EVER wondered exactly what an artist’s studio looks like and how they work their creative process? This May the ‘Open Studios Sunshine Coast’ will be inviting people to hit the art trail and peer inside the world of coast-based artists and explore their unique arts and crafts for free.
From May 18-26 the Sunshine Coast’s biggest art event will be held across nine days and the art trail guide is available now for people to start planning their studio tours.
Art lovers will be spoilt for choice, with 70 plus studios and galleries taking part, showcasing the diverse mix of more than 100 artists and featuring photography, glass art, ceramics, metalwork, sculpture, jewellery making, painting, printmaking, feather art, shoe making and much more.
The first weekend May 18 – 19 focuses on the coastal trails from Caloundra to Coolum and the second weekend May 24 – 25 moves the spotlight to the hinterland trails from Glasshouse across the Blackall Range and north to Yandina.
Coolum-based artist Vicki Houlahan from Studio Six Art will be showing her self-taught mixed media works.
Vicki began painting out of a desire to express her passion for colour, textures and patterns, and her contemporary abstract style features bold, vibrant acrylics and alcohol inks.
“My dream to paint came to fruition when I was able to set up a studio, so now I am living my dream painting in the bold, vivid colours I love so much,” Vicki said.
Vicki explained that colour and design have been part of her life having previously worked in interior design and fashion.
“My contemporary abstract style reflects my abstract mind while still maintaining a disciplined eye for detail and my works are fun and quirky, leaving the viewer to use their own imagination to make of them what they will.”
The annual event organised by Arts Connect Inc was established in 2010 and each year new elements have been introduced and different artists have chosen to participate allowing the event to remain fresh and vibrant.
Some individual artists, as well as artist collectives who have organised pop-up gallery spaces, also choose to open on days during the week, while others are offering hands-on workshops during this time.
Arts Connect Inc President Jenny Braithwaite said the group is proud of the work that goes into creating this event each year.
“Open Studios provides art enthusiasts and collectors the rare opportunity to see behind the scenes into the creative spaces that artists work in, giving an insight into how they work, and to share their stories and passion for their work,” Jen said.
“This year we are also bringing the artists’ work together in a combined exhibition ‘Open Studios Meander’ at the Old Ambulance Station in Nambour from May 9 – 26 to give visitors a taste of the whole artistic adventure that is available to them in one convenient space.”
To find out more about the event, the artists involved, opening dates and times, workshops and where you can pick up a copy of the art trail guide head to the website and social media via their website www.openstudiossunshinecoast.com.au
If you would like to see Coolum artist Vicki’s work firsthand she will have her studio at 6/30 Access Crescent, Coolum Beach open on Saturday and Sunday, May 18 and 19 from 10am – 4pm.