When Karen Sako first set foot in The Empty Corner last Fall we were all transformed by her positive energy and enthusiasm for our space. Since Karen's work has been on display it has breathed life to us and everyone who has come by for a visit during the run of her exhibition. We love Karen. She is an incredibly talented painter, a supportive teacher and a ray of sunshine when we needed it most. Her paintings speak from her heart of a desire to explore the world and share her radiance through color and texture and light. 

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Karen's work is coming down at the end of January, and we are so sad to see this beautiful exhibition come to an end. We could not have asked for a more perfect first show in our new gallery. Throughout the run of "Above & Below" Karen hosted several events to compliment her show and further the culture of fine arts in Arlington Heights. Her critiques and conversations left a mark on us that we will joyfully carry moving forward as we continue to welcome artists into our creative space. 

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While we have loved living with Karen's paintings, we are sad to say that not one sold throughout the run of the exhibition. We feel like we have let down this incredibly talented local artist, but perhaps even worse we feel like Arlington Heights might just not be ready to support the fine arts. Our strongest desire is to change that. We want to live in a community that supports the arts fully, that celebrates beauty and quality and is willing to support local artists by investing in their work. 

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Karen's paintings would elevate any home, transform any business. Every painting that is on display at The Empty Corner is for sale – we want to give you one last opportunity to see these gorgeous paintings in person and consider purchasing one for yourself. Please join us on Thursday, January 26th at 7pm for a #closingreception in Karen's honor. It will be a beautiful night of art and wine and building new relationships. And as a token of our appreciation and our belief that Arlington Heights IS capable of being a community that supports local fine artists we are offering a FREE event rental ($750 value) to anyone who purchases one of Karen's original paintings. Consider it an investment in culture that is worth every penny.