The Untold Story Of Karen Pence's 2017 Inauguration: A Bold Blue Statement And Her Legacy Of Art Therapy
The 2017 Presidential Inauguration was a moment of profound transition, not just for the nation, but for Karen Pence, who stepped into the role of Second Lady of the United States. As of December 2025, the details surrounding her arrival in Washington D.C. remain a fascinating study in personal style, political patronage, and the quiet launch of a significant public platform.
The entire inaugural period, from the swearing-in ceremony to the evening balls, served as her official introduction to the world stage. Far from being a mere spectator, Mrs. Pence used the high-profile events to champion American craftsmanship and subtly signal the focus of her upcoming work, creating a lasting image that was both traditional and uniquely personal.
Karen Pence: A Complete Profile and Biography
Karen Sue Pence (née Batten) is an American educator, artist, and public figure who served as the Second Lady of the United States from 2017 to 2021. Her public life has been defined by her commitment to teaching, the arts, and supporting military families.
- Full Name: Karen Sue Pence (née Batten)
- Born: January 1, 1957 (Age 68 as of current date)
- Hometown: Broad Ripple, Indianapolis, Indiana
- Spouse: Mike Pence (Married 1985)
- Children: Michael, Charlotte, and Audrey Pence
- Education: Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Elementary Education from Butler University
- Career Highlights: Schoolteacher for over 25 years, award-winning watercolor artist, First Lady of Indiana (2013–2017), and Second Lady of the United States (2017–2021).
- Signature Initiative: Promotion and advancement of Art Therapy, particularly for military service members and veterans.
- Post-White House Work: Continues to work as a keynote speaker and launched the Hummingbird Charitable Foundation.
The Bold Blue Gown: A 'Hoosier' Statement at the Inaugural Ball
One of the most anticipated aspects of any inauguration is the fashion, and Karen Pence’s choice for the 2017 Inaugural Ball was a deliberate nod to her roots. While First Lady Melania Trump chose a gown by designer Hervé Pierre, Mrs. Pence opted for a deeply personal and patriotic statement.
Choosing Local: The Indiana Connection
Instead of turning to a major New York or European fashion house, Karen Pence commissioned a group of six Indianapolis women to create her gown and the dress for her daughter, Charlotte Pence. This decision immediately drew attention for its focus on local, American, and "Hoosier" craftsmanship, aligning with the populist themes of the incoming administration.
The dressmakers operated out of a small boutique called "Something Wonderful" in Broad Ripple, a neighborhood in Indianapolis. They were sworn to secrecy, adding an air of mystery and excitement to the reveal.
The 'Bold Blue' Inaugural Ball Gown
The resulting attire was a striking, full-length Bold Blue Inaugural Ball Gown. The vibrant blue color—often associated with loyalty, strength, and trust—provided a powerful visual contrast to the more classic, white gown worn by Melania Trump. The style was described as traditional and modest, featuring long sleeves and a flowing silhouette, reflecting Mrs. Pence’s personal aesthetic.
The gown was worn to the three major inaugural balls that evening, including the Armed Services Ball and the Freedom Ball, where she and Vice President Mike Pence shared a dance with members of the military. This choice of attire became a symbolic representation of her commitment to supporting local communities and American workers, a theme she carried throughout her time as Second Lady.
From Inauguration to Initiative: Championing Art Therapy
The inauguration was the gateway to Karen Pence defining her public role. Unlike some Second Ladies who juggle multiple causes, Mrs. Pence chose a highly focused and deeply personal initiative: the promotion and advancement of Art Therapy.
The 'Healing with the HeART' Initiative
Her signature initiative was titled Healing with the HeART. This platform sought to elevate the profession of art therapy, emphasizing its importance as a legitimate mental health treatment facilitated by professional, credentialed art therapists.
Mrs. Pence, herself an accomplished watercolor artist who studied art at Butler University, used her platform to advocate for the therapeutic benefits of art.
Supporting Servicemembers and Veterans
A major focus of her work was directed toward the U.S. military community. She partnered extensively with the Creative Forces Military Healing Arts Network, a joint initiative involving the National Endowment for the Arts and the Department of Defense. This network provides art and music therapy services to wounded service members and veterans, particularly those dealing with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).
Her work involved numerous roundtables, visits to military bases, and public addresses, including highlighting mental health awareness at sites like Clingmans Dome in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, emphasizing the connection between nature, art, and well-being.
Karen Pence's Post-Inauguration Life and Current Focus (2025)
Since the end of the Trump-Pence administration in January 2021, Karen Pence has maintained a public profile centered on her core values of education, faith, and support for veterans. Her current activities provide a fresh context to her 2017 debut.
The Hummingbird Charitable Foundation
In a significant post-White House step, Mrs. Pence launched the Hummingbird Charitable Foundation. The foundation’s mission is to support various causes, with an early focus on veteran-focused charities. This work directly extends the advocacy she began with the Creative Forces Network during her time as Second Lady.
Public Speaking and the Arts
Today, Karen Pence is an active keynote speaker, sharing her experiences as a Second Lady, a mother, and an educator. She continues to paint, often creating watercolor pieces of historical buildings and landscapes, further cementing her identity as an artist who believes in the power of creative expression. Her life post-inauguration demonstrates a consistent commitment to the causes she introduced to the public during the high-profile events of 2017.
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