Madeline Young
The Corner Store Gallery
Madi is one of those people who quietly holds the spirit of Orange. She grew up here, explored the world and brought all that experience home — pouring it into The Corner Store Gallery and the creative community around her. Her work is shaped by this place: the seasons, the people, the rhythm of daily life. And in turn, she gives so much of that back.
What brought you here — and what made you stay?
I grew up in Orange, left for a few years to travel, work overseas and study at Art School, and somehow found myself right back where it all began. Landing a job in Orange as an artist felt almost unheard of — an opportunity you don’t pass up. I opened a business a few years later, had a child (which grounds you in the best way) and now I’ve been back longer than I was ever away.
What’s it to you?
The seasons are my favourite thing about living here — we get all four and Autumn is magic.
I love that you see someone you know everywhere you go; it’s a genuinely warm community. There’s also this incredible entrepreneurial spirit in Orange. So many people are building things, creating things, supporting each other. It’s a place where ideas feel possible.
What’s your flavour?
Over winter, I drank a lot of the ChaLou Pinot Noir — usually with a couple of friends with tunes playing in the background. In summer, I reach for the Riesling. It’s a little sweet, but just the right amount. I’m not usually a sweet‑wine person, but this one is exceptional.
What’s your rhythm?
My son usually wakes me up with a few rounds of rugby tackles — a chaotic but perfect start. Then it’s coffee from Bills Beans East on the way to school drop‑off, followed by the gym. Depending on the day, I might be rehanging an exhibition, painting in my studio, or doing admin at a local café to get my human‑interaction fix.
Who’s your community?
I’m surrounded by clever, driven women:
- Kirsten Cunningham (Photography)
- Fiona Schofield (Millinery)
- Sophie Corks & Larissa Blake (Art)
- Emily Mann (Socials & Marketing)
And so many others. Orange is full of women doing brilliant things.
What’s your Orange moment?
For me, it’s the annual wine tour with my girls. Every year we choose four different wineries and make a day of it — usually in late Autumn or early Winter. The views, the wine, the laughter, the crisp air… it’s everything I love about this place.