April 2026

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Catch it Before it's Gone!

Villagers visiting the April art show at the Village office were treated to two quite different but equally exciting experiences. Brilliant colors and graphic geometrical and whimsical animals by Villager Karla Field immediately caught the eye, while arresting cartoons and anatomical drawings by Keiran Highsmith excited the imagination. Different paths, but both were drawn to art from early on.

Villager Karla Field was able to follow a career in art. Fascination with the psychedelics of Peter Maxx and a degree in illustration at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena led her to 21 years with Mattel and Hasbro as Senior Product Designer Manager. She enjoyed the challenge of quite diverse assignments, such as developing advertising campaigns for Disney Princess figures. When Karla retired, she expected the usual feeling of relief followed by the question of filling all the open time slots; she found even more available time, compliments of COVID. Her artistic horizons expanded. She filled her space with brilliantly colored, felted whimsical animals. From striking black and white designs - characterized by her as “just doodles” - she moved on to primary colors and graphics reminiscent of the’60s, producing unique cards as seen at the Village Christmas sale. Now she is developing 3D pieces highlighting her many skills. Presently she is continuing to develop her sketchbook.  As she describes her process:  one thing just leads to another.  She keeps her sketchbook handy as ideas come: from black and white doodles to complex iterated designs to color to 3D: her horizon continues to expand. She shares her joy of iteration. Who knows where her “just doodles” will lead next? Tune in.

Commenting on the show, Anne Regan-Smith and Gary Smith said, “We found Karla’s work to be a delightful blend of amazing talent and charming whimsey.” Betty Ann Jansson was inspired to say, “I was just fascinated by Karla’s art!  She is so talented.  I’ve known Karla for a while but had no idea what an amazing talent she has.  I especially enjoyed hearing about her years as a toy designer."

Staff member Kieran Highsmith, known for her baking prowess, was pointed toward art from grade school, though it was during high school that she began to focus on building her skills. After high school, she attended Pacific Northwest College of Art with a major in animation and visual development. then turned to figuring out how to support her avocation.  Her solution for now is baking and working at the Village. These activities allow her time to continue her artistic projects. Fascinated by graphic novels - as are many in the younger generation- she is developing “Terminality,” her own web-based graphic novel. She provided some tantalizing pages. Her anatomical drawings are exceptional, reminiscent of Michelangelo’s (presumably without the cadavers). Kieran is skilled in line drawing cartoons as well as full color illustration.  Other examples in the show demonstrate her broad artistic skills and mastery of color. 

“What impressed me the most about Kieran’s presentation was her story of art school through her work in the present,” commented Villager Bill Bing. “I was impressed with her talent and her dedication to her art.  Her willingness to share so much with all of us was wonderful."

At a reception in late April, Villagers had the opportunity to celebrate and enjoy Karla’s colorful world and share Kieran’s graphic novel development as well as hear firsthand about their experiences.

The show will stay up through the end of June. Be sure to check it out!