As Founder and CEO of Adventures in Art, Karen Stone Talwar has successfully combined her two passions: travel and art. Karen has extensive knowledge of the modern and contemporary art scene with her years of experience and education at some of the most prestigious institutions and galleries. Over the course of her career spanning over 25 years, she has had many different roles in art consultancy, luxury brand development as well as high end travel planning. Her eye and natural instinct for art and culture play a strong role in shaping the company.
Karen was the first International Managing Director of Christie’s Travel and successfully executed tours in association with Abercrombie and Kent such as the Jewels of London, Art Basel, Indian Art Fair and JAR NY. As Gallery Director of Bodhi Art in New York, Karen set the stage for Bodhi Art to be a strong player in the art scene in New York and across the globe. Previously Karen also worked closely with Sotheby’s and Asia Society. Her passion for travel dates back to her early trips as a child. Every summer her parents would take her to various parts of the world on education explorations. By the age of 18, she had seen 32 countries, including Jordan, Iran, Egypt, Russia, Turkey, Hungary, Poland and most of Europe. After graduating from Skidmore College followed by further studies at the Sotheby’s Institute, a career in art was the natural next step.
Karen is highly meticulous and ‘experience-driven’ which has allowed her to successfully craft personalized tours for her clients to India, Hong Kong, Russia, Italy, France and Switzerland. Memorable signature moments include: Breakfast at Tiffany’s in New York; Tea with Maharani in Jaipur; Dinner at the palace with Princess Esra in Hyderabad; Private dinner at the tower of London for a jewels showing; Sir Anthony Gormley’s studio visit in London; Third row seats center Bolshoi ballet in Petersburg and a Workshop hosted by Luca Buccellati in Milan. Her audience has included corporate groups, collectors, artists, and patrons and trustees of leading museum.
Growing up we traveled internationally and I went to many museums as child. It was crystalized when I was an undergrad at Skidmore College and took my first art history course. I feel blessed to have lived in major metro cities such as New York, London, Boston and Paris where one socially visits museums and galleries.
For me it is to go to a luxury spa so I can decompress from one of my very exciting adventures and get some time to reflect - California, the English countryside or the Caribbean.
Australia, Sri Lanka, Argentina and I still haven’t been to New Orleans.
My Lorenz Baumer crystal and gem ring.
A Mark Rothko painting and if you want me to be fictitious then the Hope Diamond
My Mac air computer that I guard with my life (last thing I do before my trip is to back it up and leave the drive at home so it can be mailed to me asap). Stacks of magazines that I have not had a chance to read, make-up, my jewelry, change of clothes and a soft luxurious shawl. As well as all sorts of chargers for the different countries and a second phone.
I just purchased a Frederico Munari sofa and chair set circa 1950 at the Masterpiece Art Fair in London.
My grandmother’s $20 gold piece which she gave me when I was young. Being instrumental in raising me I feel close to her and my Italian roots when I wear the coin.
When I was a little girl, I loved playing with my mother’s jewelry. Each Christmas, my dad would select a piece of jewelry for each of his daughters.