Savage-Blue has been an art educator for more than 30 years, and works within multiple mediums. Savage-Blue grew up in Duluth, Minnesota, and earned her Bachelor's Degree in Art Education K-12 from UMD's College of Fine Arts, now the College of Arts, Humanities, & Social Sciences (CAHSS) in 1993. She is an enrolled member of the Fond du Lac Ojibwe tribe.
According to the ARAC's website, the award recognizes an individual artist whose body of work has made a significant contribution to the arts over an extended period of time, reflecting the legacy of George Morrison.
Savage-Blue's work has been featured in many state, regional, and national exhibitions, as well as in local and national publications.
According to her website; "Karen’s paintings explore themes of internal reflection, identifying with nature, and exposing transitions from human to natural forms. She also depicts nature in its raw form, creating a platform where thoughts and emotions overcome the tendency to decipher meaning. It is art to be seen, felt and listened to."
Savage-Blue was selected as the winner of the 2025 George Morrison Artist Award by a committee of community members. ARAC says "awardees have each demonstrated immense creativity, leadership, and commitment to their craft. They are an inspiration to other artists, arts advocates, educators, and innovators in our region."
“I love creating and teaching art. I remember telling my teachers in grade school that I wanted to be an artist and that has never changed,” Savage-Blue said in an interview with ARAC. “I guess its safe to say that a person can become good at whatever they put their mind to but also whatever you put your time, talent, heart and soul into. I look forward to doing my art, it's what I have come to depend on to bring me joy and contentment. It's nice to know that I can reach that with the touch of a brush or palette knife.”