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 painter 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 more than 35 years and more than150 portraits, Primarily Portraits continues to connect portrait artists with clients.  Spiro has relocated to the West Coast, expanding Primarily Portrait's reach throughout the U.S.

​

When she is not promoting the work of portrait artists, Spiro can be found in her own studio, painting old dining room chairs with themes inspired by art history. You can find her creations on her website: ARTisanal Chairs.