Karen Macha
Karen was born in Philadelphia, but spent her early childhood in Dublin, Ireland, where her parents served as missionaries. Her family returned to the States in 1992 residing just outside Philadelphia. Art was promoted in her home at a very early age through her mother’s talent in many mediums, especially watercolor. Karen (KJ) attended The Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City where she received her BFA in Accessories Design and Fabrication. It was there that she discovered her deep love for working among a community of artists. In particular, the unique engagement between those who create, even in the midst of the process, and how that can greatly influence your work and vice-versa.
She became excited about what God was doing in Cluj, Romania through the community of artists and intellectuals she met while on a WHM summer internship in 2006. That experience challenged her faith and art in a radical way. Since then, God has continued to put Romania on her heart through the relationships she has with those in Cluj.
After graduating in 2008 she returned to Philadelphia where she continues to create while working in a restaurant. She is learning what God’s faithfulness and goodness really means in the midst of a broken world. This has only propelled her further into the richness of her Father’s mysterious love, grace, and peace. She is excited to see what a life of dependence looks like for herself and the team in Cluj as they work among the Romanian-born Hungarian population.
DESIGNATION NUMBER: 50023
