AS OPEN Studios Sunshine Coast heads into its second and final weekend, local creatives are celebrating the success of the first weekend, which saw studios along the coastal stretch of the Sunshine Coast open their doors for free.

The Niche Artists who are based out of the Coolum HeARTs Shed had a very successful event and welcomed a steady stream of visitors across the past weekend, with members taking artwork sales and commissions.

While each artist has a distinctive style, they share a passion for creating original works and supporting each other’s artistic journey.

The Niche group was formed in 2023 by talented local artists who wanted to exhibit their work more broadly, and the Open Studios Art Trail was considered an excellent avenue for generating interest.

“We work with acrylic and oil, and we produce works which encapsulate our love of the land, sea and the natural world in general as well as still life and portraiture – both real and impressionistic,” Niche artist Barbara said.

Several members have won awards and prizes for their work, specifically from the prestigious Doug Moran National Portrait Prize and Immanuel Arts Festival.

“We sell our work at local and regional exhibitions and are available to accept commissions from the community,” Barbara said.

The group hires the Coolum HeARTs studio for their weekly meetings and exhibitions and happily gives back to the not-for-profit group so that they can continue providing their low-cost classes which feature arts, music and life skills for everyone in the community.

While the coastal studios have already welcomed many, the event continues this weekend with artists opening their doors across the Sunshine Coast hinterland. From Kenilworth to the Glass House Mountains and along the range, the self-guided event showcases the depth and diversity of the region’s creative community, with opportunities to meet artists, watch demonstrations and discover everything from painting and ceramics to sculpture and mixed media.

More information – please visit Facebook ‘The Niche Artists’

Plan your journey and view the 2026 Art Trail Guide online:
https://openstudiossunshinecoast.com.au/art-trail-guide/