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Mrs. Karen Allen Middle School Art Teacher Family Information: I have been married to Jim for almost 18 years. We have 3 children here at St. Joseph Elementary: Ian, Brett, and Rachel. I was born at Flaget Hospital. Education: I attended St. Joe, Bethlehem, Spalding University, and U. of L. I received a BS in Fine Arts with a concentration in Interior Design. Growing up I was very active in 4-H and received many awards, especially in sewing. I have been (substitute) teaching for 4 years at St. Joseph and the Bardstown School System. I am a Kentucky Certified Substitute Teacher and have many hours of training for special needs children. Favorite hobby: My favorite hobby right now is painting. I also like to read. Favorite sport: I like to watch my kids play soccer and basketball. Favorite color: Red. Favorite animal: Horses because they are so graceful and free when running. Favorite TV shows: House and Biggest Loser Strangest job: I worked as a maid at Hagan Townhouse Motel one summer. It was an eye-opening experience. Favorite vacation: We took the kids on a houseboat trip a couple of years ago. We swam, fished, kayaked and tubed all week. Favorite childhood memory: Playing badminton in the summer most nights with my family. What you like to do on a snow day: We have all the neighborhood/family over to sleigh ride on our hill. We make soup/chili and make a party of it. Something about you: I have been involved with art most of my life in one form or another. My great, great-grandmother was an artist, who taught at Nazareth College, so I guess it is in my genes. Positive influence on you: Phyllis Passafuime was a great influence in college. She really challenged me to go further with my art. More personally, Mrs Phillips was a very positive influence and my favorite teacher of all time. Also, Mary Crum Spalding for her advice and guidance in taking this position. What you like best about teaching art: I like working with students who give an honest effort. They may not be the most talented artist, but everyone has an artist inside waiting to express themselves, if they will just let it. I tell them that you need to practice art. It's like anything else, the more you try...the better you get. Favorite quote: "Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up." Pablo Picasso |