We spoke to: owner Belinda Davies.
Karralika Studio – Art Classes
What’s your own creative background?
I’m a self-taught artist with a love for bold colour, abstract storytelling. I don’t have degree in art (I have a university degree in nursing!) Creativity has always been part of who I am. As a child I was always creating out of bits and bobs I would find lying around at home! Over the years I’ve explored everything from painting and mosaics to continuous line drawings and mixed media. I’m especially inspired by faces, small country towns, winding streets, rolling hills and the stories that live inside communities like ours. Art for me isn’t about perfection, nor is it about having the ‘perfect style’ to fit the trends or what sells….it’s about the practice….while creating I lose track of time and find silence in my mind.
What arts services do you bring together in Karralika Studio?
Karralika Studio is a mix of art school, creative hub and colourful retail space. We run weekly children’s classes, adult workshops, paint and sip nights, watercolour sessions, clay workshops, Turkish lamp workshops, book binding, mosaics and more. Alongside that we have a small but mighty retail store filled with art supplies and bright, joyful gifts. It’s a space where creativity and community meet.
How did you start the business, what was the dream?
Karralika Studio began in 2022 when I recognised the need for local creative opportunities for kids so they didn’t have to travel out of town. Living in a small town, I saw that many activities for children revolve around sport, with limited creative outlets available.
I wanted to create an inclusive space where kids could explore art, be social, build confidence and express themselves in their own way.
I started running very small children’s art classes from my home studio with just one or two students at a time, but the classes quickly grew and soon outgrew the space.
My dream was simple…to create a welcoming, inclusive, no-judgement space where creativity could be explored without pressure. Moving into a main street shopfront in Gulgong was a big step, but it allowed that dream to grow into something bigger…a creative space for children, adults and the wider community.
Tell us about the classes you offer. What’s popular?
Our weekly kids’ classes are at the heart of the studio. They’re student-led and focus on building confidence and creative independence. Inclusive classes where kids are allowed to be themselves, make mistakes and create. Adult workshops have also become incredibly popular, especially paint and sip nights and our Turkish lamp workshops, clay and watercolour and mosaic workshops. There’s something nice about being able to provide a space that gives adults the opportunity to play again, to try something new and connect with others.
Find and book classes on the Karralika Studio website
Which local artists’ work can we find in store?
At the moment my own art is featured in-store. The plan is to have creative pieces from regional artists year round. Supporting local creatives is really important to me, the studio isn’t just about my art, it’s about showcasing the home creatives we have in our area.
Can people hire your space for their own art making or other events?
Yes! The space is available for private workshops, birthday parties, hens’ nights, work gatherings and other creative events. We also welcome artists who may want to hire the space to run their own workshops. It’s designed to be flexible and community-focused.
What does having an art studio and store in town mean to people in Gulgong?
Having an art studio on the main street brings connection into town. It gives kids a safe place to create, adults a space to unwind, and visitors something unique to experience. In a small town, spaces like this matter…they create belonging, spark conversation and remind people that creativity isn’t just for ‘artists’, it’s for everyone.
