Karen Karnes (November 17, 1925 – July 12, 2016) was an American ceramist, best known for her salt glazed, earth-toned stoneware ceramics.

Her garment worker parents were Russian and Polish Jewish immigrants, and the family lived in the Bronx Coops.

[4] After returning from Italy, Karnes began a graduate program at Alfred University, but left before completing her degree to work at Black Mountain College.

[5][4] While at Black Mountain College, Karnes and Weinrib became acquainted with Merce Cunningham and John Cage, and later lived with them at the Gate Hill Community.

With this clay, Karnes began making oven-top casserole dishes, a design she produced for over fifty years.

She received a graduate fellowship from Alfred University, and won a gold medal for the consummate craftsmanship from The American Craft Council.