Artful Adventures with Noosa Open Studios
John Caruso discovers Noosa’s creative scene, the stories, surprises, and spirited celebrations marking a decade of artistic daring. From secret studios to star-studded soirées, this is where art and adventure collide.
Ten years ago, a small band of Noosa artists and dreamers decided to do something a little bit radical, they threw open the doors to their studios and invited the world in.
Back then, the idea was simple but bold, let people see the creative process up close, meet the makers, and maybe, just maybe, take home a piece of Noosa’s artistic soul. The first Noosa Open Studios in 2015 was a leap of faith, hatched under the umbrella of the Noosa Arts and Crafts Association, and fuelled by a committee with more vision than sleep. Fast forward a decade and the art trail has exploded into a region-wide celebration, with over a hundred artists from the coast to the hinterland, all ready to show off what they do best: making Noosa one of the most creatively vibrant corners of the country.
This year, the trail is marking its tenth birthday with a series of events that perfectly capture the spirit of Noosa Open Studios, community, creativity, and a dash of cheeky fun.
It all kicks off with a welcome party at Matso’s Sunshine Coast for registered artists and sponsors that will include a heartfelt tribute to the original committee members who took that first leap. Christine Pritchard, Gabi Dick, Dave Gilbert, Helen Lawson, Barbara Hamilton, Jenny Hines taking centre stage, and the late Tricia Bradford, recognised for their vision and sheer determination.
No doubt there’ll be stories from the early days, like how they wrangled artists, mapped out routes with little more than hope and a handful of highlighters, and somehow convinced Noosa that an art trail was exactly what the town needed. There’ll be Certificates of Honour, plenty of laughs, and maybe a few misty eyes as the community gathers to thank the originals for lighting the creative spark that’s now burning brighter than ever.
But the celebrations don’t stop there. Pulses will be racing among art lovers and collectors alike with the Noosa Open Studios/Hinternoosa Prestige Art Auction. This isn’t your average local fundraiser, this is a serious art auction, running online from 18 June and culminating in a live finale at Lucio’s Marina on 16 July.
The line-up of artists who’ve donated works is enough to make even the most seasoned collector swoon.
Nationally renowned names like Michael Zavros, Peter Phillips, Stefan Dunlop, Stanislas Piechaczek and Mitchell English, alongside celebrated locals such as Darren White, Amanda Brooks, and Noosa Open Studio President Trevor Purvis.
It’s a rare opportunity to snag a piece from some of the country’s most respected talents, all while supporting the ongoing success of the art trail. Lucio’s promises to be a night of excitement, great food, and the kind of lively banter you only get when artists, collectors and the odd art-loving rogue get together under one roof. Bid online or reach out to Hinternoosa if you’re a buyer to get on the invite list.
Acclaimed contemporary artist (and former IN Noosa Magazine cover artist after his showstopping Floating Land work a few years ago) Juan Ford is coming to town to host a Precision in Colour masterclass. Known for his hyper-realistic paintings and technical prowess, Juan is working with Noosa Regional Gallery Director Michael Brennan on a special event that is sure to attract creative types from across the region and beyond.
Making art even more accessible and following on from the successful deck chair auction of a few years ago, Noosa Open Studios have been working with Cooroora Woodworkers Club to create ArtCubes, all-weather cubes that are being painted by local artists to be auctioned at a special event at RACV Noosa in September.
All of this is just the lead-up to the main event: the Noosa Open Studios Art Trail itself, running 10–19 October. For ten glorious days, the region will be buzzing as artists throw open their doors, inviting you to wander in, ask questions, and maybe take home a piece of local art. It’s a celebration of creativity, community, and the kind of open-hearted welcome that makes it a beloved fixture on the Noosa calendar.
For all the latest details and tickets to workshops and events, visit the Noosa Open Studios website and subscribe to the enewsletter. Whether you’re a die-hard collector, a curious local, or just in it for the cake and conversation, this year’s tenth anniversary promises to be the most memorable yet.
Events like this don’t happen without the broader support of volunteers and sponsors and President Trevor Purvis said the not-for-profit collective was grateful for partners and patron Ron Scott of Moon Mountain Sanctuary.
With over 90 artists already registered, it promises to be bigger than ever. Here’s to the originals, the new faces, and another decade of creative adventures.
SAVE THE DATE!
10-19 October 2025
For more information on Noosa Open Studios events and for the full program of participating artists and galleries, visit www.noosaopenstudios.com.au
