Santa Monica based artist Karen Fiorito has been thrust into the public eye after creating a politically charged billboard in Arizona featuring President Donald Trump alongside Swastikas.

Fiorito, is a vegan artist who received her M.F.A. in Printmaking from Arizona State University and a B.F.A. in Printmaking from the University of the Arts in Pennsylvania. She has been featured in many publications such as The Huffington Post, LA Weekly, Art in America, Seattle Weekly, and in many books.  Additionally, her art has been displayed in over 100 exhibits throughout the word.

She is an artist who, according to her website, believes that “all beings are worthy of our compassion and love and that humans can evolve in order for this to become a reality.”  Saying that “through [her] art, [she] strive[s] to make the viewer to feel as [she does]: that all beings are sacred and magical,” and her latest piece is just a different take on these same values.

However, whenever someone makes a strong political statement like this, there is bound to be some mixed responses. The artwork has received a very strong emotional response. The artist told CBS that while she has received, “tons and tons of positive feedback”  others “have said they will come and get [her] or that [she] should be sleeping with a gun under neither [her] pillow.”

In today’s extremely divided political climate where people are speaking up more and more with their contrasting views, it is no surprise how much controversy this billboard has caused.  She took to Twitter to share her thoughts a few days ago.

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Then, today she shared a Washington post article on her Twitter, insisting that as long as President Trump is here to stay, so too is her artwork.

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Saturday, March 18th marks the 11th Annual Airport ArtWark in Santa Monica.  It takes place in one of Los Angeles’ oldest operating airfields and boasts nine converted airport hangers into places of artistic freedom.  So get ready for a day filled with art, ceramics, theater, live music, and even get your fill of grub for the day from one of the food trucks.

The event is free of charge to the public and allows for a behind the scenes look into an artists life.  See the artists, see their studios, and see their art. Venture into ARENA 1 to see an exhibit called Woman look Out highlighting female artists who look out for others.  If theater is more your scene, the Ruskin Group Theater will be preforming and offering improvisation workshops for kids. 

Don’t worry, even if you’re not that into art, you can head off to the Museum of Flying.  The museum will explore the history of flight through interactive exhibits.  Want a break?  Step out and into the Airport Avenue Demonstration Gardens that boast sustainable landscapes that can be used for home gardens.

The Santa Monica Artwork takes place at 3026 Airport Ave and runs from 12 to 5 p.m.