About the Studio
Like many artists, Karen began her practice at home, working between a garage and spare room before eventually outgrowing both. In 2021, she and her team moved into a dedicated 1,000-square-foot studio on her property, creating the space needed to produce larger works and welcome collectors and clients into the process.
As the scale of Karen’s work and commissions continued to grow, so did the need for a larger studio. Today, Karen Hawkins Studio operates from a studio and showroom in East Austin, providing space for the team to create, develop large-scale installations, and collaborate with designers, architects, collectors, and clients.
The move to East Austin also opened the studio to a more collaborative way of working. Karen began inviting artists from different disciplines into the studio to create limited, one-of-a-kind bodies of work that bring their individual practices together. These collaborations culminate in exhibitions and events at the studio, creating an opportunity to introduce new work while bringing artists, collectors, designers, and the broader Austin community together.
The studio offers a closer look at Karen’s work and the processes behind it, from materials and works in progress to completed sculptures and installations. Private studio visits are available by appointment for those interested in viewing available work, discussing a commission, or exploring a potential collaboration.
Karen is drawn to books not simply due to the written words found on each page but rather the perfect construction maintained over centuries past. So often, books become objects of acquisition, sitting on shelves to be shown off or referenced, made obsolete by the passing of time.
About the Artist
Karen Hawkins is a contemporary sculptor based in Austin, Texas. A graduate of The University of Texas, she is best known for transforming books and paper ephemera into sculptural works that preserve stories, memories, and personal histories.
Her practice spans sculptural wall pieces, suspended installations, and large-scale site-specific commissions for residential, commercial, and hospitality spaces. Karen regularly collaborates with architects, interior designers, and private collectors to create custom works that are deeply personal and thoughtfully integrated into their environments.
Her work has been exhibited in galleries and private collections across the United States and has been featured in collaborations with leading design firms including Fern Santini, Kasey McCarty Interior Design, Michael Hsu Office of Architecture, Ryan Street Architects, and Studio Seiders.
Beyond her artistic career, Karen’s greatest passion is her family. She cherishes time spent with her husband, Rick, their five children, and five grandchildren. Known for her kindness, compassion, and playful sense of humor, she brings warmth and creativity to every aspect of her life. A true 70s chick at heart, Karen embraces the era’s carefree spirit, infusing both her work and personal style with its bold and vibrant energy.
Meet Karen’s Team
Melissa is the Studio Director of Karen Hawkins Studio, where she bridges the gap between artistic vision and business strategy. An Austin native and Karen’s youngest daughter, Melissa holds a bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York.
Melissa plays a vital role in ensuring the studio’s continued growth and success. She oversees all operations, marketing, and production while managing client and gallery relationships, ensuring a seamless experience from commission to installation. Her strategic leadership has strengthened the studio’s branding, optimized efficiency, and expanded its national presence, making Karen Hawkins Studio a model for sustainability in the arts.
A rare and indispensable force in the art world, Melissa combines business acumen with a deep respect for the creative process. Her ability to balance structure with artistic freedom allows both the studio and its artist to thrive.
Melissa Fabbio, Studio Director
Sasha is the Production Manager at Karen Hawkins Studio, leading the art production team with precision, creativity, and a keen eye for detail. She first joined the studio as a part-time Art Production Assistant and, through her dedication and expertise, has grown into a pivotal leadership role over the past three years.
A native Austinite and a Psychology major at The University of Texas, Sasha blends analytical thinking with artistic expertise to ensure efficiency and excellence in every project. As the head of production, she plays a vital role in maintaining quality and innovation, keeping the studio running smoothly.
Sasha Najera, Production Manager
Melonie Carson, Art Production & Studio Assistant
Melonie joins the team as Art Production & Studio Assistant at Karen Hawkins Studio, where she works in the studio daily to support both the creative and operational needs of the practice. Collaborating closely with Karen, she plays an integral role in the production of each piece while also managing the day-to-day studio tasks that keep everything running smoothly.
An Austin native, Melonie has always been deeply connected to the local arts community, with a passion for championing fellow artists—especially women in the field. She holds a BA in Psychology from The University of Texas and has experience in leadership roles that span customer service, nonprofit partnerships, and retail operations. However, her true passion lies in the creative process, whether she’s assisting in the production of large-scale artwork or experimenting with her own painting, photography, and design projects.
Alexa Zimmermann, Art Production Assistant
Alexa is the newest member of the team, joining as an Art Production Assistant. Assisting Karen in bringing her visions to life, Alexa aids the ideation and production process of the studio. With a background in publishing and gallery work, she is accustomed to wearing multiple hats and functioning in a collaborative environment, conducting the same level of attentiveness in the studio.
Raised in San Antonio, Texas, Alexa’s passion for art was cultivated from the city’s culturally enriching museums. Alexa holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art and Art History from the University of Texas, where she refined her painting, printmaking, and photography practice. Through assisting in creating large-scale installations, her love for art is fueled by our team and the creative environment of the studio.
Elyse Kusse, Pink Bow Project, Board Member
Elyse is a founding board member of The Pink Bow Project, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded by artist Karen Hawkins. While she no longer works directly with the studio, Elyse continues to lead the operational and strategic efforts behind the project. With the immersive multimedia installation already complete, Elyse now focuses on building out the board, developing partnerships, leading fundraising initiatives, and coordinating the installation’s travel to universities across the country. Her work is central to advancing the mission of The Pink Bow Project: to raise awareness about childhood sexual abuse and create inclusive, healing spaces where survivors can find community and access meaningful resources through the power of art.