Dynamic annual arts trail event returns
By Sonia Isaacs
OPEN Studios Sunshine Coast returns for another outstanding year from this weekend, with over 70 established and emerging local creatives throwing open their studios, pop-up galleries and art spaces to the public.
Pick an art trail and follow the passion as you peek inside the creative wonderlands of some of our most talented local painters, print-makers, jewellery designers, sculptors, mixed media creatives and more in this uniquely immersive event experience.
Celebrating the regions’s vibrant and diverse art scene from May 18-26, Open Studios hosted by Arts Connect Inc offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect deeper with the local arts community.
Throughout the nine day event, art lovers and visitors can embark on self-guided tours to meet local artists and engage with them, and their work, in person.
Maleny painter, Lara Cooper, a finalist in the 2023 Brisbane Portrait Prize, said she was looking forward to sharing her space and practice with visitors, and hoped people would take away a little bit of inspiration and beauty in one form or another from the event.
She said even as a child she had been inextricably drawn to colour and art.
“What keeps me continuing, is the drive to keep challenging myself to try new and different things,” she said.
Lara explained that she found inspiration for her work everywhere.
“I love to capture beauty, fleeting moments and peoples stories,” she said.
“Sometimes inspiration for a more complex piece or a series, will strike me as I’m painting something else entirely unrelated.”
Speaking with GC&M news, award wining artist Randy DeGraw said he had always been creative.
Now living in Landsborough, Randy said for over 40 years he had enjoyed immensely the opportunity to create beautiful bespoke wood and stone pieces.
Over the years he said he had crafted furniture, clocks and sculptures and was continually inspired to create unique and creative works.
“Ideas always run through my head, I’m then compelled to find ways to express them,” explained Randy. To find out more about the event, the artists involved, workshops and where you can pick up a copy of the art trail guide head to social media or the website; www.openstudiossunshinecoast.com.au.
Entry is free, and visitors are encouraged to take self-guided tours, meet local artists, view artistry in action, purchase art, and gain a new appreciation for the creativity of talented local artists.
