July 19 – 26, 2026
During her residency at the Art & Water Space, Karina will develop a series of charcoal drawings inspired by everyday experiences along the Mississippi River. Drawing from time spent birdwatching, walking local trails, paddling waterways, and gathering with friends in riverside landscapes, her work explores the connections between people, place, and the natural world.
Working in charcoal—a medium she values for its fluidity, delicacy, and organic qualities—Karina will create three to five large-scale drawings that reflect moments of wonder, reflection, and community experienced along the river. The resulting body of work will culminate in a public exhibition.
Originally from Naples, Florida, Karina’s recent move to the Upper Mississippi region has inspired a deep appreciation for the river and the communities it sustains. Through her work, she hopes to encourage others to reflect on their own relationship with the river and to foster a greater sense of connection, stewardship, and belonging within this shared landscape.
Karina Vivar-Cortes is a Mexican-American multi-disciplinary artist based in St. Paul. Their work is driven by a curiosity for depicting the complex beauty of the organic world, from animals and plants, to the human body itself. While they work in many mediums, they have developed a deep fondness for charcoal art, and sculptures made from found objects. These free-flowing and forgiving mediums have resulted in emotional, yet playful works of biomorphic art. Moving forward, they hope to incorporate their passion for social culture into their projects.
