(RED BANK, NJ) -- The Oyster Point Gallery presents the work of Megan Karlen, with guest curator Kathleen Karlen Keating overseeing this exhibit. It will be displayed from July 2 to August 31, 2025 with an opening reception on Friday, July 11th at 6:00pm.
Megan Karlen spent her summers in Wellfleet, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, 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.
Karlen; Peasants at Dusk; oil on board; 14x18; 2003
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 nationwide.
Never resting on her laurels, Karlen explored themes in clay and then 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 them at the opening reception on July 11 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm at the Oyster Point Hotel in Red Bank, New Jersey. The exhibit will be displayed from July 2 to August 31, 2025.
Oyster Point Gallery Exhibitions, originally conceived by President Kevin Barry, and currently curated by Ellen Martin, provide a prestigious and viable alternative gallery venue to artists from New Jersey and nearby locations.
Both emerging and established artists, many of whom are award-winning, have been included in the exhibitions that are shown in the public spaces of the first two floors of the Hotel.
