Natalie Engdahl

In 2023 we were deeply saddened to hear that former Studio Artist and Chair of NAS Natalie Engdahl had passed away.

For those who did not have the privilege of being part of our creative community while Natalie was deeply involved, she was an admired artist, much-loved colleague and dear friend to many.

From her studio she produced works that delighted us with their beauty and whimsy – a seagull made of scraps of cloth deftly stitched, cheeky budgerigars that popped up in paintings and on plaques, fungi made of felt, and a colourful tribe of elves.

Smart, and generous with her time and energy, Nat was instrumental in securing new premises for NAS when our building in Parry St was sold. As Chair of the organisation in 2015, and later as project manager, Natalie advocated tenaciously for NAS. She lobbied everyone – local and state government, funders and realtors – and attended endless community sessions about the renewal of Newcastle. She tirelessly sought out and pursued all promising leads, investigating the Wool Stores, old BHP offices, Newcastle Railway Station and many other locations as potential new homes.

Finally, with the help of State Member Tim Crakanthorp, she was able to secure for us O Block in Chinchen Street with only months to spare before we were ‘out on the street’. After that she did not stop, and went on to successfully lobby Council to do all the interior fit-out work needed to make our new space ready for artists to move in. It was no easy job, and we remain deeply grateful for Natalie’s commitment to our organisation and its future.

By all reports she was like a terrier, dogged in her commitment, but this was a quality well-balanced by her gentle nature, warm-hearted intelligence and rich laughter.

Perhaps it was this rare combination of attributes that allowed her to approach life with cancer with such courage and grace. She fought so hard to stay in life, to stay with us.

Vale Natalie Engdahl. We have lost an artist, a warrior woman, a beautiful soul.