Gallerie Karon—A Landmark for New and Inspiring Art

The Railroad District’s Gallerie Karon (500 A Street at the corner of 4th and A) is celebrating its 17th anniversary, and the landmark art gallery has exciting plans for the months ahead.

Owner Karen Wasser keeps things fresh with shows that change monthly, each showcasing the work of one or more of the 32 local and regional artists represented by the gallery. “Our eclectic mix showcases artists from Oregon, Washington, and California,” says Karen. “We keep our artists’ work available at all times, so visitors and locals can see more work by artists they’ve bought before.”

The gallery’s artists produce works in every type of media—oils, watercolor and acrylic paintings; photography; sculpture, and jewelry. There is also Native American and African art and a menagerie of handmade dolls and animals.

The gallery space is divided into three sections that include the original Gallerie Karon, the Gallerie Menagerie, and the latest addition, “The Feathered Wing.” This new space features two rooms, one filled with furniture in period vignettes, the other a striking collection of Asian furniture, antiquities and icons.
Karen came to Ashland with a strong background in art and business. An artist from an early age, she attended Reed College and the University of Washington, worked in her family’s furniture business and ran her own interior design company. She moved here in 2002 to be near her parents and opened Gallerie Karon. She continued to work in mixed media, photography, and jewelry-making, as well as writing and poetry.

In fact, the gallery’s April exhibit is “Artist as Poet,” featuring artists who create in multiple forms.
Sarah Bronson, Karen’s long-time gallery assistant, wears many hats and collaborates and helps with hanging exhibits, creating ads, research and photography. She also maintains all the websites and webpages.”

Gallerie Karon often combines exhibits with samplings of local wines, foods and music, especially on First Friday. They will also be an active participant in the “Taste of Ashland” on April 27-28, collaborating with Cuckoo’s Nest Cellars and Callahan’s Mountain Lodge. Both Sarah and Karen agree that, no matter what you’re looking for, a visit to Gallerie Karon will surprise and delight you.

“We’re quirky and you never know what you’ll find!” Karen claims. “Come help us celebrate our 17th year!”
Gallerie Karon is closed Sun-Mon and open 11-5 the rest of the week. For info, call 541-482-9008. A website, galleriekaron.com, is coming soon.