The Times Square Photography Project: 1995 - 1998

In 1995, Karen began teaching photography at a supportive-housing Single-Room-Occupancy (SRO) hotel called The Times Square.

The residents ranged from indigent, mentally ill, disabled and others just needing a place to live as they pursued life in New York City.

She found that the residents used photography as a creative outlet and a kind of art therapy, turning their lenses most often to scenes of beauty and self-expression.

Karen was taken by their work. She wanted to share it -- widely. She then wrote a grant to display their photographs on the New York City subway system -- for millions to enjoy.

This experience not only established Karen as a teacher, but as a curator, interested in bringing other people’s work -- often overlooked populations -- to the public.

The images are her student’s work.