Karen Johnson Boyd was born on May 16, 1924, in Racine, Wisconsin, to Herbert Fisk Johnson Jr. and Gertrude Brauner Johnson. She grew up in the family home, Wingspread, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.
Karen became known for her work as an art dealer and collector. She opened Perimeter Gallery in Chicago in 1982, focusing on craft and contemporary art. Her contributions to the Racine Art Museum were significant. She donated over 1,750 works and gave 200 more in 1991. She also helped design and fund the new museum building, which opened in 2003. The museum’s galleries are named in her honor.
Karen lived much of her life in Racine. She was married to Willard H. Keland from 1945 to 1965 and they had four children. They commissioned Frank Lloyd Wright to design Keland House in 1954. After their divorce, she continued to live there.
Karen also married William B. Boyd in 1982. She passed away on January 29, 2016, at the age of 91, at her home in Racine. Her legacy lives on through her contributions to the arts and her impact on the local community.
