AVALON — In July, The Log had the pleasure of speaking with Karen King, owner and curator of Avalon art gallery, Afishinados, for our annual Catalina Island Special Edition. As the island prepares to celebrate her contributions to the art world and maritime culture, it’s our pleasure to remind readers of an event you won’t want to miss.
Karen King’s beloved Afishinados Gallery, tucked along Crescent Avenue on the waterfront side of The Metropole, is celebrating 20 years of nautical-inspired creativity, community support, and a deep love for the sea. To mark the milestone, the Gallery is hosting a special Art Show August 8 through 11, with a public reception at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 8. All are welcome to join the celebration.
Karen’s journey into the island’s art scene began two decades ago by supporting her husband, Capt. John King, and his Afishinado Charters business. She started creating T-shirts and capture flags featuring hand-drawn images of local sportfish like halibut, yellowtail, and calico bass. The gear quickly gained popularity, especially among island visitors and fishing enthusiasts, and Karen soon added children’s designs featuring Catalina icons like flying fish and garibaldi.
As her designs grew in popularity, so did her vision. Karen expanded the gallery’s offerings and began inviting local islanders — some of whom were plumbers, builders, and craftspeople by trade — to showcase their artistic talents. Today, Afishinados Gallery features an eclectic mix of works, including etched swordfish bills by Buck Lopez, intricate stone and wood carvings by Will Richards, and large-scale whale replicas made from reclaimed wood by JP. Karen has also found creative ways to repurpose island materials — such as crafting beach bags and totes from recycled banners that once advertised Catalina’s events.
While Karen still carves out time to create her own art, she often says her proudest creation is the gallery itself — a dynamic, ever-changing showcase of sculpture, jewelry, ceramics, woodwork, glass, and textiles that reflect both Catalina’s marine spirit and the creative soul of the island. “My nephew once joked that I should charge admission,” Karen said in an interview with the Catalina Islander. “But I’m just happy to share something with which people can connect.”
To thank the community and celebrate two decades of art and island life, the Afishinados Gallery will be offering a 20% discount on first purchases during the anniversary weekend. The August Art Show will serve as both a “thank you” and a tribute to the creative energy that’s shaped the gallery from its humble beginnings into one of Avalon’s most vibrant destinations for nautical and local art.
If you’ve never stopped by, this month is the perfect time to step into a gallery that feels like a living aquarium — overflowing with colors, textures, and stories of the sea. And for those who’ve already come to treasure it, the 20th anniversary celebration is a chance to raise a glass to an artist who’s given so much back to the island she calls home.
