You are invited to a presentation by Mary Karam at the Visual Arts Society of Texas’ (VAST) monthly meeting on September 1st, 2016, from 7 – 9 p.m. at the Patterson-Appleton Arts Center, 400 East Hickory St, Denton, TX. 

Ms. Karam is a visual artist who has owned and operated the MK Gallery in Denison, Texas for 12 years. Beginning with the renovation of a historic building in 2004, Ms. Karam has developed one of the most noteworthy galleries in the history of Grayson County receiving the Best of Texoma award 4 years in succession. Over 55 visual art exhibits including numerous artist demonstrations have been presented at the MK Gallery which have included international and nationally known artists as well as emerging artists from Grayson College and Southeastern University.

The MK Gallery now represents over 30 artists with art in a wide variety of media including oil, acrylic and watercolor paintings, Indian rock art paintings, ceramics, wood and metal sculptures, wood turned items, encaustics, gourd art, jewelry and photographic art. Ms. Karam has hosted and participated in numerous photography shows and most recently was juried into 3 notable shows in Oklahoma: The Seven-State Biennial Show, the Great Plains Show and the Goddard Exhibit. Recently, Ms. Karam was awarded a unique award from the Denison Main Street Program for her “2015 Outstanding Representation of the Arts Community” in large part because of her participation in a new community event, Doc Holliday, Saints & Sinners Festival. Under Karam’s direction as President, the Denison Art Council developed a very successful Dia de Los Muertos Festival which includes a Giant Puppet Parade, authentic music and dancing, art demonstrations, a Mercado as well as many activities for youngsters. Not only did this receive Main Street’s Best New Event Award, this fall will be the fifth year for this popular event. Ms. Karam has served on several community boards and still serves on the Main Street Advisory Board, Planning and Zoning, and the Denison Neighborhood Association committee.

Ms. Karam has juried shows at the Magnolia Festival, Grayson College, and the Goddard Center. Ms. Karam’s background in academy includes a BA in Education from the University of Arizona and a MS in the Teaching of Mathematics and Sciences from the University of Texas at Dallas. While working at the math lab in the late 80’s at Brookhaven College in Dallas, Ms. Karam signed up for Photography 101 and 102 including dark room experience forming the bedrock of her photography career.  About a year ago, what started as a novelty during vacations and fitness walks, Ms. Karam’s use of Snapseed and Aviary Apps coupled with Photoshop and large format printing has launched her into many avenues of creativity she never imagined during those old dark room days in 1989! This interest has led to numerous one-on-one sessions and workshops with friends and groups.

Ms. Karam was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, raised on an orange grove in Orange County, California and has spent most of her adult life in Texas. Dallas, Texas was home base for many years before moving to Grayson County. She also spent 9 years living overseas in Japan, Singapore and Australia from 1971 to 1981. She has visited all 50 states as well as numerous countries. Ms. Karam has 3 daughters, two of whom live in Texas and one in North Carolina.

The presentation is free for VAST Members; $3 for guests.