Noosa Open Studios is showing locals and tourists there’s more to Noosa than fantastic beaches, cafes and boutiques.
As the name suggests, the event invites guests into the homes and worlds of artists living across the Noosa Shire.
Spokeswoman Sarah Therese said the event, now in its second year, was a way for artists to meet the public, tell them what they do, how they gain their inspiration and perhaps sell them some art.
Noosa Open Studios was created by established Noosa painter and sculptor Tricia Bradford.
After running Tewantin’s Harbourside Gallery, Tricia gathered together some artists to find a way to bring people to the artists.
“The artists are spread right across the Noosa Shire from Noosa Heads and Castaway Beach to Cooroy and right across the hinterland,” Sarah said.
“There are all different sorts of art – painting, photography, textile, ceramics.
“It’s a lovely way for people, particularly if they’re tourists to see the region.
“It gives them a good reason to get out and about and drive through the hinterland and see areas they may not have otherwise thought of going.”
“Lots of the artists have creative spaces, and people can ask them about what they do and how they do their art.”
Sarah said many artists held workshops throughout the year that people could find out about and be involved in.
There are 48 artists involved in Noosa Open Studios, and many have interesting lives outside their art.
Rob Roy McKeown of Ringtail Creek spent many years teaching art to young people at risk and even taught for a time at Port Phillip prison in the maximum security section.
Painter and printmaker Michele Knightley of Boreen Point is a passionate environmentalist who uses her art to capture the local fauna and flora.
Ceramicist Carol Watkins of Black Mountain is a State Emergency Services volunteer who, in 2014, was awarded the Minister’s cup for being the services member of the year.
Sarah said Noosa Open Studios follows a tradition of other open studios in the US and Margaret River in Western Australia which have become significant events on the art calendar.
Sponsored by Noosa Council and Tourism Noosa, the free event will be run from 18-20 August, and programs can be obtained from the Tourism Noosa office, Noosa Council and various galleries.
For more information, visit www.noosaopenstudios.com.au
