Karen Josephson
Karen Josephson’s life is full of art.
Susan Suppe, executive director of the Tabor Community Arts Center, where Josephson (BA ‘68) directs youth theatrical productions, describes her as “passionate and driven to communicate in a vast variety of ways.”
In addition to acting and directing, Josephson’s artistic interests span everything from writing to culinary arts.
“All of the arts enchant and teach me,” she said. “Arts are ambiguous. They can reach beyond words and our minds to inform us about our humanity.”
Josephson’s passion for art began at a young age.
“Polio consumed my body when I was six,” she said. “The doctor recommended dancing lessons as physical therapy, so that was probably the beginning.”
Her parents supported and inspired her as well. They let her hang art she checked out from the public library in the family home.
Her parents were both deaf and the experience of growing up with them in a bilingual household led to yet another unique entry into the art world. She toured with the National Theater of the Deaf first as an interpreter and later as an actor. She’s now building on that experience and connection in a writing project.
“I am part of the deaf community and am currently writing a play about the days when Martha’s Vineyard was almost 50 percent
| Hawkeye Pie | |
Crust In a bowl blend together all the ingredients with your hands or a fork. Pat onto the bottom and sides of a nine-inch pie plate. Bake 14-18 minutes at 350 degrees. Sprinkle the chocolate chips on the hot crust, and let stand 5 minutes. Spread the melted chocolate. |
Filling ½ Cup Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips 6 Large Bananas, peeled and sliced ¼ Cup Bottled Apricot Preserves, warmed 1 Cup Heavy Cream 1½ Tablespoons Sugar 1½ Tablespoons Rum In a bowl toss together the bananas and the preserves, and pile into the crust.In a small bowl beat together the cream, sugar and rum until soft peaks are formed. Spoon on to the bananas. Serves six to eight. |
| Jalapeno Killer Dip | |
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If you were only to make one cheese dip for the rest of your life, this is it. When Dotty and Robert came to visit us after we moved from Boston’s South Shore she brought this dish. She said it was all the rage in Boston. That was long ago, and it is still all the rage at our house. We are not allowed at potluck tapas parties without it. If there happens to be any left over, spread it on bread and put it in the toaster oven or under the broiler. 10 Ounces Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Diced 1 Tablespoon Oil from the Peppers In a small casserole dish mix together the cheeses and peppers. Drizzle with the oil. Bake 40-45 minutes at 275 degrees. Serve with crackers or pita toasts. Yields two cups. |
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deaf,” she said.
Family bonds inspired another of Josephson’s recent artistic endeavors. After her daughter-in-law requested family recipes, Josephson realized she had many to share.
“I love to read recipes, adapt them, let them challenge and delight me,” she said. “Creating recipes is also fun.”
Josephson, who along with her husband of 41 years, decided to turn her daughter-in-law’s request into a larger project and put together a cookbook to preserve family recipes and memories. The book, Seasons of a Family Table was initially meant for just a small number of family and friends. It’s now in its fourth printing.
“I have been astounded,” Josephson said.
Josephson went on to earn a master’s degree with a focus in the performing arts from Wesleyan University in Middletown, Conn. She also earned a master’s and Ph.D. in theology and the performing arts in Berkeley, Calif.
Currently, Josephson is an adjunct professor at Sacred Heart University, Southern Connecticut State University’s Graduate Institute of Storytelling and the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, California. She has worked with the Tabor Community Arts Center in Branford, Conn., since 2001 and is currently director of youth theater there.
When asked how and why she manages to fit all of these artistic and educational experiences into her busy life, Josephson’s answer is simple: “Why not?”
She said creating art and sharing it with others allows her to expand her mind, open doors, and make connections.
Suppe, of The Tabor Community Arts Center, said Josephson has a special gift for reaching her students and young actors and a special way of communicating.
“Karen always has an observation to make and a story to tell,” Suppe said. “She thinks deeply about her students and the world around them. She is a keen observer, which fuels her artistry and teaching.”
