The HIVE brings good vibes and even better art.
The HIVE brings good vibes and even better art.
If there is one thing we value even more than usual since living in this strange new world (besides midday margaritas), it is mindful creativity and spending time on something that allows us to switch off for a sec.
It’s trying new things, being immersed in making something just for the sake of it, releasing your worries. Sounds heavenly right? Well it is and you can do all of it at Burleigh’s new art gallery and workshop space, The HIVE.
Found on Park Ave, right next door to Erva Nail Spa, The HIVE was opened very recently by Jo Ellings, a Gold Coast artist (and incredible woman) who has been creating stunning works for over 30 years and is now sharing that talent with the likes of us.
Jo has spent time studying in Japan and Italy and as a teacher locally, so all her passions have combined into creating a space where Gold Coasters can go to both peruse world class art and try their hand at making something themselves.
The space itself is brightly lit by natural light that pours in through the front windows, artworks hang from every available space, leather couches make up a cosy chill corner and tables at the back are set out for workshops.
And there are many workshops you’re going to want to get involved in friends. From film photography to watercolour and The HIVE’s specialty, Fresco painting, you need to gather the crew and book yourselves in quick smart.
In case you’d never heard of it before now (same) Fresco – meaning fresh – is the technique of creating master murals upon freshly laid plaster and the result is absolutely magical.
If you’re thinking you’re probably not at that level quite yet (also same), never fear, Jo goes through several preparation techniques to help link your brain to your hand and get you in the zone before you move onto the plaster work. We tried it, it’s very cool.
Plus Jo is very patient and nurturing so you definitely won’t feel like you can’t do it once you’re there, quite the opposite in fact.
Of course, you can purchase all the art within the gallery including some of Jo’s own and some absolutely mind-blowing pieces (think metre tall painted poppies) by a pair of Italian brothers she met while abroad and then had come to stay in her home for a month last year. They’re some of the most incredible works we’ve ever seen.
So, whether you’re in the market for a new feature piece for your home or you’d simply like to practice the art of mindful creativity for awhile, The HIVE is your place.
The perfect addition to Burleigh Heads, packed with good vibes and exactly what we all need.
LOCATION: 5/3 Park Ave, Burleigh Heads
HOURS: Tuesday to Saturday 10am until 4pm, Sunday and Monday by appointment, Wednesday and Thursday 6pm to 8pm
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
Self care as a term, seems to have only existed for a short while, but is in fact a thing that is both a necessary and enjoyable delight we should all experience daily. Yes daily.
The practice of self care can manifest in many ways depending on you and whatever makes you feel good. You know what makes us feel good? Being pampered by people who care for products that are both good for us and good for the environment.
Which is why it’s both delightful and convenient that Erva Nail Spa opened up in Burleigh Heads recently bringing exactly that to self care-loving Gold Coasters.
The stunning space is the work of local gal Leila Davoren who wanted to bring an organic, non-toxic experience to the local nail spa industry.
The second you set foot inside Erva you’ll be enveloped in serenity. A relaxed, nurturing vibe emanates from the upstairs salon, which is decked out in natural earthy colours, you’ll never want to leave.
Textured walls offset by plush furniture and gold accents are the work of architect Thais Pupio and interior designer Uscha Banning, who have come together to bring Leila’s vision to life and make some absolute magic.
Leila’s idea behind creating the space was to make people feel truly special and as soon as you sink into one of the softest of armchairs and gaze around at the draped greenery and perfectly curated interior, you will indeed feel that Erva is not your average nail spa.
All products are organic and non-toxic with the creams and soaks made in-house. Everything is vegan, which of course means also not tested on animals.
Erva is a Portugese word for herb, an essential part of the spas approach to nurturing. The benefits of herbs, essential oils, salts and ointments are used in everything from creams and exfoliants to masks.
If we had to choose just one service, it would be the Divine – a self love ritual designed to heal and restore the health of your hands or feet including a soak, nail shaping and buffing, cuticle care, exfoliant, a mask, massage and polish to finish.
It’s actual heaven and self-care at its absolute finest.
So if a little bit of self care is on the agenda (and it absolutely should be), there’s no better place to treat yourself than this Burleigh beauty.
You deserve it, trust us.
