Shop Artisans At The Butter Factory Arts Centre

Image source: Contributed

When it comes to gift giving, mass-produced, plastic pieces don’t cut it anymore. Our appetite for handmade, locally sourced products is becoming insatiable and artisans in Noosa and beyond are happy to oblige.

Tucked away in the Butter Factory Arts Centre (BFAC) in Cooroy is the region’s most beautiful, undiscovered gem, the Artisan Store. Stocked and staffed by local artisans, every piece in this artistic haven is made by hand by someone who lives within the Sunshine Coast community.

Butter Factory coordinator Alicia Sharples says the store offers a chance for the community to meet the makers behind the incredible array of gifts, homewares and bespoke jewellery pieces.

“The Artisan Store is a unique opportunity to come in and actually chat to the person who made the gift you are about to give to someone you love,” she explains.
“Where else can you do that? This space is like a permanent artisan market and you can’t beat that. It’s a refreshing experience to know you are supporting local artists and the local community.”

For local award-winning ceramicist Fiona Cuthbert O’Meara, stocking her works in the Artisan Store has led to collaborations with other artisans and helped her transition from the Artisan Store to the Gallery. Fiona’s exhibition Shaped by Nature has been created in collaboration with oil painter Alan Pirie and will show at the BFAC from Saturday 22 June with an opening party from 4pm.

“Being a part of the Artisan Store was a real-life opportunity to connect with my art, to the community, and to a way of generating income from my practice,” she says.

Fiona also teaches the BFAC wheel throwing pottery classes, allowing locals and visitors to create their own handcrafted piece for their home or as a gift for someone special. The ongoing support of BFAC staff and volunteers has aided personal and professional growth of not just Fiona but many of the artisans who find the Artisan Store at Butter Factory Arts Centre a hub for the likeminded creative community.

Fellow artisan and local jeweller Gerhard Herbst has also stocked his wares in the Artisan Store. It was here the BFAC staff spotted his works and encouraged him to enter the local art prize at Caloundra Regional gallery where he won the 3D prize and is now planning his solo show at Noosa Regional Gallery.

The Artisan Store is more than a place to find unique and bespoke giftwares, it’s also a place for artists to launch their practice, thrive and grow their own business.
“From here, so many artists can grow their businesses to be sold online and at other markets. It’s great to see them move from small-time to a successful business sharing their amazing products with the community,” Alicia says.

Caroline Carruthers of Decco Angel said the Artisan Store has helped her grow her unique jewellery range.

“The Artisan Store is a fabulous place where I can showcase my work, meet customers and gain the support and inspiration from the wonderful staff and artisans I share the space with,” she says. “By being part of the BFAC community, my business has gained exposure to not only the local community but visitors from Australia and overseas.”

The Artisan Store offers a wide and varying range of works and pieces perfect for gifts or as something special to adorn yourself or your home.
From custom ceramic jewellery to environmentally-inspired homewares, bespoke solid silver bangles and locally made candles, there is something for every taste in the Artisan Store. The impressive range changes regularly with new pieces often added to the shelves so you can return again and again to see new styles, pieces and artworks.

The Artisan Store
Tuesday to Sunday
10am – 3pm
11a Maple Street, Cooroy

About the Author /

jolene@innoosamagazine.com.au

Jolene has worked in the local media industry for more than five years. She is now a small business owner, mother to one sassy toddler and a newborn baby and loves to share stories about Noosa from its glorious food scene to the inspiring people.

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