Karen Herpich was born and raised in Waukegan, Illinois where she was influenced by the beauty and excitement of Lake Michigan.

She graduated from Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kansas with a BFA in Art Education and later earned a degree in Graphic Design from Amarillo College, Amarillo, Texas.

She has been an elementary art consultant to the Salina (KS) Public schools, taught middle school art in Herington, Kansas.

After moving to Texas in 1980, she served as staff artist for the Texas Panhandle Library System, and was a graphic designer for Amarillo College. She now works from her studio and gallery, Sunny Side Up in Amarillo.