Karen ‘Afishinados’ King is celebrating 20 years of supporting local artists at her Afishinados Gallery on Crescent Avenue (waterfront side of The Metropole). The celebration includes an Art Show August 8-11 with a reception to be held at 7 p.m. on the first day of the show (Aug. 8). All are invited to join the fun.
Karen started out supporting husband, Capt. John’s Afishinado Charters business by making capture flags and T- Shirts depicting local sportfish such as Halibut, Yellowtail and Calico Bass. These became so popular that Karen added more species and more sizes. Her Flying Fish and Garibaldi designs for kids became top sellers.
Her success allowed her to open a larger storefront and began to attract works from local plumbers and builders moonlighting as artists. The Gallery now hosts the work of many islanders including etched Swordfish Bills by Buck Lopez, stone and wood carvings by Will Richards, large scale wooden replicas of whales from reclaimed wood by JP and a line of beach bags and totes crafted from the discarded banners that announce upcoming events at the island.
Although Karen still tries to find time to produce her own art, her most cherished creation is the Gallery itself; an ever-changing aquarium of sculpture, jewelry, ceramics, wood, glass, steel and fabric creations that delight visitors. Her nephew once suggested she should charge visitors to tour the Gallery.
If you haven’t found the time to stop in, August will be a big month as the shop celebrates its 20th Anniversary with a an Art Sale and Show as well as offering a 20% discount on your first purchase in the Gallery. Be ready to be amazed.