Karen Maria Grotto is a mixed media artist. As the oldest of ten siblings, she developed a deep sense of empathy for others. She was immersed in process and artistry while growing up with an attorney father, accountant mother, painterly grandmother and avid amateur photographer grandfather.

Guided by faith through experiences of loss, fear and isolation she discovered that joy can emerge from all of life’s moments. Even the darkest ones.

She has been working for over 30 years as a graphic designer, art director and creative leader at award-winning Chicago advertising, public relations and branding agencies as well as at an eminent research university.

Although she’s been making art since she was a young child and earned a BFA in graphic design, it wasn’t until 2021 that she admitted to herself that she’s an artist. In the years that have followed, she’s been exploring what that means and developing her artistic voice.

Her work is informed by the highs and lows of her own life and the connections she feels with others. She finds inspiration in nature and from people who open themselves up to emotional vulnerablility and all the possibilities it can bring.

Through her art practice she feels joy. She challenges herself to welcome imperfections – inherent in the beauty and messiness of life – while striving to express the essence of emotion found inside each of us on any given day.