IN THE COUNTY LEGISLATURE OF JACKSON COUNTY, MISSOURI
Title
A RESOLUTION congratulating textile, teaching and performing artist Karen E. Griffin on her recognition as a 2025 Missouri Arts Awards recipient.
Intro
RESOLUTION NO. 21819, December 2, 2024
INTRODUCED BY Venessa Huskey, Jeanie Lauer, Megan L. Marshall, Jalen Anderson, Donna Peyton, Manuel Abarca IV, Charlie Franklin, DaRon McGee, and Sean E. Smith, County Legislators
Body
WHEREAS, Karen E. Griffin is a native of Kansas City, Missouri and a 1985 graduate of Lincoln Academy (renamed Lincoln College Preparatory Academy); and,
WHEREAS, Karen E. Griffin is a textile, teaching, and performing artist, as well as an art quilter and certified national and international storyteller; and,
WHEREAS, Griffin tells stories of African American experiences not only in her performances, but in her quilts, weaving in symbols and materials such as traditional African cotton; and,
WHEREAS, as a matter of practice, Griffin's creative process involves a journey of deep focus to conceive and frame her textile pieces, meticulously choosing patterns, and threads to weave her designs; and,
WHEREAS, since embarking on her career in the arts in 2019, Karen E. Griffin worked on her craft at The Bunker Center for the Arts until receiving her Artist Residency at the Englewood Arts Center in 2023; and,
WHEREAS, after the presentation of her first solo exhibition in 2020, Karen E. Griffin participated in 41 solo and group exhibitions, as well as 28 educational workshops, presentations and special events; and,
WHEREAS, Karen E. Griffin has been featured in numerous publications and reviews such as: Missouri Arts Council, KC Studio Magazine, The National Toy and Miniature Museum, Artistonish Magazine 30th Issue and others; and,
WHEREAS, since 1983, the Missouri Arts Awards have recognized 255 people, organizations, and communities throughout the state for their significant contributions to Missouri's artistic and cultura...
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