About the Studio
Like many artists starting their careers, Karen’s art business began out of the garage and a spare room in her home. The space was perfectly functional at the time but she eventually outgrew her garage.
In 2021, Karen and her team moved into a new studio. The studio is a free standing, 1,000 square foot structure located on the grounds of her and her husband’s estate in central Austin. Karen’s designated studio has provided her and the team more space to create and the opportunity to host private studio tours.
Each piece of Karen’s artwork has a story embedded in it - stories that remain unknown with just a casual glance. Visiting the studio means having the chance to gain insight into Karen’s story and the history behind each piece.
If you are interested in visiting our studio, learn more about Karen’s work, or would like to collaborate on a project, please don't hesitate to contact us to schedule a private showing. We’re so looking forward to meeting you!
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 sculpture artist based in Austin. Texas. A fine arts graduate from The University of Texas, Karen has exhibited her work throughout Texas, as well as in California, Nevada, Oregon, Ohio, Louisiana, Colorado and North Carolina.
Her work, which varies from sculptural wall hangings to site-specific installations, can be found in private residences across the United States.
Additionally, Karen has commissioned works in the collections at The W Hotel, Kendra Scott, the Archer Hotel, Facebook, and Lumos Pharma Inc., all in Austin. As well as the Museum Tower Condominiums in Dallas and the Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton, Ohio.
When Karen isn’t in-studio, she can be found traveling with her husband, Rick, to their family farm in Baltimore, Ohio or spending quality time with their five children and four grandchildren.
Meet Karen’s Team
An Austin local and Karen’s youngest daughter, Melissa attended the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management. As Studio Director, Melissa oversees operations, marketing, and the art production schedule. Melissa worked to reboot the Karen Hawkins Studio business, focusing on efficiency and branding. She takes particular pride in providing motivation and support for the entire team.
Melissa Fabbio, Studio Director
Sasha Najera, Senior Art Production Assistant
Sasha grew up here in Austin and is currently attending The University of Texas where she is working towards a bachelor's degree in Psychology. Sasha supports our team as an Art Production Assistant, when in the studio. In addition to her outstanding art production skills, Sasha is the resident Gen-Z'er on the team! We rely on her to keep the rest of us organized and up-to-date on all the latest trends.
Elyse is responsible for overseeing the execution of special projects on behalf of the team. Originally from New York, Elyse moved to Austin to work for the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children in 2019. She attended Quinnipiac University, receiving a bachelor's degree in Print Journalism, and later went on to earn a master’s degree in Counselor Education from the College at Brockport, SUNY. Elyse is particularly passionate about the Pink Bow Project and is looking forward to reintroducing it to the public in spring 2023.
Elyse Kusse, Project Manager
Zake Bjontegard, Production Assistant
Zake is a fourth-year Architecture student at UT Austin working towards his interests in small-scale Architecture and Visual Arts. He loves to travel and spend time with loved ones, especially back home in Hawai’i. On a day off you can find him reading and indulging in practices of self-care.
Chelsea Taymes, Production Assistant
Chelsea joins our team as an art production assistant. Originally from Brooklyn, New York but has lived in Austin for the past 9 years. She is currently finishing her certification as a CAD drafter, where she’ll contribute her creative vision to the architecture & interior design industry. When Chelsea is not sketching floor plans, you can find her experimenting with various paint mediums like oil and acrylic, or spending time with her two cats.
“Karen is surrounded by a team of dedicated individuals who are extremely detail-oriented, organized, and remarkably precise. Their passion for art and expression is clear in every piece created.”
- Margo Sawyer, Artist and Mentor