Santa Claus, snowmen & angels inspire Freehold Township artist

Karen Mackiel of Freehold Township is a self-taught artist who knew from the time she was a child that she had an inner talent. She has spent her life honing that artistic skill.

An exhibit of Mackiel’s art is on display until the end of the year in the main foyer of the Monmouth County Library Headquarters, 125 Symmes Drive, Manalapan.

Mackiel paints Santa Claus because he is happy; snowmen because they are a sign of winter and full of glee; and angels because they are full of hope. Her paintings are shown in a variety of frames and sizes.

Mackiel has exhibited and sold her works at craft shows throughout New Jersey, but likes the exposure at the library because of the number of people who can visit the building.

Her works, in colored pencil, acrylics, graphite or watercolor, include smiling Santas in black and white or in color; snowmen on miniature skis; and angels close up and at a distance.

Mackiel’s husband, Robert, who has a white beard and mustache, has sat as his wife’s Santa Claus model on occasions when she “wants to get the smile just so.” More often, he assists in setting up the art exhibit.

“I like to use my imagination and express it on canvas, so paintings of popular figures in tradition and folklore are my favorite,” Mackiel said.

The Monmouth County Library displays the work and collections of local artists and collectors each month in cases in the foyer of the library.

“We have so much talent here in Monmouth County and so many of our residents have such interesting collections, I am delighted we have the opportunity to show off these things. It gives our library visitors one more thing to celebrate and appreciate about the library and gives our talented residents a chance to display their talents for others to enjoy,” Monmouth County Library Commission Chairman Renee Swartz said.