Where Creativity Meets Craftsmanship
Explore a world where imagination and skill converge to create stunning pieces of art that inspire and captivate.
About Kazzy Studio
Hi, I’m Karen Nowodzelski, the artist and founder behind Kazzy Studio — a creative space where imagination meets craftsmanship. My work spans ceramics, painting, crafting and large-scale embroidery, combining fine art techniques with modern production to create pieces that are both meaningful and meticulously made.
At Kazzy Studio, I believe art should tell a story — whether it’s a personalized embroidered design, a customized sash, or a large-scale installation that brings a big vision to life. I pour creativity and care into every project, no matter the size.
Over the years, I’ve had the honor of working with incredible clients like Disney, the U.S. Department of Defense, and various military bases and recruitment centers. Those experiences shaped my approach to detail, quality, and collaboration — and inspire me to bring that same dedication to every piece I create.
Kazzy Studio is more than a business — it’s a reflection of my passion for art, storytelling, and craftsmanship. Whether you’re dreaming up a one-of-a-kind gift or planning something on a grand scale, I’d love to help you make it real.
Nothing is impossible — if you can dream it, I can make it.
Karen Nowodzelski
Karen Nowodzelski is a multidisciplinary artist and creative professional whose work bridges the worlds of fine art, technology, and large-scale production. Karen brings together over two decades of experience in ceramics, painting, embroidery, and digital design to create innovative and meaningful works that span from intimate handmade pieces to major commissioned projects.
Karen holds a Bachelor’s degree in Studio Art – Ceramics from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, where she developed her foundation in sculpture, surface design, and material experimentation. Currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Information Science and Technology, she continues to expand her practice into the intersection of art, design, and emerging digital tools — including cyber forensics, digital fabrication, and creative technology education.
Professional Journey
2024 - Present
Lead Artist
Kazzy Studio
Overseeing creative projects and managing the studio’s artistic direction, focusing on personalized items and one of a kind projects
2025 - 2026
Graduate Teaching Assistant
University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee
Teaching assistant for Professor Khaled Sabha at University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee in the School of Information Science department.
2025
Creative Technology Summer youth camp Lead Instructor
University of Wisconsin – Parkside
- University of Wisconsin Parkside Creative Technology Summer Youth Camp teacher for ages 11-14
- Turnkey training provided through Black Rocket
- Classes: Esports Apprentice: Streamers and Gamers, YouTube Fx Shorts, Python Programmers
- Virtual Reality: The future is now, Beats and Jams: Digital music creators, A.I. Adventures – into machine learning.
2023 - 2025
Substitute teacher
Greater Milwaukee Area
- Substitute Teacher in the Greater Milwaukee Area working at public, Title I and charter schools
- Short- and long-term sub roles with a focus in Math and Art, special education and paraprofessional experience.
- Experience working with K4-12th grades and managed classrooms up to 36 students including students with special needs.
- Used computers, audio-visual aids, and other equipment to supplement presentations
- Experienced in curriculum development, lesson planning, attended professional development, proctored exams, grading, recorded attendance and grades in PowerSchool.
2022 - 2024
Embroidery Machine Operator
Greater Milwaukee Area
- Operated and maintained multi-needle embroidery machines, troubleshooting their computer technical issues and enhanced production processes to increase efficiency and reduce error rates
- Utilized advanced scanning and digitizing software to import, prepare, and optimize embroidery designs, ensuring precise thread positioning and high-quality stitch patterns for complex projects.
- Project management experience working with Disney for new samples, projects and reorders on previous products.
- Produced large scale embroidery for flags with government contracts for The Department of Defense, commercial and custom orders. Embroidered clothes for school uniform company averaging 20-40 units per hour.
- Organized database, records and system for production. Cleared a year backlog of over $1 Million in 6 months while improving quality and efficiency.
- Experienced with Tajima, SWF and ZSK commercial embroidery machines operating systems and mechanical repairs.
2005 - 2022
Line cook / Sous Chef
Greater Milwaukee Area
- Worked all stations of the line, on and off site catering as well as front of the house experience
- Promoted and moved from line cook/lead to management position – Sous chef.
- Three years management experience overseeing staff of 6-12 members directly under me.
- Oversaw the start and completion of banquets and private parties ensuring customer satisfaction and presentation. When on the line ensured that
- Experienced in vendor management, maintaining inventory levels and anticipating restaurant needs, onboarding new staff into system, managing and creating schedules, data entry, and reconciling invoices.
- Familiar with operating several POS systems, adding and modifying items and adding new users.
Education
2026
2022
MASTER’S DEGREE | Information Science and Technology | UW – Milwaukee
BACHELOR’S DEGREE | Studio Art – Ceramics | UW – Milwaukee
Awards
2025
FIRST RUNNER UP | 52 Annual Juried Exhibition | Union Art Gallery | Milwaukee, WI
2014
BEST OF SHOW | Juried student Exhibition | Crossman Gallery | Whitewater, WI
2005
BEST OF SCHOOL | Capital Conference | Madison, WI
Exhibitions & Experience
2025
52nd Annual Juried show, Union Art Gallery, UW – Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI
2024
Group exhibit – Transitions, UWM at Waukesha Library, UW – Waukesha, Waukesha, WI
2024
Scholar in Residence | UW Waukesha Field Station | UW – Milwaukee at Waukesha
2024
Group exhibit – New Year, New Work, Art Connective, Virtual Exhibit.
2024
Group exhibit – Movement, Art Connective, De Pere, WI
2022
Group exhibit – Figuratively Speaking, Art Connective, De Pere, WI
2022
BA Exhibition, Kenilworth Art Gallery, University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI
2021
48th Annual Juried show, Union Art Gallery – virtual, UW – Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI
2020
First Year Program Exhibition, Union Art Gallery, UW – Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI
2014
Juried Student Exhibition, Crossman Gallery, UW – Whitewater, Whitewater, WI
