Artists in Action at Gateway to Art
Jodie Cameron discovers the artists behind Noosa’s exciting new art trail…
Gateway Drive has transformed into a vibrant precinct of artists’ studios, maker’s workshops and galleries, making it an excellent day out for the creative-curious!
Visitors can step inside working studios, attend workshops, and chat to the makers – immersing themselves in this flourishing local artistic community and soaking up all the inspiring vibes.
From bold abstracts to delicate glass mosaics, hand-built ceramics and experimental mixed media, each artist and gallery has its own unique story, style and studio – and from 8 to 11 August, Gateway Drive is holding a three-day celebration of creativity!
Artists in Action kicks off with a twilight event on Friday 8 August from 4pm to 8pm, followed by open studios, galleries and creative spaces on Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 4pm.
Stroll the studios and galleries, enjoy art, conversation and refreshments, and get your Gateway to Art passport stamped for your chance to WIN a $1000 art voucher plus a hamper packed with Gateway Drive goodies!
Plus every Friday from 10am–2pm in August, Gateway Drive welcomes art lovers and the art-curious for a choose-your-own-adventure Art Crawl.
Meet the Artists in Action
Love bold, beautiful paintings bursting with colour? You need to visit award-winning artist Dallas Lesley, located in Gateway Drive’s Coast Contemporary Studios. For Artists in Action, Dallas will be sharing how art works with interiors, colour concepts and palettes for different seasons and rooms. “Our Gateway Drive collective is here to meet the daily visual needs of the local community, while giving visitors a vibrant hub they can return to every time they visit,” she says.
Upstairs, you’ll discover contemporary oil artist Fiona Bastow who is embracing the opportunity to reconnect with her creative self, local art folk and visitors after a 20-year hiatus. “I didn’t want to miss the chance to be part of this thriving creative community,” she said.
The neighbouring Studio One Noosa is a dynamic and ever-evolving gallery space celebrating Australian creativity. Specialising in both exhibition and fine art printing, the studio showcases a curated rotation of original works, fine art prints, wall art, and custom-print wallpapers from a handpicked selection of local and national artists. More than just a gallery, Studio One operates as an online platform, representing artists and offering collectors access to high-quality, limited-edition works and originals. Founded and run by art enthusiasts Richard Donelly and Juanita Van Den Bergh, an accomplished contemporary artist. Juanita will be the Artist in Residence this July before presenting a group exhibition in August titled Into the Woods – an immersive exploration of nature’s quiet symbolism and the visual poetry that lies within.
Take a mosey to the beautiful Leighton Contemporary – a sleek, modern gallery with a rotating Stable exhibition featuring works from some of Australia’s and New Zealand’s most exciting emerging and mid-career artists. “We’re passionate about supporting local artists and are committed to connecting art lovers and collectors with a diverse selection of works across varied mediums,” says owner Jessica Leighton.
Be swept up in the magic of mosaics at Sunshine Mosaics as artist Jackie White weaves unique stories into her gorgeous creations. Witness her making intricate mosaics and even get a feel for the tools involved, with future workshops on the horizon. “There’s something special about showing people the process behind the work,” she says.
Discover Brazilian fine artist Lis Eberle at the light-filled Lvant Studio where her multifaceted work spans large abstract pieces, realistic oil paintings, mixed media, and illustrations. “I’m inspired by nature, simplicity, people and places,” Lis says. Discover her illustrations for children’s books and stay tuned for workshops and art classes. You’ll also find a selection of digital prints by Lis’ husband, Andre Eberle, an award-winning graphic designer.
If bold, bright Australian landscape paintings are more your thing, then you’ll love the studio of ex-Sydney artist Kate Owen, whose semi-abstract work is inspired by her deep love of the outback. “I paint whatever stirs me – wild places, water, stories and humour,” she says.
Just next door, step into Jo Cook’s expansive space where you’ll find a blend of creativity, colour and a whole lot of heart and soul. Her mixed media works and sculptures reflect a practice grounded in both artistic expression and personal growth. Visitors can also browse her gift lines from scarves and tea towels to coffee mugs and journals.
Your glorious Gateway Drive adventure is not complete without visiting the studio of inspiring glass artist and mixed media painter Dianne McInerney. Witness her in action as she cuts, breaks, joins, shapes, stretches and heats glass to form her show-stopping sculptures. “I love the transformational abilities of glass as light is refracted through it,” she says.
Surrounded by local retailers, breweries and foodie neighbours, Gateway Drive is a truly buzzing creative ecosystem. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, art-curious, or looking for a new Noosa adventure, the Gateway to Art precinct is your year-round trail waiting to be explored!
