NW Personal Space

Karen Wagaman poses for a portrait in her personal space on Thursday, January 11, 2018 at her home in Rogers.
Karen Wagaman poses for a portrait in her personal space on Thursday, January 11, 2018 at her home in Rogers.

Karen Wagaman

Where I live: Dixieland Crossing, near Little Flock

Occupation: Vice President of Downtown Development for Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce

My favorite space is: My dining room table.

Why: The dining table is in an open concept great room, kitchen and dining room, so this is operation central. I have a lot of paintings by my artist friends. They inspire me and help me feel creative.

I like my dining room, and not only because I like to entertain! Much of it is related to work. I hosted the board of directors for Rogers Experimental House, a creative makerspace several times, and had girls night out events with downtown business women. I've hosted an Ozark recipe cooking class taught by chef Erin Rowe. Of course, entertaining extends to my family. My college-age daughter texted me the week of finals, saying that she needed home cooking. When she came over, she wanted hamburger tater tot casserole and taco salad.

When I don't have company, the dining table is where I paint, mat and frame paintings, make hammered jewelry or spend time on my computer promoting events and developments in downtown Rogers.

If I could make one change to improve this space, I would: have more walls for my art collection. I have about 100 paintings, some are mine, but most are by my friends. I love the open space concept, but that is a downfall of it, less room for art.

-- April Wallace

HomeStyle on 01/20/2018

Upcoming Events