Dirty Hands Studio takes up new residency.
Dirty Hands Studio takes up new residency.
If you’ve ever taken a stroll down James Street, chances are you’ve wandered past Dirty Hands Studio. Tucked down a side lane, it was that sweet ceramics studio that always looked so cosy and inviting. But did you know, they’ve since moved into a bigger (and dare we say better) space?
Dirty Hands regulars would know this, but for those yet to put fingers to clay, let this be your subtle encouragement. Scratch that, the new space can speak for itself.
You’ll now find Dirty Hands along West Burleigh Road – only a five-minute drive from its old locale. The new space is intimate yet wholly welcoming – filled with wheels, kilns and long communal tables for hand-building and wheel throwing.
White walls act as the perfect backdrop for the lush greenery hanging from above and the shelves of almost-complete ceramics. Smiling faces surround you at all times. Add in the sweet relief of air conditioning and free parking, and it’s no wonder people are calling this place pure therapy.
The community-focused studio is only steps from top notch cafes, so you’ll never be short of exceptional coffee and nosh between pottery sessions.
They may have grown out of their old skin, but their ‘day-one’ values remain – to share the therapeutic art of pottery with as many hands as possible (pun intended) and encourage people to make time for themselves whilst getting their hands dirty.
Dirty Hands is a studio where you’re free to explore your creativity and find a sense of fulfilment through creating ceramics.
If you’re anything like us, the thought of spinning clay is a little intimidating – but also an intriguing pastime thanks to Patrick Swayze #ghostforever. Thankfully, Dirty Hands welcomes all abilities, so whether you’re in learner mode or an experienced potter, they have classes and courses for you to shine! If you find yourself smitten with the clay life, you can even become a part of their Mud Club membership program (that has to be the best name of a club ever). It’s all about community, creativity and connecting with fellow pottery lovers. Sign us up!
If you’re into wine and a good time, start with a one-off class – Sip and Spin is perfect for beginners who love getting creative. This the ultimate girl’s night or quirky date idea – wheel throwing meets wine, and it’s just as fun (and messy) as it sounds.
Want to give it a go at other one-off classes? Try the Intro to Wheel Throwing and Pottery Hand Building classes for your inner Demi Moore moment. And if you’re ready to really get your hands dirty, sign up for one of the 4–5 week courses in either hand building or wheel throwing.
They also offer private pottery sessions for groups – aka the perfect idea for a hen’s night or work Christmas party!
We’re not big on motivational speeches, but if you need a sign to chase your clay-made dreams, this is it!
Where: 5/79 West Burleigh Road, Burleigh Heads
When: Open daily from 9am to 4:30pm
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
STORY SPONSORED BY DIRTY HANDS STUDIO
Calling all artsy folk and creative dabblers! If you’re keen to try your hand at life drawing, weave a little macramé magic or maybe learn a thing or two about the art of photography, you’re in luck. We’ve compiled a list of places on the Gold Coast where you can get your art on, in any form! You might discover your inner Picasso or, at the very least, have a laugh-filled time giving it a go with the gang.
The Craft Parlour
One of the Coast’s cutest and most wholesome studios. It’s home to more creative workshops than you can poke a knitting needle at, from watercolour painting (with wine) to macramé, candle or clay boobie mug making! You can even make your own ceramic citrus juicer, brunch set or pet bowl! It’s not only enjoyable with friends and family but also a perfect way to meet fellow creative and like-minded folk!
Where: 27 Lemana Lane, Miami
The HIVE Art Gallery
Whether hunting for your next (or first) stunning art piece or keen to unleash some creativity of your own, this Currumbin-located gallery is a HIVE for all art-related activities. Test your skills at Life Drawing or find botanical bliss at a Fresco Painting workshop where flora and fauna are your muse. Kids don’t miss out, with similar style painting classes. Or, choose to admire other people’s creativity at one of their many art exhibitions. We promise you’ll be impressed.
Where: Suite 23, Number 5 Coghill Drive, Currumbin Waters
Dust Temple
This beautiful building tucked away in the back of Currumbin and has just celebrated 10 years of Life Drawing sessions! So, for those keen to try their hand at capturing the human form, you know you’re in expert hands here. It’s two and a half hours (6:30-9pm) of untutored drawing with a life model for just $30- all materials and live music provided! Dinner and drinks available through Dust Temple Cafe from 6pm.
Where: 54 Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin
Clean Beauty Market
Looking for some guidance on your daily makeup routine? Learn how to apply your makeup from the best in the biz with the gals at Clean Beauty Market. The lessons are also a great way to discover natural products and makeup application techniques based on your skin type, needs and concerns. How good!
