Gallery at Town Center presents Gale Johansen and Karen Leonard

The Gallery at Town Center presents

Gale Johansen and Karen Leonard

April 8 – May 17, 2014

The Gallery at Town Center is pleased to welcome two accomplished and talented artists to our walls in a beautiful, light and whimsical new show opening Tuesday, April 8:

Samuel and Babou become a couple despite the
obvious baggage
Art work by Gale Johansen

Gale Johansen’s one-of-a-kind creations have been described as “quirky”, “off-beat”, “witty”, “hilariously whimsical” and just plain fun. After completing her studies at The Burnley School of Professional Art and receiving her BFA in Printmaking at the UW, she took a hard left, forging her own path with undying passion. Gale’s work comes directly from her heart, by way of another universe. Her solo adventures in Africa, Nepal, Greece and Australia have infused her work with an eclectic, vivid style all her own. 

Gale’s view of the world is a bit askew, but it never fails to come through loud and clear. Her paintings are populated with mischievous characters, bold colors, dizzying patterns and textures, along with titles to entice the viewer to have a closer look. Staff at the Schack Art Center have commented that “Gale’s titles are as much a part of her artwork as the piece itself.”

MoonJelly by Karen Leonard

Karen Leonard’s silk paintings combine graphic design with bright luminous colors. Her subjects are joyful, soothing, humorous, and nostalgic. She delights in the unexpected details. General images take shape, then layer and build to the final image. Beginning with a blank white canvas of silk, she draws freehand onto the fabric. There is no eraser for either the lines or the colors. There is one opportunity to get it “right”, and therein lies the magic. By relinquishing the paralyzing fear the she will get it ‘wrong’, and accepting serendipitous gifts as they are presented on the silk, Karen frees herself to enjoy the drawing, and then the painting on of color. There is something unstudied and carefree in her work that brings a smile to the viewer and make these happy paintings.

Karen holds certificates in Graphic Design and has won awards at juried shows on both coasts. She is a silk painter, graphic designer, interior designer, artisan tile setter, quilter, silkscreen printer, and amateur photographer. She currently resides in the Pacific Northwest. 

The Gallery is located on the inside lower level of the Lake Lake Forest Park Town Center, 17171 Bothell Way NE, Lake Forest Park, WA 98155. Gallery hours are 12-5pm Tuesday - Saturday. Information on the gallery and other Arts Council programs here or call 206-417-4645 or email.

The Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to nurture all of the arts in the community through programs and events, arts education, advocacy, and support for artists and arts organizations. Proceeds from the Gallery at Town Center help fund these programs and events.