Semper Avanti! Remembering KK
Remembering Karen Koltonow
March 31, 1955 - July 20, 2024
(New DNA 2nd birthday November 19, 2005)
“My life is my art, my art is my life, and I live it every day and it goes beyond the clay.”
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Karen Koltonow, a beloved teacher and integral part of our community art studio for over 30 years. Known to most as KK, she was an empathetic and curious individual who always pushed boundaries and encouraged her students to do the same.
She began her formal art career with a degree in Painting and Ceramics from Franconia College in New Hampshire. KK discovered the Sharon Art Studio in 1985, and began teaching in1990 utilizing an approach of wonderment at the mysteries of clay. InNovember of 2003 she was diagnosed with leukemia and other unusual blood diseases that eventually put her on the road to a bone marrow transplant on November 19, 2005, a date she referred to as her New DNA 2nd Birthday (deserving of an annual celebration). For over 20 years KK battled cancer and the side effects from various treatments. Ultimately, the cancer returned to her mouth with no more treatment options. She passed away on July 20, 2024.
A true risk-taker, KK's unapologetic spirit and unwavering dedication to the arts left an indelible mark on all who knew her. She took no bullshit and lived her life with a boldness that made us sit up and pay attention. KK's legacy will continue to live on through her students and the countless lives she touched. More information on upcoming celebrations of KK's life will be announced as plans are finalized. Please also take a moment to learn more about KK and her involvement in Art for Recovery, a UCSF non-profit providing a safe environment for cancer and HIV/AIDs patients to creatively express the intense feelings that arise in their diagnosis.
“Observing without evaluating is the highest form of human intelligence.”
—J. Krishnamurti
Do you have more memories and/or photos you'd like to share with the community? Email nicki@sharonartstudio.org. Thank you.
KK's spirit of encouraging students to push boundaries and explore creative arts made a real difference. Exploring creative game design and open projects like Pixel Dungeon Online always reminds me of that same curiosity and dedication.
Karen Koltonow's dedication to teaching and artistic curiosity left such an enduring impact. Exploring creative design and community-driven projects like Pixel Dungeon Online always reminds me of the beauty of open creativity and dedicated passion.
Such a touching tribute to Karen Koltonow. Her passion for creativity and art education inspired so many students over the years. Engaging young minds through creative design and building is wonderful, much like learning through スクラッチマイクラ. KK's legacy at the Sharon Art Studio will surely endure.
Such an inspiring tribute and beautiful legacy of dedication to learning and creative practice. KK's approach reminds us how important consistent daily study is in any journey, just as preparing for new milestones with G1 Practice requires focus and perseverance. Thank you for sharing these touching memories.
Such an inspiring tribute and beautiful legacy of dedication to learning and creative practice. KK's approach reminds us how important consistent daily study is in any journey, just as preparing for new milestones with G1 Practice requires focus and perseverance. Thank you for sharing these touching memories.