Where: 1/53 James Street, Burleigh Heads
The Sweet Fine Artist Studio
If you’re looking to take your fine art skills to the next level while still keeping a wine in hand (it’s called balance), we’ve found your haven. The Sweet Fine Artist Studio is many lovely things, including a space for hire and home to many a creative workshop. They have everything from your playful Paint (or Clay) and Sip to more technical and skill-enhancing workshops, including Life Drawing, Sculpting, Texture Painting and Lino Cut & Printing! It’s the perfect place for a mid-week burst of creativity, or why not plan an event around one of their offerings? Hens party life drawing anyone? Always a good time.
Where: 2/3 Karen Avenue, Mermaid Beach
POT Studios
POT Studios is home to all things ceramics, from pottery workshops and courses to a gorgeous curation of ceramic homewares to purchase. The Tugun-based studio was created by Cindy Hamrey, who simply wanted a space to create. Nowadays, you can find a host of workshops to enjoy, including ‘Wheel + Wine’ or ‘Date Night’ classes, or ‘make your own’ just about anything, including a dinner or breakfast set, fruit bowl, vessel, vase and of course, mug! The list goes on! Why not dive right in with a 4-week ‘Intro to Pottery’ or ‘Intro to Wheel’ course!
Where: 30 Kaleena Street, Tugun
HOTA
It wouldn’t be a true Home of the Arts without plenty of creative classes to take part in. From crafting your own brushes to even more life drawing, your inner muse will surely be inspired at HOTA. There are classes for both adults and kids (hello, LEGO workshop), and new ones are added all the time, so why not get the whole family involved in something new and different. Keep up to date on what’s happening via their website.
Where: HOTA, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise
The Meraki Connection Creative Studio
Get ready to belly-laugh, get your hands dirty and make some memories at The Meraki Connection Creative Studio in Nerang. It’s another studio that seemingly has it all, with Paint and Sip, macramé, pottery, resin and painting workshops, as well as candle and soap making. They even have beeswax wrap workshops! The name ‘Meraki’ literally translates to ‘to do something with soul, creativity, or love’, and that’s precisely what you’ll find here.
Where: Shop 5 / 5-7 Lavelle Street, Nerang
Sip & Pearl
How does an afternoon of sipping bubbles while designing and creating unique freshwater pearl jewellery pieces sound? Amazing! Well, Sip and Pearl have done us a solid and bought two of our favourite things together (prosecco and pearls) in a workshop. You’ll be taken through each step of creating your choice of 1 or 2 pieces, like necklaces/chokers, bracelets, anklets, earrings or rings, with all creations professionally clasped by their team at the end! Workshops are held at various Gold Coast locations (usually breweries), including Lost Palms Brewing Co in Miami and Hard Fizz Taproom in Burleigh Waters.
Where: Various Gold Coast locations
Crockd Studios
Don’t even get us started on how drop-dead gorgeous these studios are….omg you got us started! Based in Kingscliff and Currumbin, Crockd Studios, formerly known as Stone Studios, offers two of the most aesthetic spaces to get your creative juices flowing, which apparently translates into the most aesthetic pottery work. Just take one look at their Insta, and you’ll know what we’re talking about. Get your Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze on (Ghost style) at their ‘Date Night Wheel Class’, or fly solo or with friends at one of their ‘Vase and Vino’ or ‘Wheel and Wine’ workshops. Either way, you’re leaving with an adorable creation- guaranteed!
Where: Unit 6/14 Nuban St, Currumbin Waters and 1/110 Marine Parade, Kingscliff
Artable Studio
Whether you prefer to paint in watercolour, oil or acrylic or favour a pencil in hand, Artable Studio has you covered. From Impressionist Landscapes to Floral Painting in Acrylic, you’re sure to find something that tickles your fancy. Classes are held at various locations across the Gold Coast in the loveliest of spaces, from The Borrowed Nursery to Burleigh Brewing. You’ll undoubtedly make a new friend or two amongst all the paint and good vibes. Lessons start from $33.
Where: Various Gold Coast locations
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
We’re sure you’ve noticed (there are gorg murals everywhere now), but Gold Coast’s local art scene is popping off! From galleries to murals, exhibitions to workshops, our talented local artists are making themselves known here and on the national scene.
So, if you’re looking for a unique way to spend a day on the Gold Coast, why not appreciate all the exceptional art on offer?
Here’s a list of local galleries to help you get your art fix (listed north to south).
Gallery One is a leading contemporary fine art gallery representing collectible and established multi-award-winning artists from around Australia. In other words, expect to be impressed. From Ken Done to Goompi Ugerabah, the featured artists are expansive in their material use and host a wide breadth of colour, making for a captivating and curious visit.
