#InTheLoop | Queens Painter Displays Her Award-Winning Art

A Queens painter has just received a prestigious art award and she’s celebrating with — what else? — an exhibition.

Karen Fitzgerald will host an Open House in her Long Island City studio on Aug. 6 (noon to 8:30 pm) and Aug. 7 (11 am to 8:30 pm) as part of the award program.

The Woodside resident will display round, gilded tondo paintings with an initial layer of Venetian plaster that recall works from the Italian Renaissance, when gold rings marked sacred qualities. Produced during the pandemic, they offer a profound experience when viewed in person.

Admission to the Open House is free. The studio is located on the second floor of the building at 31-51 12th St. (Pandemic best practices will be observed. Pop-up opportunities such as raffles and short-term discounts will occur.)

Fitzgerald has exhibited around the United States, including at Queens Museum, Madison Art Museum, and Milwaukee Art Museum. She’s also done several large commissions in the World’s Borough, including 28 round panels at PS 239 in Ridgewood and a 28’ x 56’ exterior mural for PS 193 in Whitestone.

She recently won $5,000 through the City Artist Corps Grants program.

Images: Karen Fitzgerald