Meet the Creatives: Karen Walsh on community and collaboration at The Station
Step inside Wagga’s newest creative hub, The Station, and you’ll feel it – energy, possibility, and the low hum of ideas coming to life. It’s not just a space; it’s a spark. And at the heart of it all are the artists who are shaping what this place will become. Meet Karen Walsh: artist, educator, and a creative about to embrace The Station as a workshop venue.
Karen Walsh has been part of Wagga’s arts fabric for decades – teaching, making, exhibiting, and building up the local scene. So, when The Station Creative Workspace opened its doors, she was curious. And after stepping inside, she was hooked.
“I like the airiness of the space. I like the brightness. I like the fact that it's an old building that has been renovated,” Karen said. “It’s fun for an artist to have that space to create and think.”
Karen was initially drawn to The Station for its potential as a workshop and exhibition venue. But what really resonated was the community vibe. “It gives a choice for people to come together, gather and be involved with other artists. If they want to collaborate, the building and the people there give them a community to build on.”
She’s hosting a sold-out workshop at the space this June and credits the ERA team with making the experience seamless. “Ashleigh and the staff were really good – approachable, informative and supportive,” she said. “They helped with bookings, advertising and made it easy to get started.”
Karen is most excited by regional artists having a new and much-needed springboard for possibilities. “Now regional artists have a gallery space – and they’re not charging anybody. That’s amazing. It shows people what's possible.”
For her, The Station is about more than individual success – it’s about collective growth. “It’s not about competition; it’s about supporting the same industry,” she said. “Networking and coming together – that’s what keeps the arts alive.”
Keep an eye on The Station Creative Workspace – there’s more to come, and it’s artists like Karen who are leading the way.
Come see the possibilities for yourself.
www.easternriverinaarts.org.au/events/station-launch
