Bio & Artist Statement

Karen Colangelo was born and raised and currently lives in Mississauga Ontario, Canada.  Her  Father was an Accountant and her Mother was a Watercolour Artist.   She picked up her first brush and started painting at the age of nine.  Karen knew then, that she wanted to be a Fine Artist later in life.

Throughout her artistic career, Karen has created vibrant, colourful and powerful works of art.  She prefers to paint in acrylics and water-soluble oils.  She has a unique way of combining colour, texture, movement and lines in her painting style.   Although self-taught since she was young, Karen received her Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Design from Ryerson University in Toronto, Ontario.   Soon after, Karen was employed in the field for seventeen years and was focused primarily on the Restaurant & Hospitality Industry.  While employed she created numerous works of art for a very prominent client base.  Karen’s drive and passion for creating works of art were very prominent so she decided to leave the interior design field and focus on her painting full-time.  

For fourteen years, Karen also volunteered as a visiting Artist at elementary schools within her community.  Her vision, still holds today;  “I want to inspire young minds in the visual arts which are so important to the development of our youth today.”   Karen created several classes that she taught at local schools.  Students had the opportunity to express themselves on a small canvas or given materials with paint and receive encouragement and support to express their artistic creativity in their classroom setting.  She teaches the same classes in her Art Studio, KCP Art Studio in Port Credit, Mississauga Ontario.

Karen’s main objective now as a full-time Contemporary Fine Artist; is to create works that inspire and leave a lasting impression on her clients.  As a studio owner, she wants to encourage those who sign up for classes or workshops to ignite and reveal their inner artist.

ARTIST STATEMENT

I am very honoured and completely humbled to have been nominated and to receive the Artist of the Year Award for the 6th Annual Ward 1 Excellence Awards, presented by Ward 1 Councillor Stephen Dasko.

Ceremony was held October 23, 2025 at the newly renovated Carmen Corbasson Community Center.

Artist of The Year Award

The Artist of the Year Award celebrates an individual whose artistic talent, creativity, and dedication have made a significant impact in our community through the arts. Nominees should demonstrate not only artistic excellence, but also a commitment to sharing their work in ways that inspire, engage, or uplift others in Ward 1.  Whether through performance, exhibitions, teaching, or community involvement, this award honours artists whose work enriches the cultural life of our neighbourhoods.

Let’s celebrate the creatives who bring colour, rhythm, and soul to our community. This award seeks to recognize:

– exceptional performances or composition

– pieces that captivate audiences with their talent

– artistic expression and creativity

Thank you to Ward 1 Councillor Stephen Dasko