About the Artist
Karyn Phares is a lifelong resident of Falmouth, working as an artist and local art teacher. Growing up and living on Cape Cod has provided a lifetime of inspirational memories and scenery that can often be seen in her artwork. Much of which is inspired by her mother’s gardens and local areas that she frequents. Her work specializes but is not limited to still life, landscapes, florals and abstracts.
The Journey
I have only ever thought of being an artist. But it has been a crooked path. When I was younger, I did not have the courage to pursue art as a career. I listened to people who cautioned me with words like “You don’t want to be a starving artist.” They might have been right, I don’t do a very good job networking, I don’t produce well under pressure and I am not one to paint what I think will sell. It seems pointless to paint or create if I am not doing it for the pure joy of it. I am great at that.
My earliest memories of art making are when I used to draw outside during recess in elementary school. My favorite subject was art….and penmanship. I used to draw most days at home as well. But I fell away from art making in my high school years, wishing I could be more like my super smart friends who all had bright futures to look forward to. I struggled in school. I was good at art, but every other class was difficult for me. I’m pretty sure the only reason I got into the University of Massachusetts in Amherst was because my mother discovered the Home Economics department needed to fill enrollment. She helped me apply as a Home Economics major and I got in. I was mortified by the idea of anyone knowing the major into which I was accepted. But I was very happy to be going away to college like my friends and told anyone who asked that I had not yet declared my major.
I had a wonderful time at UMASS and did not attend any classes in my major after failing statistics. Instead, I took every art class possible. I was finally approached by the head of the Art department who asked me what my plan was. I said I didn’t know, I just wanted to take art classes. He told me I should go to Massachusetts College of Art and he helped me put together a portfolio. To my surprise, I got in. Unfortunately, I majored in graphic design, because I thought it might be a way to “feed myself”. I hated graphic design and I was terrible at it. I wanted to paint. So, during my first year at MASSART, I enrolled in a painting elective. The teacher was terrifying and I left class before it was over, never to return. I graduated with a BFA in graphic design and stopped making art for almost ten years while I worked at jobs to pay rent, got married and had children.
Over the years, I would buy all manner of paint, brushes and other art supplies, but never use them because I thought I didn’t know how or thought I was somehow unworthy. I dabbled in my sketchbook until an artist friend said to me “GET OUT OF YOUR SKETCHBOOK!” I finally realized the only thing standing between me and my art making was me. Since then, I have been painting without a care for anything but what pleases me. It’s wonderful.
Karyn Phares
Born in 1965, Falmouth Massachusetts
Resides and works in Falmouth Massachusetts
Education
1986-1990 BFA, Massachusetts College of Art, Boston
Selected Exhibitions
2025 O.S.D. Wild Harbor Road Studio(solo exhibition), North Falmouth, MA [upcoming]
2024 Abstract Juried Exhibition, Falmouth Art Center, Herman Gallery (group exhibition) Falmouth MA.
2024 Summer Juried Exhibition, Falmouth Art Center, Herman Gallery (group exhibition) Falmouth MA.
2024 O.S.D. Wild Harbor Road Studio (solo exhibition), North Falmouth, MA
2024 Selfie, Falmouth Art Center, Herman Gallery (group exhibition) Falmouth MA.
2023 O.S.D Point Road Studio, (private viewing) North Falmouth, MA
2023 Petals, (solo exhibition) West Falmouth MA
2022 Juried Summer Show, Falmouth Art Center, Herman Gallery, (group exhibition) Falmouth MA.
Collections:
Karyn Phares features in various private collections nationwide.
Press/News:
Husband of Falmouth’s Heart Rock Lady Hauls Good Vibes - Cape Cod Wave
Falmouth Art Teacher Spreading Joy with Hundreds of Painted Rocks - fun107.com
Community:
2006 - present Art teacher, grade 8, Falmouth Public Schools
2023 Instructor: Summer Studio, Acrylic Painting, ages 14 - 16 years
2023 Instructor: Open Studio, ages 14 - 16 years
2022 Instructor: Summer Studio, Watercolor Explorations, ages 12 - 14 years
2022 Instructor: Summer Studio, Advanced Watercolor Exploration, ages 12 - 14 years
Contact Details
Karyn Phares
32 Wild Harbor Road
North Falmouth MA 02556
Website: www.karynphares.com
Email: info@karynphares.com
Phone: 774 392 2820