Karen Spiro founded Primarily Portraits in Philadelphia in 1990, dedicated to promoting artists' work in galleries. With degrees in Art History and Fine Arts, she developed marketing strategies to connect artists with curators, most notably producing a show for Bo Bartlett that led to a significant gallery partnership. In addition to her work as a curator, Spiro is an artist herself, known for transforming solitary chairs into art pieces adorned with paintings by renowned artists. 

 

After nearly 35 years and 150 portraits, Primarily Portraits continues to connect portrait artists with clients and has now relocated to California, expanding its reach throughout the U.S. When she is not promoting the work of portrait artists, Spiro can be found in her studio, painting lonely chairs with themes inspired by art history. You can find her creations on Etsy under the name ARTisanal Chairs.