Open Studios: Delight For Art Lovers

Embrace local creative culture by embarking on a self-guided tour of the region's galleries and studios.

Over 25 local artists will invite visitors to glimpse their creative processes when the inaugural 4017 Bayside Open Studios takes place across two weekends this month.

Vision-maker Grace Cross said art enthusiasts could enjoy a rare opportunity to see behind the scenes and speak to local artists.

We have a very creative and thriving art community full of awesome, talented artists,� Grace said. It is so exciting to have the opportunity to showcase this local talent of artists and artisans who are passionate about art and want to share it with the wider community.�

Grace, who organised the Bluewater Festival art trail from 2011 to 2017, said she had been wanting to pursue the concept for some time.

I have always had the vision to go bigger and better and in late 2019, we built our new home with gallery and studio,� Grace said. This was the window I needed to move forward with an open studios concept.

With the backing of many enthusiastic local artists, a vision for our local 4017 area, and a passion for art and sharing with others, the 4017 Bayside Open Studios was born.�

A map has been designed to direct visitors to 14 studios and galleries throughout Sandgate, Shorncliffe, Deagon, Brighton and Bracken Ridge.

Grace and her husband, David, will open up their Naracoopa Gallery in Bracken Ridge where David paints with oils and Grace works with textiles and mixed media. �

Also taking part is Marie Smith at the Emily Street Shed Gallery and Studio in Deagon, who will demonstrate how she uses colour and texture in her portraits and landscapes. At the Signal Row Gallery and Studio in Shorncliffe, guests can see how Ian Kulpa creates art by painting chairs with unique designs.

Creative workshops will also be held between 23 and 31 October, including rust paper dyeing, bookbinding, lantern making, pottery, basketry, and watercolour painting.

Grace said all the artists were inspired by the beautiful environment of the 4017 area.

We are so fortunate to have nature at its best at our doorstep,� she said. I am most confident that with every studio you visit you will have a bayside-inspired artwork to entice you.�

For more information search for 4017 Bayside Open Studios on Instagram and Facebook.

4017 Bayside Open Studios
Saturday, 23 October and Sunday, 24 October and Saturday, 30 October and Sunday,
31 October, 10am-4pm �