Every Thursday, Evan Karr unpacks his supplies in the Print & Book Arts Studio and immerses himself in his art, creating colorful hand-drawn and painted postcards for family and friends.
Evan applies watercolors or markers to bring his postcard design to life.
Watching Evan carefully select colors and images for his latest creation, one is reminded of the power of art to connect us to each other, to our communities, and to ourselves.
For Evan, a BARN member and part of the Stephens House day program, which serves adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities from across Kitsap County, the Print & Book Arts Studio is more than just a workspace; it’s a gateway. Evan’s weekly studio time provides him a chance to meet other artists, develop his skills, and learn life lessons like “Taking your time, not rushing through things.” As he says, “You really want to be proud of your work.”
His advice to others who might be nervous about getting started? “There is nothing to worry about,” he says. “Tell them to take their time and try again.”
Evan and Matilda Jurdal Thulin share a moment of pride over his latest artistic creation.
Bainbridge Island Special Needs Foundation Executive Director Matilda Jurdal Thulin accompanied him on a recent Thursday as he carefully sketched and watercolored an avocado postcard to send to Jason Mraz. Evan met the pop singer-songwriter and organic farmer through his foundation’s partnership with Banding Together, a music therapy program that Evan attended for many years. It’s just one of several postcards he’ll make that day for friends and family across the United States.
The Print & Book Arts Studio has become a second home for Evan, offering a wealth of tools and techniques to explore. Evan’s artistic repertoire continues to grow – he’s recently begun block printing, a printing technique that involves carving an image or design into a block and then stamping it onto fabric or paper to transfer the ink, resulting in reproducible images. Next month, he plans on selling his postcards at the BARN Holiday Bazaar.
Evan’s postcards, traveling across cities and states, are more than just paper and ink; they’re bridges, built by hand and sent with love, linking hearts across the miles. His story is a testament to the power of creativity in fostering independence, building connections, and enriching lives.
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