Lifestyle - Folks

Karen Mobley

- Josh Smith Photo.

Hometown: Wyoming
Place of Residence: Spokane
Occupation: Arts Director, City of Spokane

As a painter, poet, and arts administrator, Karen Mobley is a friend to artists of all genres.

Through her position as Spokane's arts director, she manages the city's public art program, the Chase Gallery at City Hall, and programs such as First Friday and the Arts Tour. She also serves as a resource, connecting artists and the public with a variety of organizations, advocating for the arts, and working on the details.

"I have a lot of opportunities to meet other artists and talk to people about what they're doing, and I feel like there's a pretty rich, engaging culture" in the Spokane region, Mobley says.

The Wyoming native has a bachelor of fine arts degree in interdisciplinary arts and a master of fine arts degree in painting.

A 14-year Spokane resident, Mobley has been active with the Washington State Arts Alliance, the Davenport Arts District, the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture's art committee, and Rotary 21. In 2000, she received the YWCA of Spokane Woman of Achievement Award in Arts and Culture.

The arts community in the Spokane region is at an "interesting and transformative" stage, she says. "I think there are a lot of younger artists or arts-interested persons … who are doing things to change the landscape," she says. "There's a lot of fresh young energy, probably more so than any time since I've been in Spokane."

She calls these grassroots efforts, which include literary readings and contemporary art displays, embryos of future arts organizations and activities.

"These are very interesting times," Mobley says. "I'm kind of excited about the new work I'm seeing, visual artists and others. The creative isn't being lost. The challenge is having enough venues."

And access to arts events is easy. "You can scoot around in the Northwest pretty easily and see a play in Coeur d'Alene one night then a concert at the Northern Quest Casino the next night," she says.