Art That’s SO Noosa at Studio One
Just as many famous artists throughout history evolved their style, so too has this local gallery and fine art printer – showcasing a diverse selection of art curated with a contemporary Noosa feel, writes Rebecca Jamieson Dwyer.
Picasso, van Gogh, Monet and Matisse – they’re just a few examples of artists whose work evolved dramatically over the course of their lives. It seems then, that Studio One Noosa co-founders Richard Donelly and Juanita Van Den Bergh are in good company as they evolve their offering to include hand-picked local and nationally acclaimed artists and make them accessible to our local audience.
An accomplished artist herself, Juanita says she can’t help herself when it comes to discovering talented artists to add to the Studio One Noosa collective, which now carries the tagline ‘SO Noosa’ – an acronym for Studio One, but more importantly, a nod to its role as the go-to place for contemporary art and exceptional fine art prints.
“There are so many amazing works out there just waiting to be discovered, and we’re always connecting with talented creatives,” she says.
“As an artist, I know how hard it can be getting your work out there, so I absolutely love representing artists, featuring them in solo or group exhibitions, and seeing them succeed.”
Art is deeply personal, so what makes something SO Noosa? For Juanita, it comes down to connection.
“I have a background in interiors and have always been passionate about using art to create beautiful spaces,” she says.
“When buying art, you shouldn’t invest in a piece just to fill a wall – you have to connect with it.
“You’ll see it every day when you wake up, so it has to feed your soul.”
She believes in bringing together a diverse mix of artists whose work suits Noosa’s coastal aesthetic – but always in their own unique way.
“I like to also include unusual pieces, the kind that challenge perceptions of what belongs on the wall,” she says.
“Our solo and group exhibitions allow us to showcase artists from outside the area people haven’t seen here before.”
The recent Into the Woods exhibition invited artists (and audiences) to explore the woods through the current trend of earth and forest-inspired palettes; while Alba (until 27 September) explores the ideas of dawn and rebirth, which aptly coincides with Studio One Noosa’s own evolution as it welcomes new artists and perspectives.
Fresh faces include Surf Coast’s Thom Kadera with his ocean-infused works; Indigenous narratives from Arrernte artist Stephen Berger of Alice Springs; Saint Chalom from the Dandenong Ranges, whose practice is rooted in spirituality; Melbourne’s Sharmain Lowe, known for her bold large-scale abstracts; and Brisbane’s Lisa Perruzza, whose vibrant mixed-media creations immerse the viewer in colour and form.
Alongside solo shows – where Studio One takes care of everything from hanging and promotion to sales – the gallery is known for imaginative group exhibitions cleverly curated by Juanita. Also returning is the much-loved Pretty in Pink exhibition, where 45 artists from across the country donate a 50 x 50cm work to be auctioned for charity. Timed for October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, all proceeds go towards supporting the McGrath Foundation.
“Pretty in Pink is a highlight of our year,” Juanita enthused. “We love seeing all the artworks hanging together and using creativity as a force for good.”
And with Noosa Open Studios happening at the same time, it promises to be one of the busiest and most arty and inspiring months on the calendar.
While Juanita devotes much of her time to championing other artists, she remains a prolific painter in her own right. Her present series of works explores atmosphere, texture and the interplay of colour and will add to the palette of creativity on show at the gallery during Noosa Open Studios.
“I want to create art that moves people, inspires them, and infuses their space with heart and soul.”
For art lovers and interior designers alike, Studio One Noosa is the place to find that special piece – whether it’s an original painting in a particular palette; an exceptional fine art print of contemporary work by local and national artists (produced in-house to the highest standards, and available through the gallery or online 24/7); or even custom wallpaper of artworks.
Here’s to this glorious gallery’s next chapter in its creative evolution and to discovering art that’s SO Noosa!
That’s SO Noosa!
Artists and art lovers celebrated the opening of Into the Woods at SO Noosa, which also coincided with Gateway to Art – a see-for-yourself art trail of ten artists and galleries in the creative precinct of Gateway Drive, Noosaville. Don’t miss these upcoming group exhibitions:
Alba – 2 to 27 September
Collective works inspired by dawn and rebirth, celebrating new beginnings.
Pretty in Pink – 1 to 31 October
A curated selection of artworks from 45 artists for Breast Cancer Awareness Month and to raise funds for the McGrath Foundation.
Visit www.studioonenoosa.com.au to stay updated with all things SO Noosa!
