Wellard: Artist Peter Karis painted as he lived -- with passion
The late Peter Karis, the internationally recognized artist, has painted every morning in his studio and then spent every afternoon at the Karis Art Gallery for the last several decades. With his wife and partner, Maggie Karis, they oversaw the collection of his expressionistic, high colored signature paintings, and to the introduction of gallery visitors to the work of some 23 gallery associates.
"From the time we landed on this island, all of those years ago, Peter was welcomed into the art community, and in addition to the hours he spent creating his award winning highly collectible acrylic paintings, he dedicated his time to do what he could to contribute his artistic gifts to the community," said Maggie.
Through the years he curated and organized art shows, participated in fund-raising activities and, through the donation of his work to a long list of not-for-profit organizations, helped young, aspiring artists advance their artistic talents.
The paintings of Peter Karis are found in important private and corporate collections and in several museums throughout the country.
Sad news for all of us came early this year when we received the news of Peter's tragic passing.
"We had such a joyful union and partnership," said Maggie. Smiling she added, "2015 was Peter's most successful painting year, ever. He would have loved knowing that.
"Long before we moved to the island, Peter was known for his figurative paintings which were always his first love," said Maggie, " but according to him, the least understood! He painted them as he interpreted them, not as they seem to be."
Most of Karis figures were faceless or wore a mask. All contained a heart and he felt his best figures were couples in a loving embrace.
It was shortly after Karis arrived on Hilton Head that he began to expand his focus from figurative images to palm trees and flowers. Then live oaks, sailboats and waterways began to appear. He continued painting in new directions. But, clearly, his distinct figurative images kept alive the leit motif which his appreciators anticipated and which continued throughout his entire career.
Internationally Karis was highly regarded. He was one of three American artists selected to exhibit at the Gallery Roseg outside of St Moritz in Switzerland. In 2005 he was nominated for the Annual International Biennial of Contemporary Art in Florence, Italy. A Canadian album cover resulted in his being awarded the Canadian Juno Award, equivalent to a Grammy.
"There was no greater joy for him than to see people appreciate what he expressed from his soul on to the canvas," said Maggie.
Peter Karis grew up in New Jersey, received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Kent State University in 1964. He left painting for 15 years to establish a successful advertising firm and successfully ran his own agency for 40 years in Cleveland.
"For so many years Peter and I worked side by side 24/7 in all levels of art," said Maggie, who was a graphic artist and served as creative director for Karis Advertising.
He painted as he lived, passionately, from his heart and soul. His work lives on at the gallery Maggie continues to oversee. It thrives, flourishes, even, as she pulls from a proud inventory of Peter's work, and from the work of gallery associates.
Artist, musician, teacher and writer Nancy K. Wellard focuses on portraying and promoting the cultural arts, first in Los Angeles and, for close to 30 years, in the Lowcountry. Email her at nancykwellard@gmail.com.
Karis Art Gallery
Wexford Village, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
karis@karisartgallery.com or call 843-785-5100
The gallery also represents other local and regional artists-painters, photographers and jewelers:
Peter Max / painter / New York
Frank Grisdale / photography / Ontario
Linda Hartough / painter / South Carolina
David Wendel / painter / North Carolina
Elizabeth Holmes / photography / New York
Micky giradi / photography / South Carolina
Guido Petruzzi / oil painting / South Carolina
Genia Silver Trousdell / jewelry / South Carolina
J.K. Crum / painter / South Carolina
Meryl Truett / photography / Georgia
Karen Ollis Toula / photography / Georgia
Lauren Van Dyke / jewelry / South Carolina
Heather Geddie / jewelry / Alberta
Bill Littell / photographer / South Carolina
Inna Schoeler / fiber artist / Florida
Cameron Kruse / jewelry / Georgia
David Randell / painter / South Carolina
Chris Garnieweicz / jewelry / South Carolina
Linda Raih / jewelry
Amos Hummell / painter / South Carolina
Lane Palmisano / painter / South Carolina
Alice Dobbin / Painter / South Carolina
This story was originally published December 25, 2015 at 6:07 AM with the headline "Wellard: Artist Peter Karis painted as he lived -- with passion."