Fun, Friendly, & Fabulously Creative with Noosa Open Studios
John Caruso discovers a kaleidoscope of creativity as artists and galleries throw open the studio doors for the biggest, boldest Noosa Open Studios event yet. Start your engines, you’re in for a visual feast.
Nothing says ‘spring’ quite like the annual migration of art lovers and the creatively curious, all dutifully studying the Noosa Open Studios Art Trail Guide to charter their course into as many artist’s studios and gallery spaces as they can.
This year’s 10th birthday is tipped to be the biggest ever with 94 artists and galleries flinging open the doors from 10-19 October and inviting you to peek, ponder and perhaps even purchase an original masterpiece straight from the source. Wallace House is again the home base for maps, artist info, and the kind of enthusiastic local volunteers who’ll happily point you in the right direction, or at least toward the closest good coffee or homemade goodies for the trip.
From wall-sized abstracts to whimsical sculptures, pastels, oils, textiles, ceramics, glassblowing – you name it, someone’s creating it. Each studio is a window into Noosa’s creative soul, filled with talented locals who’ll happily chat about their process, inspiration and, occasionally, share their favourite local restaurant or glass of wine.
Don’t be surprised if you find yourself with an original artwork under your arm before you know it. Every year I say ‘just looking’ and every year my wallet disagrees. I can’t resist, and besides, art is an investment (and a depreciating asset, which can be a tax deduction if you have an ABN).
This tenth anniversary trail ups the ante with four curated routes covering classic coastal hotspots, hinterland hideaways, lakeside studios and the ever-compelling central Noosa zone. Plan a grand tour or prioritise the studios of your favourite artists – either way, you’re bound to stumble across something extraordinary.
And, in even better news for lovers of good design inspired by the environment, Noosa Open Studios are working with Sunshine Coast Open House which will run open homes, open gardens, walking tours and workshops from 10-19 October.
Patron of Noosa Open Studios and Sunshine Coast Open House, Ron Scott of Moon Mountain Sanctuary, said both events offered the opportunity to appreciate how architecture and art enhance our quality of living.
“Having the opportunity to engage with outstanding building design as well as the artistic process across the same weekend is a rare experience and drives home the importance of community and collaboration in the creative process,” he said.
Each year, the volunteer committee of Noosa Open Studios comes up with a creative way to raise funds and this year, they have teamed up with the Cooroora Woodworkers Club to present ArtCubes! These versatile, all-purpose ArtCubes have been handpainted by local artists to provide bold, portable statements that bring colour and joy into any space. Only 30 have been made and they will be auctioned by Richard Hansen of Hinter Auctions at The Doonan on 16 September for an unforgettable evening of art, food, and community spirit. Book online.
Feeling inspired? The workshop program is back and better than ever with 15 hands-on sessions offering you the chance to hone existing skills or learn a new technique. Book early!
So, dust off your walking shoes, rev your engines, rally your art-loving pals, and celebrate a decade of artistic adventure with your own excursion into art. See you on the trail!
10 DAY ART TRAILS
NOOSA OPEN STUDIOS ART TRAIL
10-19 OCTOBER 2025
Experience Queensland’s largest art trail with 94 artists and galleries opening the doors to their creative spaces over ten days! Download the free Noosa Open Studios App and choose your own adventure to experience artists in action.
For workshop bookings, artist profiles, the official Art Trail Guide or to download the app to start planning your trip, visit www.noosaopenstudios.com.au
