Karen McGarry, PhD, MFA, wrote her dissertation on "Making Reflection Real," using arts-based reflection to enhance reflective dispositions with preservice art education teachers. She has worked as an artist educator in elementary, secondary, and higher education capacities in Michigan, Ohio, and California. In addition to keeping a studio practice for visual artmaking informed by arts-based research practices, McGarry is an Assistant Professor at Oakland University, MI. Her roles include Art Education methods instruction, teaching for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access, and teaching Art Foundations in OU’s school of Art & Art History.

Art and education are entwined in my personal and professional practice. Sharing creative experiences with others opens an environment for teaching and learning. Process and discovery are central to both my own art making and my educational interests. My goal is to make works that contribute an authentic and relevant voice within the dialogue of art through connected, considered, and generative thinking, learning, and creative practices.