A Gift of Art and Remembrance at Capitol Lakes

In April 2024, the Capitol Lakes Foundation was honored to receive a meaningful gift rooted in generosity, memory, and a lifelong devotion to art.

Following the passing of artist Karen Foget in 2023, her husband, Kaj Foget, hosted a special event offering numerous of her original paintings to friends as well as Capitol Lakes residents and employees. Rather than setting a fixed price, Kaj invited guests to make a free-will donation to the Capitol Lakes Foundation. His wish was that the funds support art and art programming at Capitol Lakes—initiatives that would have been meaningful to Karen.

Karen Foget was a gifted and deeply accomplished artist whose creative life spanned decades of painting, design, and education. She worked in book design and illustration, exhibited her artwork widely, and later devoted herself to teaching and exploring new forms of artistic expression. At Capitol Lakes, she also played an important role on the Art Committee, helping guide the community toward a richer presence of original artwork throughout its spaces.

Her vision helped shape a shift away from what she called “hotel art” and toward pieces that bring character, meaning, and inspiration into daily life.

The funds raised through Kaj’s 2024 event have since been thoughtfully used by the Capitol Lakes Art Committee to enhance the community’s art collection. Among the most notable additions is a painting by Lee Weiss, a late Madison watercolor artist described as a pioneer in her medium. This work completes a series of four pieces now displayed in Seasons, Capitol Lakes’ premier dining venue, creating a unified and visually engaging experience for residents and guests.

Together, these contributions reflect a shared commitment to the arts and a lasting legacy of creativity and care. They stand as a tribute to Karen Foget’s artistic vision and her belief in the power of art to enrich community life.