By inspiring young artists to create, and connecting them with people who have walked this path before, we are forming a new legacy of connection through art.
Photo credit to Olivia Scarlett Karls for all artwork on this page
Photo Credit to Olivia Scarlett Karls for all artwork on this page
Why we do we do it?
The Karls family was touched by personal tragedy with the loss of their youngest daughter, Olivia Karls, in early 2024. A self-taught painter, her artistic vision was limitless, and she had the kind of creative eye so many of us dream of having. Her art was an expression of emotions that often had no other way out, and many of her pieces were not seen until after she passed.
To Olivia, her art was never quite finished. There was always more shading, blending, and touching up before it was done. Some days she would wake up and start all over, perhaps because she felt different than she had the day before. Her work offers a glimpse into the mind of a profoundly talented young artist who lived with mental illness most of her life.
Olivia's family saw how making art could change the way a person feels. It has the power to calm an anxious mind and steady the highs and lows. Each of Olivia's pieces is different from the last — a colorful chronology of her short time on earth.
To honor Olivia and young artists like her, the Karls family and Create Waunakee, Inc. established this program. It celebrates her creativity and carries it forward, with the hope that more young people will build lives full of art and community.
The world of art and creativity is deep and wide, but much of it is hidden from young creatives. The program helps young people ages 15 to 22 explore the many ways of being an artist, find their people, and see that there is more than one way to embrace an artistic life.
Building Community through Creativity
The Olivia Karls Mentorship Program (Artists 15-22) includes:
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Saturday Maker Spaces at Lyon Road Art. Open studio time to make art together, learn from working artists, and find community.
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Museum outreach. A closer look at the many people and roles that bring art into the world.
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Selling at the Waunakee Artisan Market. Explore being a professional artist by selling your work at WAM, in a private booth or with the student group.
WAM 2026 - Mini Masterpieces
Every 6x6 canvas sold at WAM supports the fund. Stop by the student tent to see this year's Harvest-themed work.