Carmen Schaefer is an accomplished artist with an impressive educational background, holding both an MA in Art History and an MFA in Photography and Drawing. She studied under renowned artists Allan Kaprow at Stony Brook University, Henry Homes Smith at Indiana University and Arnold Gasson at Ohio University.
Born into a career Navy family, Carmen lived a life of constant travel and had no “home town”. This peripatetic and isolated upbringing has had a profound impact on her work.
Carmen’s photography has been exhibited both nationally and internationally, including at the Everson Museum in Syracuse, Alex Ferrone Gallery, Plymouth Centre for the Arts, Rhode Island Center for Photographic Arts, and Texas Photographic Society International Competition to name a few. She has also shown her photographs at PH21 Gallery in Budapest, Hungry.
In addition to photography, Carmen has exhibited her drawings at over 40 venues and galleries nationally and internationally, including the Rochester Memorial Art Gallery, Prince Street Gallery in NYC, The Center for Contemporary Art in NJ, The Ellington-White Contemporary, and First Street Gallery in NYC to name a few. She has also won numerous awards for her drawings, including the 33rd Bradley Print and Drawing Exhibition, the 29th International Drawing & Print Competitive Exhibition at Gormley Gallery Notre Dame of Maryland University, The 53rd Annual National Drawing & Small Sculpture Show in Texas, The Connecticut Academy of Fine Arts CAFA+ in 2021 and 2023 and the 2020 American Art award winner, 2023 American Art award winner, 2023 World Art award winner competing with artists from 62 countries.
Carmen’s artwork has been featured in Lake Affect magazine (cover), Along Magazine and Spotlight Contemporary Art Magazine. She is an elected member of the Connecticut Academy of Fine Art, a signature member of the Rochester Art Club, a member of Rochester Contemporary Art, a signature member of the National Association of Women Artists, and Member Artist Circle Arts.
She currently maintains a studio in Rochester, NY. Carmen’s unique perspective and upbringing have resulted in artwork that is deeply personal and thought-provoking. Her work can be found in many private collections.
Step into a serene garden scene with "The Last Happy Day," a captivating artwork that captures the essence of timelessness and nostalgia. This 32 x 24 piece, created with color pencil and water-based ink, showcases an old wooden chair nestled among vibrant greenery. The weathered chair, with its simple structure and aging wood, exudes a sense of tranquil abandonment, as if it has become a part of the lush vegetation surrounding it. The play of natural light and intricate detailing in the foliage create a peaceful and evocative atmosphere, inviting viewers to reflect on fleeting moments and cherished memories.
