Watercolor Expressions

Any artist who appreciates architectural elements would be inspired by the historic buildings and brick streets in Downtown Rogers. Not long after arriving, she began painting Downtown Rogers streetscapes. At first she pursued a more realistic approach, then, inspired by an artist she met in Mobile, Alabama, she began using a softer, more impressionistic style and color pallet. She also enjoys combining her love of animals and her love for art and has added to her subjects, pet portraits as well as an occasional flying pig.

In 2016, Karen Wagaman was making plans to move to Northwest Arkansas, and was visiting various communities, meeting with Chamber of Commerce professionals and checking out restaurants and retail shops to figure out which city was the best fit. She had already visited the cities of Fayetteville, Bentonville and Springdale and liked what she saw. But the first visit to Downtown Rogers convinced her this would become her home. She parked in the 100 block of S 1st Street, and headed into the quilt shop that was then named, The Rabbit’s Lair at 116 S. 1st St. She was greeted by shop owner, Clarice Moore, introduced herself and immediate told her she was moving to Arkansas, and she wanted to live in Rogers. Now…all she needed was a house and a job. Clarice was gracious, and perhaps amused. The pieces of the puzzle fell into place almost seamlessly. And a few weeks later, and within 5 days time, she sold her house in Topeka, Kansas, bought a house in Rogers, and accepted a job with the Rogers Lowell Chamber. 

Today, she spends more time promoting than creating art.  As the V.P. of Downtown Development for the Rogers Lowell Chamber. One of her programs is the monthly Art on the Bricks Art Walk and promoting Downtown Rogers as a destination location for arts, music, dance and other interactive experiences.