About the Artist, Karen Jean Matsko Hood

Karen Jean Matsko Hood began her artistry as a novice, but has now developed a style all her own. Her art exhibits a unique fashion as well as a visual style that is filled with both empathy and purpose. She is a meticulous craftsman and combines her work with compassion. Hood has always loved children and is devoted to their needs. It is only natural that she would channel her efforts to include children’s art. 

Hood draws from personal and spiritual themes. She also reminds us of the importance of our links with nature and the environment in our daily lives. Hood is passionate both as a feminist and as an active children’s rights advocate. She also works to encourage literacy for all ages. Her art carries the urgency and outrage of current social injustice and inequality. The recurring theme in Hood’s work is to provide a voice for those whose struggles cannot be heard.

Hood’s blend of traditionalism and modernism brings a current freshness and poignancy to her own poetic voice. She is versatile in her art style and is able to incorporate a wide range of themes and topics.

Hood was born and raised in Great Falls, Montana. As an undergraduate she attended the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph, Minnesota and St. John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota. She also attended the University of Great Falls in Montana for an interim class. Hood received a B.S. Degree in Natural Science and minored in both Psychology and Secondary Education from the College of St. Benedict. After graduating, Karen and her husband taught science and math on the island of St. Croix in the US Virgin Islands.  Hood also completed postgraduate classes at the University of Iowa, in Iowa City, Iowa. In May 2001, she completed her Master’s Degree in Pastoral Ministry at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington. She has also taken post-graduate classes at Lewis and Clark College on the North Idaho College campus in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Hood is currently working on research projects to complete her Ph.D. in Leadership Studies at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington.

Along with her husband and twelve children, Hood currently resides in Greenacres, Washington. Her interests include writing, teaching, and volunteering as a court advocate in the juvenile court system for abused and neglected children. Hood also is a literacy advocate for youth and adults. Her hobbies include cooking, baking, photography, raising Icelandic Horses, Icelandic Sheepdogs, bishon frise, cockapoos, and rescue cats. Hood also enjoys indoor and greenhouse gardening, and cultivating unusual flowering plants and orchids. Hood also spends time observing hummingbirds and other bird-watching activities. Hood finds all aspects of nature precious and demonstrates a passionate appreciation of the environment and a respect for all life.