Karla Bloem said she's honored to be recognized, even if it does feel somewhat awkward. 1:35 pm, Mar. 10, 2021 × Karla Bloem is the executive director of the International Owl Center in Houston, Minn. Bloem is pictured with Piper, an American barn owl, at the center on Thursday, March 4, 2021, in Houston. (Joe Ahlquist / jahlquist@postbulletin.com) HOUSTON — Karla Bloem had to take her own advice. Bloem, executive director of the International Owl Center in Houston, Minn., was honored with a special achievement award from the World Owl Hall of Fame. Bloem established the Hall of Fame after the International Owl Festival (which she also established) met with success and began drawing owl experts from around the world.