The 2005 Fall/Winter print edition of Art-to-Art Palette Journal featured a bold orange sunflower on the cover that introduced “Summer’s Last Bloom” by Karen Schlosser-Flesch of Decatur, Indiana. The playful leaves and shadows were not one of a dying plant, but a friendly wave of colorful goodbyes until next year. All you have to do is gaze upon Karen’s work to know that she is the eternal optimist that has been spreading this seed throughout her career.
Today, Flesch is an Art Teacher at Adams Central Community Schools in Decatur. She has a gift for bringing out the most in talented students. For example, “Stopping by the Woods on a Snowy Evening” that illuminates the poem by Robert Frost, was used as a learning tool for students in December 2019, on mixing imagination with poetry and feelings. This is just one example of how Karen introduces her students to feel the moment before expressing themselves.
Another personal facet about educator Flesch is recalled by Janet Ravas, a New York artist.
“My years with Karen has been enjoyed at dinner. Karen settles into her special personality where she wants to hear what is new about me. Her personality and body language shows how unique she is and exceptional to others.”
Karen was first introduced to oil and canvas by her Uncle Allen and she immediately fell in love. Her grandmothers also played an essential part in giving nature the attention it deserved. Flower gardens and poppy flower dolls stay in her memory.
Published in 2012, Karen was asked to create the cover for a children’s book “Grandma’s Garden” written by Holy Colter Mishler. The book is a heartwarming story about of a girl and her grandmother and the special bond they share whereas the grandmother’s legacy lives on through the flowers they both love.
Flesch also illustrated 24 watercolors for the book and her soft watercolors carries the mood of gentleness between Grandma and her garden.
After graduating from Dekalb County High School, Flesch attended the University of St. Francis where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree. Teaching elementary students how to paint with watercolors is her passion come true. She loves to watch as different emotions emerge and finds self-interpreting each painting as an intuitive journey.
From a professional review, Ohio artist-educator Pat Rayman “…finds Karen’s skills from viewing them over 20 years, shouts with brilliant and soft colors in pleasant ways.”
On the education front, Rayman added, “Her professional and personal styles allows her students to be creative in their own way while capturing color and composition balance.”
Karen still continues to paint and takes orders to paint houses on ornaments. She is very skilled in the intricate detail that her clients seek for keepsakes that turn a house into a home as well as keepsakes for future generations. ⌂
Digital print version click on type below:
Portrait of an Educator-Karen Flesch-IndianaUSA
