An immersive new art space for Burleigh Heads.
An immersive new art space for Burleigh Heads.
It seems there’s an uprising occurring on the Gold Coast. Not in a the-world-is-burning Handmaid’s Tale kind of way. It’s more of a passion-fuelled, heart-led, art and cultural kind of way.
Which is obviously far better. Over the past few years, it kind of snuck up on us, an art exhibition here, a cultural festival there and now, local Coasties are creating new spaces to live out their dreams left, right and centre.
The latest of which is Mint Art Studio, a new space found on West Burleigh Road in Burleigh Heads and bringing all of your colour-filled, Alice in Wonderland-esque dreams to life. If you’ve driven past lately, no doubt you’ll have noticed Prickles, Andrew Cullen and Dion Parkers’ Swell Sculpture Festival winning giant barbed wire teddy bear standing guard out the front. He’s a real eye catcher. Not a fan of hugs though.
Inside, the space is dotted with works by the talented crew who put the space together and it’s an absolute kaleidoscope of colour with artworks-in-progress tacked to the walls, sculptures and resin art stacked about and a little communal area complete with vintage lounge chairs and plenty of laidback, feel good vibes.
Mint Art Studio is the work of a few incredible locals – Nat Popovski or Nat Pop, an abstract watercolour artist, Cara Sanders an acrylic painter known as Owlet, Danni Borody, of Rustic Fig Design, a painter and resin artist.
There’s also Jillian Bradley, a painter at Jillian Bradley Art, Emily Rose, a multi-disciplinary artist who practices the art of wood burning, Jude of Made in Burleigh, a ceramicist, Dean Brockett, an experimental potter and Vicky (at a.r.t.vs) who works with oil paint, pastels and soft sculpture.
They are a diverse and extremely talented bunch of Gold Coasters whose individual searches for a space to work amongst other artists brought them together.
The group says being able to bounce ideas off one another and watching creations come to life is an incredibly inspiring way to work and having spent time in the space, we can confirm the creative vibes are well and truly swirling within.
At the moment, Mint Art Studio is a working art space made to foster connection between some of the Coast’s most talented artists but the plan is for it to become a gallery with set opening days where people are able to pop in, meet the artists and purchase the pieces on display.
There’ll also be workshops and events with each of the artists in residence and there are a lot of plans for things like art house movie nights and the like.
For now, drop in and say g’day to the gang, you might just be inspired to start creating something yourself.
So you see, an uprising of the arts. Very exciting for our little seaside city and we are 100% here for it.
LOCATION: 55 West Burleigh Rd, Burleigh Heads
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
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
There aren’t enough words in the world to describe the sky high levels of inspiration, creativity and general good vibes Claudio Kirac brings to the Gold Coast (but please, read on and you’ll get the gist).
He’s an artist, photographer and designer who has travelled the world to make magic with some of the biggest brands out there but, lucky for us, he calls our golden shores home. Over the last few years he’s worked closely with HOTA, Bleach* Festival and Festival 2018, to name a few, but his most recent project is a little closer to home.
We sat down for a chat with the absolute legend that is CK about his agency Art-Work’s epic new creative space and why the Gold Coast has become a well-oiled arts and culture machine.
How long have you been a Gold Coast local?
I have been on the GC for most of my life, was not born here, but definitely consider myself a die-hard local.
What do you love most about our beautiful city?
The small country town feel with some of the luxuries of a big city. The GC’s connection to nature is one of our most valuable assets and a definite game changer when it comes to quality of life and enjoying where you live.
Tell us your exciting news…
Our agency, Art-Work (AW) has climbed some big mountains in the past few years, from the strength of our collaborators to our internal creative and business mindset, you could say we are growing. With growth comes challenge and change, and your daydreams eventually manifest into something that is greater than you could possibly imagine. So, we have combined all our experience and knowledge, dipped our big toe in, and are creating a physical home for Art-Work, a multi purpose space for Design and Dreaming, right in the growing creative hub of Cronulla and Karen in Mermaid Beach
What will you have going on in the new space?
Our new creative space, the AW World HQ, will be our daily go-to for all of our creative production. It’s a blank canvas of sorts that we can use to experiment, play and grow ideas for the years to come – business in the front and dancing in the back. On a daily basis it will serve as our design office, with space to do photography and video production, contemporary art and creative consultation, with a vision to host exhibitions, industry gatherings and workshops from time to time – the space will be by appointment only, but you are welcome to drop by with coffee, tacos or wine anytime.
Tell us about your career journey so far, where did you start and how did you end up here?