Where: Shop 16.02 The Brickworks 107 Ferry Road, Southport
Anthea Polson established her namesake gallery after working for over thirteen years at one of Australia’s largest commercial art galleries. Anthea Polson Art specialises in contemporary Australian art and sculpture, representing Australia’s top emerging artists and exhibiting major investment works. Alongside her team, Anthea has helped promote emerging Australian contemporary artists, host a regular exhibition programme, and provide clients a superior art consultancy service since 2009.
Where: 29 Tedder Avenue, Main Beach
It’s all in the name, really. The Gold Coast’s Home of The Arts. HOTA is the city’s premier cultural precinct and has been showcasing visual and performing arts since 1986. This place is phenomenal, with an impressive array of exhibitions, cinema, dining/bar facilities, and a non-stop schedule of live shows, activities, and workshops. Whether you’re keen to see the works of award-winning artists, sculptures and photographers, see a live theatre show or take a live drawing workshop, you can find it here.
Where: 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise
Located next to Broadbeach SLSC, the Royal Queensland Art Society is a place to view, buy and create art. They offer classes from life drawing to acrylic and sketching and host an ‘Art in The Park’ on the second Sunday of each month, where artists can sell their work at the park. It’s free admission, and they’ve even got an Art Cafe to grab refreshments from after a busy day of getting creative.
Where: 25 Broadbeach Boulevard, Broadbeach
This stunning Mermaid Beach gallery showcases bold, eye-catching art- all for purchase- by over ninety local and international artists. Curated by Terri Lew, the space is divided into six interconnected exhibition spaces featuring a diverse range of styles and genres, from realism and abstract to pop art and pop surrealism and more!
Where: 19 Karen Avenue, Mermaid Beach
Standing for ‘Art Lives on Walls’, ALOW is a brand new artist-driven gallery space in Mermaid Beach, created as a sanctuary for creative freedom, experimentation, and storytelling. Founded by the owners of We Sell Prints, Jarrad and Sarah Miller, ALOW is about reestablishing our connection with art off-screen; physically standing in front of a piece and feeling it. They also host bold exhibitions, hands-on workshops and artist-led events.
Where: 2/53-55 Cronulla Ave, Mermaid Beach
Did you know world-renowned landscape photographs are available for us to marvel at on the Gold Coast?! We’re talking about Wayne Sorrenson’s works and his gallery in Miami! From wildlife to national and international landscapes, his gallery features a vast selection of framed artwork to purchase, as well as a range of gift ideas, including acrylic blocks, greeting cards and calendars, to name a few. It’s all absolutely breathtaking.
Where: 40 Lemana Lane, Miami
Meet the freshest artist-run gallery on the Gold Coast (and perhaps beyond). It’s called Mint Art House, and it’s home to 12 talented emerging artists ranging from painters to sculptors, muralists to ceramicists, located in Burleigh Heads. Like all good art studios, Mint is a collaborative space that frequently hosts exhibitions, artist talks and workshops including poetry nights and life drawing.
Where: 5/87 West Burleigh Road, Burleigh Heads
The HIVE is another artist-run studio (we love to see it), a fine art gallery and co-operative art space. They support local and international, emerging and established artists of all skill levels, as an effort to encourage inclusivity and creativity. Within the gallery, you’ll find an array of stunning works available for purchase, or if you’d like to stay awhile, why not grab a ticket to one of their workshops! Life drawing, anyone? There’s also a regular meetup and music night if you want to meet some like-minded folks.
Where: Unit 23/5 Coghill Dr, Currumbin Waters
Just the sight of this gorgeous refurbished warehouse (a piece of art itself) in the heart of Currumbin Waters is enough to ignite one’s inspiration. Dust Temple is a creative space (also an art gallery, cafe and bar) where likeminds can meet and share their love of the arts. They host live music, performances, poetry, exhibitions and workshops.
Where: 54 Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin Waters
Maverick is a one-of-a-kind space where art, hair and health come together! The small gallery space allows local artists to showcase their work (some available for purchase) and connect, hosting community art exhibitions and events throughout the year. There are also beautiful gifts for purchase from both near and far.
Where: First Floor, 1/17 Griffith Street, Coolangatta
Home to the Margaret Olley Art Centre (MOAC), the Gallery Shop and Apex Dining, the architecturally award-winning Tweed Regional Gallery makes for a perfect day across the border. Start with breakfast at Apex, enjoyed with a breathtaking panoramic view of the Tweed River before heading to the MOAC; a gallery celebrating the life of Australia’s most celebrated still life and interior painter. Don’t forget to pick up a keepsake at the Gallery Shop on your way out!
