New art on display at library

There is a new display of art pieces on display at the Shafter Library and Learning Center, thanks to artist Karen Shuett. Shuett was a longtime teacher who has retired and is now focusing on her own art. Shuett's exhibition is titled Studies in Form.

Shuett, who has traveled the world and taught for two years in Japan, While there, Shuett was inspired by Japanese calligraphy (Shuji) in creating forms.

She said that she has been a longtime admirer of the style, fascinated with the work of Franz Kline, Paul Klee and Jackson Pollack.

"I love the simplicity of the monochromatic pallet and the contrasts that can be depicted in my creation of forms and patterns."

For years, Schuett has been expressing herself through her work as a jewelry designer. Her jewelry, utilizing freshwater pearls and natural gemstones, is on display at the Bakersfield Art Association.

She is now transitioning to paintings with expressions on canvas. Shuett retired after years as an elementary school teacher. She said that one of her pleasures in teaching was ensuring that her students were able to work on a variety of art projects when the focus on art as a part of education was being diminished.

The classroom was always filled with student artwork, which gave them great pride in their creations and allowed them to create a piece that did not have a right or wrong answer.

Shuett is a self-taught artist and enjoys exploring design.

Shuett said that she is excited to have her work on display here in Shafter.