Original Painting//Rock of Apes IV//Rock of Apes//Denver, CO
2018//"Creature of Honor" Original Painting//Rock of Apes IV//Rock of Apes//Denver, CO
2018//"Contemplation" Original Framed Drawing//Rock of Apes IV//Rock of Apes//Denver, CO
2018//"Beautiful Bond" Original Framed Drawing//Rock of Apes IV//Rock of Apes//Denver, CO
2017//"Creature of Perseverance" Original Framed Drawing//IHAA Masquerade Ball//International Hoofstock Awareness Association//Denver, CO
2017//"A Mother's Protection" Original Framed Drawing//Katie's Night//Katie Adamson Conservation Fund//Denver, CO
2017//"Creature of Nobility" Original Framed Drawing//Katie's Night//Katie Adamson Conservation Fund//Denver, CO
2017//"Restful Gaze" Original Drawing//Sedona Wolf Week//Apex Foundation//Sedona, AZ
Teaching Opportunities
2022//Cultivating Your Art Business//Mountain Vista High School//Highlands Ranch, CO
2020//Introduction to Drawing & Group Panel//Women's Leadership Conference 2020//Broomfield, CO
2019//Introduction to Drawing//Four Guest Lectures//University of Colorado--Boulder//Boulder, COg
2018//Drawing Animals//ENDANGERED Fine Art & Photography Exhibition//Center for Great Apes//Miami, FL
Speaking Opportunities
2018//Animal Spirit Medicine and Climate Change//Fall 2018 Body, Mind, Spirit Expo//Denver, CO
2018//Animal Spirit Medicine and Climate Change//Spring 2018 Body, Mind, Spirit Expo//Denver, CO
2017//Animal Spirit Medicine//Fall 2017 Body, Mind, Spirit Expo//Denver, CO
Murals
2021//Interior of Pongo Lifestyle Shop//Pongo Lifestyle//Littleton, CO
2014//"Okami"//Aden Hall//University of Colorado//Boulder, CO
2014//"Calvin & Hobbes"//Aden Hall//University of Colorado//Boulder, CO
2012//"Adventure Time"//Aden Hall//University of Colorado//Boulder, CO
2010//"African Child"//Monarch High School//Louisville, CO
Awards
2016//Finalist//Waterscapes Online Group Exhibition//Fusion Gallery//Palm Springs, CA
2004//3rd Place//Group Youth Exhibition//New Mexico Arts & Crafts Festival//Albuquerque, NM
2004//3rd Place//Group Youth Exhibition//New Mexico Arts & Crafts Festival//Albuquerque, NM