I have always lived and loved art, from a 15 year history working in the surf industry, to jumping out on our own with Art-Work to work on the projects we love, it has been such an inspiring journey. I started AW with my long-term colleague and friend Paul Bow almost seven years ago now, from humble beginnings to trailblazing new territories; we are the perfect blend of creativity and commerce. My wife Laura Strange has brought such a new light to what we do across digital, design and strategy, that I find myself learning new things every day, which is one thing that we, as humans and designers, should never stop doing.
No doubt there have been many highlights, what are some favourite career moments?
The ultimate highlight is everyday when I pinch myself and am grateful for being able to be creative and get paid for it, also travels to far away lands of sunshine and snow and the memories and friendships we create along the way are experiences you will never forget.
Where do you find inspiration as such a creative guy?
I used to devour a lot of print collateral – still do, but much less – AW has an amazing design library BTW. I have to sometimes force myself to look beyond the pages of Pinterest, as it is veritable minefield of collated, curated craziness! These days a calm mind, a jump in the ocean and good verbal download helps to put things into perspective.
What are your thoughts on the Coast’s growing arts and culture scene?
The arts and culture scene on the GC is now a well oiled machine, compared to where we used to be five, 10 even 15 years ago now, the term ‘Cultural Wasteland’ never even entered my mind, although it’s taken a long and winding road to get to where we are now. With independent galleries through to HOTA and ongoing support from government infrastructure, I feel it is now at the perfect place to go next level and be taken seriously, with a community of talented creative hearts and minds to help tell the story.
What else would you like to see happen?
For artists and designers to stay here and embrace the ride.
What’s the plan for the rest of 2018?
We have had ridden a crazy wave this year, all the way from the beginning with HOTA, Bleach* and Festival 2018 through to working on creative content with our favourite locals at Dwell Store. Now over the hump with launching our new space and embracing the neighbourhood vibes we have some super exciting projects on the horizon across photography, video, brand and mural work to round out the year, but not before Laura and I head to the USA for a month long road trip of culture, food and good times!
Best piece of life advice you’ve ever received?
Wait for the moment, but do it now.
Favourites on the Coast:
Beach: From Cooly to the Spit, there’s nowhere like it on this planet!
Cafe: I’d have to throw my favourite Mermaid Beach locals in the hat, the best from All-Time, Hula Girl, Le Cafe Gourmand and Door 50 – you can’t go wrong
Restaurant: LUPO, Itoshin, Harry’s and Justin Lane for the cross section of good local cuisine
How does your weekend usually look? Up for the early or sleep in, depending on what’s on the cards, walk to get coffee and start from there. We sometimes work on Sunday because it doesn’t always feel like work. I like to cook, catch up with family and friends, reset and plan for the week ahead. A good schedule makes for a productive week, so the weekend is the time to reflect and refocus.
The standard of artistic talent on the Gold Coast right now is absolutely giving us life. We’ve got epic exhibitions on constant rotation, theatrical productions, all of the cabaret, live music, the works. It’s quite the time to be a lover of all things cultural in our sweet city.
Which brings us to the subject of this tale, a brand new art slash workshop slash event space showcasing the work of a team of folks whose names you’ve no doubt heard uttered once or twice.
The crew at Art-Work Agency, lead by artistic genius (and one of our faves) Claudio Kirac and his equally impressive partners in crime Paul Bow and Laura Strange, recently opened a new creative space and it’s an absolute delight.
AW Space opened on Friday night (March 22nd) with their debut exhibition Outside, made up of photographic and sculptural works by the Art-Works team, exploring themes of travel, friendship and connected places.
Which are, of course, some of our favourite things.
The works examine how our surrounding environments (both natural and built) and past experiences form our notions of home and community, and why we are drawn to particular places.
It’s an absolutely beautiful collection of works showing in an equally beautiful new space that the (lucky and also very hard working) Art-Work Agency team now get to call their office.
In case you’re somehow unaware, Art-Work Agency is a multidisciplinary creative agency specialising in photography and videography, design, art and consultation. Their industry experience spans over 20 years, and has been seen across the Gold Coast in the form of branding for local businesses, imagery for large-scale events like *Bleach Festival, fashion campaigns and generally just creating good work for good people.
It’s the perfect ethos for a business filled with folks who are passionate about, and have made it their mission to enhance, the Gold Coast community and in particular our art and cultural scenes.
AW Space will open for a curated selection of events and workshops throughout the year so keep your eyes peeled because this is one space you’re going to want to spend some time in.
We might like to move our office in there also. Pray for us.
LOCATION: 2/53-55 Cronulla Ave, Mermaid Beach
Words by Kirra Smith