LOCATION: 4/3 Park Ave, Burleigh Heads
HOURS: From 10am Tuesday to Sunday
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
The Gold Coast’s local art scene has blossomed exponentially in the last few years. Galleries, installations and murals have popped up all over the Coast and local artists are making themselves known both here and on the national scene.
If you’re looking for a unique way to spend a day on the Gold Coast, we’ve got just the answer. Here’s a list of local galleries to help you get your art fix.
Wayne Sorrenson Gallery
World-renowned landscape photographer Wayne Sorrenson opened his very own gallery in Miami in 2020 so we, the lucky Gold Coasters get to peruse his breathtaking art anytime we like. Within the gallery, there’s a huge 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 magical and a lovely stand-in for the international travel we aren’t allowed to do right now.
Where: 40 Lemana Lane, Miami
Anthea Polson Art
Anthea Polson Art specialises in contemporary emerging Australian art and sculpture, including investment works. A regular exhibition programme showcases the work of emerging and established contemporary artists.
Where: 29 Tedder Avenue, Main Beach
Maverick Hair & Art Space
Maverick is a small gallery hosting community art exhibitions and events throughout the year. Headed up by artist Byron Coathup and partner Hayley, the space (also boasting a hair studio) caters for art and design lovers and offers beautiful gifts for purchase from both near and far. Don’t be afraid to head up the stairs and check out the gallery.
Where: First Floor, 1/17 Griffith Street, Coolangatta
The Hive Burleigh Heads
The newest of the bunch, The HIVE was opened very recently by Jo Ellings, a Gold Coast artist who has been creating stunning works for over 30 years and is now sharing that talent with the likes of us. Within the gallery you’ll find an array of stunning works to take home with you or, if you’d like to stay awhile why not grab a ticket to one of their workshops and become an artist yourself. There’s also a regular meetup and music night if you want to meet some like-minded folks.
Where: 5/3 Park Avenue, Burleigh Heads
Level Up studio + gallery
The space is designed to provide access to art experiences for young people and adults within the local community and beyond, through public programs hosting a range of creative activations, such as art workshops, artist talks, school holiday workshops, networking events and an exciting monthly exhibitions program. Emerging artists can apply for space and we can all pop in there to check out the magic. So good.
Where: 72-82 Marine Parade, Coolangatta
The Walls Art Space Miami
The Walls is an interactive space that began in 2012 aiming to serve as a hub of creative practice, critical dialogue and innovative thinking around contemporary art. Their annual program focus is to curate monthly exhibitions in conjunction with their successful local artist in residence program.
Where: 4/18 Mountain View Avenue, Miami
AW Space
Created by the good people at ArtWork Agency, AW Space is a pretty art gallery slash workshop slash event space showcasing the work of a team of folks whose names you’ve no doubt heard uttered once or twice. They are Claudio Kirac and his equally impressive partners in crime Paul Bow and Laura Strange. All talented within their own rights, the team have combined their forces to create a stunning space filled with beautiful works. Do yourself a favour and get in there.
Where: 2/53-55 Cronulla Avenue, Mermaid Beach
Café dbar
Stop in for a delicious brunch overlooking the ocean and take in the collection of local art and handmade goodies next door while you’re there! The space combines works by local artists with a new store filled with locally made homewares, clothing and creative pieces.
Where: 275 Boundary Street, Coolangatta
19Karen Contemporary Artspace
A stunning space filled with bold new art (and all for purchase!) by emerging, mid-career and established Australian and International artists. Exhibitions curated by Terri Lew rotate regularly, ranging in style and genre from pop culture, surrealism, realism, street art, abstraction and to the still undefined.
Where: 19 Karen Avenue, Mermaid Beach
HOTA
The Gold Coast’s premier cultural precinct, HOTA (Home of The Arts) has been showcasing visual and performing arts since 1986. With an array of exhibitions, cinemas and dining/bar facilities, there’s something for everyone throughout the entire year. In 2021, we saw the precinct increase in size with an incredible new six-level Gallery that attracts with world-class exhibitions (including Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat and more) plus a showcase of incredible local artists.
Where: 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise
Dust Temple
A refurbished warehouse (a piece of art itself) in the heart of Currumbin Waters, Dust Temple and its creative space Hinge Gallery hosts local, national and international artists, musicians and poets. There’s also a fantastic café / coffee shop, so stay awhile and soak up the creative scene.
Where: 54 Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin Waters