Where: 2 Mistral Rd, South Murwillumbah
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
Paint and sip. Sip and paint. Whichever order you do it, you’re guaranteed a bloody good time. Many GC class providers have branched out from the OG canvas art, meaning you can cut your teeth on all sorts of other arty farty goodness, like clay, pots, and more. With a free-poured wine in hand of course and no side eyes please, because Dutch courage is still courage.
Whether you’re arranging a hen’s night, birthday, celebration or just want to get boozy with your squad (understandable), pick your class, whack a cheese platter and some sav in the esky, and get your creative on!
The Sweet Fine Artist Studio X The Henchman Miami
Make your way to The Henchman on the first Friday evening of every month to end the week sipping (standard), painting, and creating with Sip & Paint ($55 per person). For extra imagination and inspo, check out the carefully curated cocktail menu, and don’t forget to order a famous ‘Henchy Burger’ while you’re at it. Or, if pottery is more your jam (us!), have a crack at Sip & Clay on the second Sunday morning of each month ($49 per person). Dig your hands into premium air-drying earthy coloured clay whilst enjoying a coffee or cocktail and nibbling on a decadent croissant!
Where: 2/3 Karen Avenue, Mermaid Beach
Brushed n Boozee Sip Studio
Grab your brush, bring your booze, and head for the Sip Studio to paint fave rap and hip hop legends! Brushed n Boozee are bringin’ it back to the old school with their brand new ultra-modern crib, where experienced local artists – and the odd random guest appearance by the elusive Masked n Mute Mystery artist – will guide you. Then, dance the night away to 90s and 2000s bangers, set amongst a wall of murals and neon lights. Sicker than your average paint and sip, prices from $69 per person.
Where: 76 Kortum Drive, Burleigh Heads
The Craft Parlour
Leaders in the pack of all things creative, The Craft Parlour shares our obsession with textured art and colour us happy, is hosting a textured art class morning tea on 26th March. For $120 per person including morning tea, they’ll walk you through how to apply textured medium, create different layered looks, smoothing, texturing, colouring, and how to use the different textured tools.
Everyone will leave with one large 16 x 20-inch framed artwork which bonus, now we don’t need to go buy one for twice the price. We’ll paint to that!
Where: Lemana Lane, Miami
Pinot & Picasso
Offering classes in both Broadbeach and Palm Beach, try your hand at painting on canvas or painting on pots with your fave gal (or guy) gang, BYO snacks (cheeseboard anyone?!) and BYO bevs. Upcoming themes include waratah, monstera deliciosa, evil eye, Lake Tepako, an Amalfi morning, paint your pet, and Havana nights to name just a few. Classes take place both on weekdays and weekends with prices ranging from $50 – $80.
Where: 2723 Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach & 1168 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Paint Juicy
If you’re planning a hen’s party, girls’ night out, or just want an excuse to share a wine with your posse, Paint Juicy’s nude male paint and sip classes are a ‘boner’ fide hit. Featuring a nude male in a safe and respectful environment (no scary weird dudes in sight), get all giggly as your muse de-robes on stage, and sip, paint, and boogie the night away. Bring your cheeky side, snacks (or pre-order a charcuterie), and of course drinks, and start planning where you’ll hang your well-hung work of art. $109 per person.
Where: 18/3 Flagstone Drive, Burleigh Heads
The Art Exchange
Hosting creative events for public and private functions from sip and paint to therapeutic painting, corporate events and hens’ nights, The Art Exchange has you covered. Choose from one of their creative concepts like the upcoming native botanicals paint and sip session at Burleigh’s Dirty Hands art space this Saturday 25th February ($55 per head). Maybe you’d prefer to paint your date (#SwipeLeftNextTime) or have a natter to The Art Exchange team about tailoring something specifically for you. In any case, pack your drinks and nibbles and your get arty farty on!
Where: 19/21 Park Ave, Burleigh Heads & Corner Via Roma & Verona Avenue, Isle of Capri
Mesi Studio
Mesi Studio is the Coast’s newest craft, paint and sip events venue, with textured art classes taking centre stage #yippee. Sign up for the new Textured Mirror Paint & Sip for $89 per person and up the cool factor of your abode. Make your very own wonky (but funky wonky) textured frame mirror whilst devouring BYO nibbles and drinks. Or if you’re a sucker for seltzer, a monthly Textured Art Workshop at Hard Fizz Headquarters may be more up your alley. Included in the $70 per person ticket is 1 x Fizz Seltzer Tasting Paddle and 1 x Fizz Can, with $3 feeds and $5 Fizz cocktails available to order on the night. #Let’sGetMesi!
Where: 90 Kortum Drive, Burleigh Heads (Studio) & 16 Hibiscus Haven, Burleigh Waters (Hard Fizz Headquarters).
Words by Bianca Trathen.
