About the Artist
Kari Wagner is an accomplished painter based in the Twin Cities. Her artwork has been featured in several venues, including:
- Courage Cards & Gifts Catalog in 1999 and 2006
- Rise, Inc. holiday cards in 2004 and 2005
- Annual Sister Kenney Institute Art Show
- Special art exhibit for artists with disabilities sponsored by The Minneapolis Foundation in 2005
- Several local churches
- Hennepin County Government Center in 2006 and 2009
Kari’s artwork has also been featured on many family greeting cards and specially designed wedding invitations for family members and close friends.
All of these honors would be an amazing accomplishment for any artist, but, for Kari, they are especially meaningful.
Kari was born with cerebral palsy, a physical disability caused by a lack of oxygen to the brain. As a result, Kari can’t hold a paint brush with her 
hands. Instead, she uses a special piece of adaptive equipment that fits on her head and holds the paint brush for her. Thus her head movements dictate her brushstrokes.
Kari expressed an interest in art at a young age… she would color for hours! Later, Kari worked with an art therapist at Courage Center to explore different mediums. Painting was the natural fit. “It was difficult for me at first,” she conveys. “But I found that, with patience, I could effectively express my thoughts and emotions through painting.”
Due to her cerebral palsy, Kari is unable to speak. She has a special computerized communication device that assists her in communicating with others, and it also enables her to work as a data entry clerk.
Her art gives her another way to express her creativity, her feelings, and, most importantly, her faith.
“Since I am unable to speak, painting is the most effective way to express my inner self,” she recently shared.
Comments!
Keri, I am a fellow artist who just needed to tell you that I am so impressed with your art-work! It leaves me speechless! You know that their are artists who do not have physical disabilities,myself included, that will never be able to convey feeling in their artwork like you do. You are an inspiration to all artists! Keep up the beautiful work. ~John
Auntie Kari,
You are very good at painting. I hope I get to see soon. I think you are amazing and wonderful. I love you!!
Kari,
I enjoyed meeting you at the reception at Travelers. I viewed your work, and later viewed the paintings on your website. I was impressed, inspired and awed, my favorite is Wading in Emotions.
Best wishes
Hey Stranger! We haven’t seen you in too long. Time flies when you have three little boys growing up! I do like to keep up to date on your artwork and I am always so inspired by your talent. Carissa and I are well and she says hello, the boyos are keeping her busy! Tell your mum and dad hello from the Tyler clan!
Dear Kari,
My daughter , Diane, surprised me with your “Girl Of The Field “as a Christmas gift. We matted and framed it. A medum blue mat with an 8th of an inch red mat in an oak frame and placed it above an oak cabinet. It is gorgeous. I so admire your work.
I know your DAd from Fraser where I formerly worked and he shared many of your paintings with me. I am so pleased to have it hanging in my home.
Thank You, Kari, especially for painting this one. I wish you much success with your amazing career.
God Bless You.
Elaine Hanneman
Kari -
What a priviledge to know you! You have become a fabulous artist and wonderful ambassador for individuals with disabilities.
Continue with your journey that brings joy and inspiration to all.
Fondly,
Your former teacher,
Kathy Enselein
i saw your paintings on kstp web site. i i am so impressed with your art. great job and keep painting. i know how about CP, i have members in my family with it since birth also,i am going to share your story with them.
I just saw your story on KSTP and was driven to check out your website. Your work is amazing and truly inspirational. I work with high school kids with emotional/behavioral disorders who think that because of their disability that they cannot accomplish much in life. Your story indicates otherwise and I’m going to share it with my kids. I would love to purchase cards with your work on them. I will check your website often to see if they become available. Thanks for sharing your talent.
Kari:
We are so proud of the work that you have done!! You are an amazing young woman.
Hi Kari:
I finally have gotten on your website to see more of your artwork! I love all of your paintings. My favorite is “Blue Mountain Image.” It looks exactly like Glacier National Park! You have an amazing talent! I am so happy this website let’s you share your art with the world! Congratulations!
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