Karin Lithell, karinlithell.se
Karin Lithell’s introduction to the neighborhood five years ago is quite a tale, involving a wide-open front door, Secret Service agents, and neighbors keeping an eye out for masked invaders (raccoons, not robbers).
Now the Swedish artist who has made her home in Forest Hills these last few years is returning to Sweden with her husband and children. And she is saying goodbye to neighbors with an exhibition of her work this Saturday, June 15th from 5 to 7 p.m.
The location? Another neighbor’s home. Or rather, Joff Masukawa’s garage/gallery at 2828 Brandywine Street.
Lithell has been working as an artist and educator at the Torpedo Factory, Pyramid Atlantics, National Portrait Gallery and the Swedish Embassy. The exhibit will showcase works from her time here in DC, including some pieces from her solo exhibition at the Art League at the Torpedo Factory.
Lithell has also been active in the neighborhood since her arrival. She hosted a couple of holiday bazaars featuring her work and that of other artists and artisans. She also opened her home for the 2016 Forest Hills Connection Art Walk, and sold her work at holiday popups organized by Van Ness Main Street.
She will miss her friends, the neighborhood and running through Rock Creek Park. And we will miss her.