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Kari Garon's artwork is deeply tied into her personal healing and growth; she calls it "a constant reflection of a pendulum of observation, empathy, coping, and more recently, empowerment."

As an adoptee raised in the suburbs who never felt completely connected, art has always served an important purpose, but her intention with her drawings go beyond herself.

"I've come to realize that I can validate others, letting them know that they are not alone through listening deeply and empathetically, and provide consistent support to move forward," says Garon.

Garon relies on art sales to pay some of her bills, something that's not possible due to the pandemic. She has made the most of her extra "free time," providing online teaching through UWM's Peck School of the Arts and regimented, scheduled time to draw daily.

"This frequency of art-making led me to finally open a location to acquire affordable artwork through my website, and also through Scout Gallery in Milwaukee," says Garon.

Garon's artwork is available for perusal and for sale here. She is also on Instagram.

"Drawing and art making has really become a practice that is deeply intertwined with setting intentions to move through moments of challenge and manifesting the ability for healing emotionally, institutionally, physically," says Garon. "I've always been very lucky to have my artwork."