Oyster Point Gallery Exhibition: Megan Karlen
July 11 - September 1
The Oyster Point Gallery presents the work of Megan Karlen, with guest curator Kathleen Karlen Keating overseeing this exhibit.
Megan Karlen spent her summers in Wellfleet, Massachusetts, on Cape Cod, which is 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.
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 across the nation.
Never resting on her laurels, Karlen explored themes in clay and 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.” We will be showing early oils and images alongside woven abstractions.
The exhibition opens with a cocktail reception on Friday, July 11th, from 6-8 p.m. and runs through September 1, 2025