Featured Artist: Kara DeCarlo

Kara’s art journey started when she was able to hold a crayon, encouraged by the makers in her family. Despite getting the lowest possible score on the AP Art test, Kara graduated with a BA in Art and went on to work in museums for a few years.

After a relocation to Illinois, Kara spent a few years as a tattoo artist but left that line of work to go back to school for a masters degree in library & information science. Now she works during the day to promote literacy and spends her evenings and weekends making art.

Inspired by the natural world and the amazing diversity of cultures in Chicagoland, she hopes her artwork brings a little joy to your corner of the world. 

When Kara is not making art, you can find her exploring museums in Chicago, tending to her unruly garden, reading, or fostering kittens through the Humane Society.

You can follow her on instagram @karapaints or stop by her website karapaints.com