For the month of December, SALT Gallery (830 Fleming St., www.saltislandprovisions.com) will feature “Mystical Entities”, a new collection of unique mixed media sculptures by local artist and Captain Karen Luknis. To celebrate the opening of the show, SALT will be hosting an opening reception at the gallery from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 1st.

Karen is a self-taught artist who has lived in Key West since 1990. In 2014, she was the First Place Winner in Mixed Media at “From a Woman’s Hand,” a juried showing at the Frangipani Gallery in Key West. Karen was also the recipient of an artist grant from The Ann McKee Artist Foundation in 2015. After the success of her Ann McKee show at The Studios of Key West, the Customs House Museum in Key West added one of Karen’s pieces to their permanent collection – a great honor for an artist living and working in Key West.

Karen’s mixed media sculptures are made with vintage tin games, industrial wooden molds, doll heads and parts from the ‘30s and ‘40s, wooden cheese boxes, mirrors, and various metal and wood objects. “I like the look and feel of vintage objects,” she describes. “They are rugged and show wear and tear from being in existence for so long. Their imperfections reveal an inner beauty that cannot be contrived or duplicated – the look only comes from being real. They have, like myself, stood the test of time.”

Karen’s work is a whimsical collection of vintage artifacts and ephemera combined and arranged artfully, each with a unique character of its own. “My artwork is a metaphorical representation of my inner and outer life experiences,” Karen says.

            “Karen’s works are dark, deep, whimsical, and fun – everything we look for in the art we exhibit at SALT,” says gallery owner Laura Richardson. “They really make you confront the concept of time in a way that forces you to reflect nostalgically on your own memories. There is a commonality to Karen’s work that allows the viewer not only insight into Karen’s thought process but also allows them to see glimpses of herself in each piece. We’re very excited to have Karen show at SALT!”

SALT Gallery features an eclectic collection of local art, local sea salts, jewelry, pottery, wine, and Florida Keys honey. Gallery owners Maria Sharpe and Laura Richardson feature a new artist each month at SALT. Judi’s work will remain on display until Dec. 31st. For more information, call 305.517.6088 or visit www.saltislandprovisions.com.