There was excitement at art studios across the shire last Friday as more than 100 artists opened their doors to the public for the first of 10 days of the Noosa Open Studios art trail.
Now in its eighth year, the popular art trail gives a unique opportunity to meet local artists at work in their personal creative spaces along five trails across the shire.
From painting, ceramics and jewellery to textiles, glass and metalwork – there is something to appeal to everyone.
Noosa Today went along to visit several artists displaying a diverse range of work.
An art teacher for 40 years Maria Brown but for the past five years since retiring is focusing on her own ceramics. Her unique vessels and objects of beauty are inspired by her beautiful environment – the beach, the wallum, the hinterland and the textures and patterns in nature.
Maria continues to teach via small workshops including totem making workshops at Cooroy’s Butter Factory Art centre and Peregian Beach veggie village.
Trevor Hood had a career as a graphic designer in publishing, took up teaching at TAFE and Charles Sturt University before moving to Noosa about nine years ago and immersing himself in his own landscape painting. In his second Open Studios, Trevor said he enjoyed showing his art and talking to the people who visit. “They’re coming for lots of reasons, whether they want to be an artist themselves or just curious,“ he said.
Jayne Hodgson is a professional artist who now works from her studio built at their renovated Peregian Beach beach shack, where she creates a range of paintings, ceramics and textiles including scarves and cushions printed with images from her paintings.
Steve Scamp began painting six years ago after retiring from a career at the State Library. The self-taught artist admits to having an eclectic style and says he likes to paint things he likes.
Noosa Open Studios president, Simone Leao, said Noosa Open Studios was a highlight on our artists’ calendars, and an opportunity for visitors and locals to meet our artists face to face – and perhaps even begin their own art collection journey.
“All our participants have a piece of work on display at the event ‘Hub’ at Wallace House Noosaville, where visitors are invited to pick up an art trail guide book and begin their art trail experience.”
Noosa Open Studios runs 6-15 October, with all studios open 10am-4pm on this final weekend of the event.
