IN THE Studio

from Hello Sunshine | Spring 2022 | HS08

SCULPTING A New Era

If you’ve ever wondered about the creative process and wanted to find out more about what inspires the region’s artists, Pete Goodlet discovers an event that has art at its heart.

When people think of Noosa, the mind might spin thinking of the roundabouts; the mouth might water at the restaurants and bars; or the wallet may ache with a shopping trip to Hastings Street. But did you know the region has one of the largest collection of artists and is home to Queensland’s largest and premier open studio event?

Noosa Open Studios is back and bigger than ever! Last year saw 103 artists open their studios to welcome in art lovers from across the country and the globe, making it the biggest open studios event in Queensland – and this year that number has grown to see 117 artists in 100 studio spaces!

The seventh annual Noosa Open Studios will run from 1-9 October with five dedicated self-drive trails offering the opportunity to meet a host of very talented local artists and artisans and to explore their creative spaces and get just a great insight into the creative process.

The historic Wallace House Noosaville will once again shine as the base of the event showcasing a piece of work from each artist. Perusing the gallery here is a great place to start. You never know what might catch your eye and take you off on an artistic adventure. On weekends the volunteers of Wallace House will be hosting a pop-up café with a delicious array of homemade tasty treats.

Once you are all fuelled up, grab your guide and away you go. Don’t forget to mark your must-see artists on the map as with this much artistic bounty on offer you don’t want to be kicking yourself for missed opportunities.

Art comes in all shapes and forms and Noosa Open Studios (NOS) is a chance to explore the use of many mediums.

From sculpture to glass work, dramatic works in oils and acrylics to serene watercolour scenes, NOS opens the doors to studios of all persuasions.

The studio may be situated in a beautiful, landscaped garden or down an industrial laneway. It’s raw, it’s gritty, its beautiful and it is yours to discover.

Open studios give you the chance to meet an artist you have admired or lead you onto new artistic directions. You have the chance to explore their creative process and take home an artwork, with the added meaning of knowing the artist that created your special piece.

Consider taking one of the many workshops running in conjunction with the event or book one in for a future date. Pop in to our excellent local and regional galleries or make that a special day all on its own at a later date.

There are five trails to follow covering Noosa; the coastal Beaches; Tinbeerwah to Eumundi; Cooroy; and Pomona. You can mix them up or pick a trail a day to really make the most of the occasion, an artistic indulgence indeed. Each trail has a plethora of artists and a fascinating community to discover.

Many of our artists have chosen to take part in an exciting 2D3D collaboration. Working together to create vibrant and unique pieces to be auctioned at the event launch in Cooroy on Thursday 22 September. Getting artists to collaborate is a feat in itself! So come along and be rewarded with a visual feast and be in with a chance to take home a fabulous creation.

Speaking of collaboration, events as fabulous as Noosa Open Studios are only made possible by the tireless work of the committee members, volunteers, and the generous support of their sponsors. Check them out and show them a little love. It is events like this that make our region and its surrounds a very special place to live and visit.

Even artists must admit that an excellent day out is not just about a feast of visual delights. While you are touring around, make the most of the excellent produce the area has to offer. Around about midday a little sample of a local boutique gin may be just the ticket. Always sample art responsibly though!

There are a multitude of fabulous dining options and enough brews of all sorts to accompany your artistic exploration. Stretch your legs with a wander through the Noosa Botanical gardens on the banks of Lake MacDonald or even better, pack a picnic. Ultimately, an open studio event is a brilliant opportunity to explore the inner sanctum of creativity. There is nothing quite like visiting an artist in a space that enhances and fuels their own creative endeavours. It’s a chance to step into the wonderful world of art - and to purchase a piece direct from the artist. This is what makes Noosa Open Studios an event like no other.