ABOUT NOOSA OPEN STUDIOS

Noosa Open Studios promotes Noosa Shire and surrounds as an arts destination, showcasing local artists and artisans through an annual signature event, visiting artists in their private studios over several days throughout beautiful Noosa!

WHO ARE WE?

Noosa Open Studios provides locals and visitors to our beautiful region on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, with the unique chance to visit artists in their private studios over several days. Whilst there, visitors can learn about the artists’ creative processes, see their work and perhaps even make an art investment to call their own!

This is a free event held annually. It’s an opportunity to be creatively inspired by painters, ceramicists, mixed media artists and other artisans, whilst driving through the picturesque shire of Noosa, discovering back roads and hidden treasures in this wonderful corner of the world. A total of 107 artists and artisans welcomed visitors into their personal creative space across the Noosa region in 2022, making it Queensland's largest open studios event.

This is a creative community event, produced by artists for artists.

2023 COMMITTEE

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SIMONE Z LEAO
President

Simone is a multimedia textile artist and designer. Born in Brazil and a resident of Europe, Africa, and Asia, she settled in Australia 15 years ago. She moved to Noosa in early 2020, where she established her Outer Art Studio nestled in a large native off-grid property in the Hinterland. She brings to this event her passion for art, creativity, and a wealth of management experience from her previous career in academic science.

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MOIRA PEARL
Secretary

I’ve a passion for travel and nature and love discovering countries and their people, cultures, architecture and capturing aspects of these experiences in photography. With a background in administration I look forward to supporting NOS and artists to connect with community, locally, nationally and abroad. Life is colourful and it is wonderful to share our unique creative expressions. Carpe Diem!!

Kym Henkee-Poole - Treasurer

KYM HENKEE POOLE
Treasurer

Kym is an artist who has participated in NOS for the past 2 years. Her work is contemporary in nature, inspired by the natural environment and the vibrant colours that are forever present in the landscape.

Kym grew up in Canada where she studied and obtained a Masters Degree in Business Administration. For most of her working life she has lived and worked abroad in Europe, Asia, and Africa. She has extensive experience in financial operations and business management. She is excited to join the NOS team in 2023.

 

Beryl-Purvis

BERYL PURVIS
Trail Guide

Beryl grew up in Rhodesia, Studied Textile Design and then immigrated to Germany. She travelled with Trevor in their self styled and built camper van overland to Australia in late 70’s.
We have always been passionate about the arts and now spend much time in the outback, exploring artists communities and galleries. Now retired to the hinterland town of Cooroy, I have the fantastic opportunity to be immersed in a diverse creative community.

 

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DALE LEACH
Events

Dale studied at Prahran College of Advanced Education for the 3-year Diploma of Art and Design course. After completing a Grad Dip of Education, Dale taught Art for the next 20 years in Technical, High Schools and Colleges in Vic, WA, NT and Qld.

She had her first solo show at Martin Galleries in Brisbane in 2010 and has participated in many solo and group art shows. She now teaches art to adults a few times a year and volunteers at the Cooroy Butter Factory in the Artisan Shop and as part of the Install team.

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JOHN TONKIN
Artist Liaison

‘John’s ancient history is a Science degree and a Graduate Diploma in Computer Studies, followed by a working life that was mostly in Computer Simulation and Training Systems. John’s interest in warm glass (fusing and slumping) started as a hobby approximately 10 years ago.

John’s warm glass work includes pieces that are primarily abstract for colour and aesthetics, and others whose focus is geometric to include the challenge of precision, whilst allowing for the movement of glass when fired. The work generally takes anything from one to six firing cycles, each of which lasts a minimum of 24 hours.; with more cutting and grinding in-between.’

 

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SAREN DOBKINS
Committee Member

Zambia, Central Africa was where Saren grew up until migrating to Australia in 1976. Since then she has lived in several places both in Australia and overseas and has recently settled in Tewantin. Saren has been painting for over 30 years, and has also used photography, sculpture and drawing in her art practice.  With a quirky sense of humour, a philosophical bent and a love of colour, she explores  vulnerability, love and our sense of place within the world. Her work is found in public and private collections.

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LORNA GOLDRING
Committee Member

2023 is my first year as a member of the committee of Noosa Open Studios. I felt that after the difficult last few years, it was time to say a big YES to something again and so I am very much looking forward to participating, in the committee of the wonderful cultural and community event that NOS is.
I have lived in many countries in the world and worked for most of my career as a Social Worker in the women’s sector. Both of these have brought to my life an interest in the concepts of alienation, belonging and connection as well as the issue of balance, and these are what I explore in my painting. I often express this through mark marking as I love the serendipity of it and it seems to reflect how I feel. I have taught art in the community and have been painting for 25 years now.

 

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