OPEN Studios Sunshine Coast is once again being held this May 16-25, with a dedicated coastal and hinterland weekend each, and the community is being asked to explore the diverse artistic community that resides in the region via the trails.
Hosted by ‘Art Connect Inc’s’ Open Studios Sunshine Coast will kick off on Friday, May 16, and run until Sunday, May 25, and during that time, from the coast to the hinterland artists will be opening their doors for free to the community and will be showcasing their art and connecting.
Every artist is different, and it’s this diversity that makes Open Studios so unique.
This year’s event is divided into six regions. The first weekend will showcase the hinterland region with the Foothills, Maleny and Montville trails open, and the second weekend will be all about the coast with the Caloundra, Central and Northern trails open.
On offer each weekend will be self-guided tours, meeting local artists, viewing artistry in action, purchasing art, and participating in workshops while gaining a newfound appreciation for the local art scene.
You can also experience a taste of works created by this year’s Open Studios artists at their second combined exhibition, ‘Meander 25, from May 14 at the Old Ambulance Station in Nambour. Come along and ponder and discover work from this year’s artists to plan your very own Open Studios adventure.
New in 2025 is the two ‘Pop Up Studios’ events with four artists in each venue which will take place on the weekends of May 17-18 at the Old Ambulance Station in Nambour, and May 24-25 at the Caloundra Regional Gallery in their new Annexe space behind the gallery which allows artists without studio spaces the opportunity to share their work.
LOCAL ARTIST SPOTLIGHTS
Gemma Troy – Painter and Ceramicist from Maroochy River.
Artist, poet and sculptor Gemma creates abstract paintings, heartfelt poetry and whimsical clay fairies. Inspired by nature and our quest for meaning, Gemma believes in magic and sees creativity as a gateway to self-discovery and connection with ourselves and with others.
*May 22-25 at 51-59 Apps Rd, Maroochy River
*Facebook – gemmaTpoetry
The Niche Art Group
Featuring some of the finest artists on the Sunshine Coast, two of whom have been eight-time semi-finalists in the prestigious Doug Moran National Portrait Prize. The group will exhibit a range of painted seascapes, landscapes, still life and portraits in many mediums.
*May 24-25 at Coolum HeARTs Studio (Cnr Elizabeth St & Sunrise Ave, Coolum Beach)
*Instagram – niche_group_art
MORE INFO
Open Studios Sunshine Coast
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a first-time art lover, this is your chance to experience exceptional local art and purchase directly from the artists themselves.
When: May 16 – 25 | 10 am – 4 pm each day
Where: 60-plus permanent and pop-up studios will be open from the Glass House Mountains across the Blackall Range and along the coastline from Caloundra to Coolum and everywhere in between.
www.openstudiossunshinecoast.com.au/art-trail-guide
Meander 25 Exhibition
A group exhibition exploring a small slice of the work created by Open Studios Sunshine Coast 2025 artists.
When: May 15 – 24 | 10 am – 3 pm
Where: Old Ambulance Station, 80 Howard Street, Nambour
www.openstudiossunshinecoast.com.au