Inspiring Conversations with Katie Karelson of Mason Fine Art and Events

Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Karelson.

Hi Katie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Mason Fine Art opened as “Modern Primitive Gallery” over 30 years ago in the Virginia Highlands. Starting as a folk art focused gallery. We have shifted and changed into, now, Mason Fine Art in Miami circle. My parents Mark and Kim Karelson are folk art collectors turned historians. I was raised in the gallery and have been learning about art my entire life. I worked for the gallery on and off since I was a little kid. My first jobs in art were magic erasing the walls after openings and sweeping the floors. I bounced around post college, working for various textile companies as well as an art consulting firm. I formally joined my family business in 2024. An opening at Mason presented itself and I was ready for my next step. I learned during my time at the consulting firm that I loved placing art, purveying art and finding the perfect work for our clients, which I am lucky enough to get to do for Mason Fine Art.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Like many business that do not sell products that are essential to survival, the art business is susceptible to economic cycles. This being said, things are trending in a good direction for me. This business is tough and I believe that I have gotten tougher because of it. I am grateful for the challenging days and weeks. It makes the easy ones sweeter.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Mason Fine Art is located at 761-D Miami Circle NE.
We are an art gallery and event space open for the public free of charge. We specialize in art that conveys emotion and meaning beyond simple decoration. We as a gallery, want to be known for recognizing great talent and facilitating the exposure of that talent to the public. We love meeting new people and showing people new work. I personally am enjoying working with beginning collectors. We love what we do and we care for and believe in the artists we show. We are not boxed in with who we show and what kind of medium we are drawn to. Which makes the experience of working with us and acquiring art personal and organic. Everything we show we respect and want to be viewed and experienced by the public.

Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Please email Katie at katie@masonfineartandevents.com for any art placing needs as well as, for event questions.

We are open Tuesday – Friday 11am-5pm.
Mondays By appointment.
Saturdays 12pm-5pm.
Please feel free to stop by— I most likely will be the first face you see.

Pricing:

• katie@masonfineartandevents.com for pricing.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://masonfineartandevents.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/masonfineart/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-karelson