Big art names at Noosa Open Studios fundraiser

Australian artist, Sam Leach, whose portrait of Tim Minchin won the Archibald Prize in 2010.

Noosa Open Studios is a free event that runs from 16 to 25 August and showcases 76 artist’s studios and galleries in the region.

It’s an opportunity to be creatively inspired by painters, ceramicists, mixed media artists and other artisans, whilst driving through the picturesque Noosa region and discovering hidden treasures in this wonderful corner of the world.

As a teaser to the 10 day event, there is a fundraising dinner, Eat Your Art Out 2 on Thursday 8 August from 6.30pm at the five star Noosa RACV Resort that is a must attend for all art lovers.

The guest speaker for the evening will be Australian artist, Sam Leach, whose portrait of Tim Minchin won the Archibald Prize in 2010. When he later won the 2010 Wynne Prize, he became the only living artist to win both in the same year. Sam Leach’s paintings and installations draw on the history of visual representations of science and are informed by art history and philosophy.

The artist draws connections between figuration, data visualisation techniques such as maps and graphs and formalist abstraction.

Leach’s paintings are expansive; they are intended as catalysts for imaginative and playful thinking, where one’s role as a living creature on this shared earth can be contemplated.

A distinguished guest at the dinner will be the pre-eminent and prolific British pop artist, Peter Phillips who recently opened his gallery at Tinbeerwah and will be a participating studio during the Noosa Open Studios event.

With a colourful career spanning six decades, Peter is recognised worldwide for his exceptional achievement in the arts.

The cost for the fundraising dinner is $120 per person and includes a pre-dinner drink and three course dinner by chef Lee Jeynes of Arcuri Restaurant.

For more information and to book a ticket visit the website at www.noosaopenstudios.com.au