Creative Arts Gympie Region (CAGR) presents Sunday Studio Drive, a community initiative that invites participants to embark on a series of bus tours to explore various artist studios within the Gympie Region.

Taking place alongside the Gympie Region Studio Trails, this unique event will span these Sundays in July 2023.

*** Sunday 9 July, 8.30am - 4pm - Widgee, Woolooga and Goomeri

First stop is Zela Bissett's studio and garden, then off to ‘PK Steel Creations’ at The Dawn where you’ll see Peter Smith’s large scale steel sculptures. Then on to Milly Hine’s colourful artwork - ‘Art from the Heart’ property and studio at Widgee. There you will be treated to a painting workshop and morning tea. Next stop is ‘JungleRoom Art Studio’ to see latest paintings by Robert Nobilia.

Lunch is at Goomeri Bakery and a quick walk along the historic town, main street then on to ‘Hibiscus House Gallery’ and the abstract art of Jacinta Kington.

Gardener, wanderer, writer, poet, nature photographer & musician, Adele Coombs will share stories of her travels her published books 'Barefoot Dreaming' - a collection of poetry and photographs from around Australia, and 'Love, Mary'. Adele may share some of her travels far and wide, her explorations of the local area, the campaign to save the Mary River, and she may even share a poem or two!

*** Sunday 16 July, 8.30am - 4pm - Gympie & Southside

Start the day at Uniqueartz Studio, Trish and Graham Ramsay’s creative space, then onto the studio of multi award winning artist and educator, Jan Lawnikanis to see her floral watercolour paintings.

Pop around the corner to fashion designer Cindy Vogel’s studio for morning tea and to see how she dresses the music industry.

Then off to Prue McLeod's Pesart Studio and neighbouring Des Spencer Art to walk amongst his outdoor garden studio and soak in his colourful textured paintings while enjoying lunch by Desert Moon Catering.

We’ll then head out to the studio of award-winning artist and tutor Pam Black to view her acrylic landscapes and moody watercolours.

Lastly, we’ll pop into “Heart and Soul Sisters Creative Experiences”, to see how art can be used for emotional expression and a way to connect, reflect and regroup.

Be entertained with stories from artist and long-time Gympie resident Tammy Brennan who produces contemporary cross-artform works using text, music, movement, performance and site.

*** Sunday 23 July, 7.30am - 4pm - Mary Valley

It’s an early start at 7.30am to Imbil with your guide, renowned artist Joolie Gibbs, chatting about her art practice, the use of botanical inks and her long relationship with the Mary River.

At the Mary Valley Art Festival, you’ll be entertained at the annual Poet’s Breakfast, then a browse around entries for the Mary Valley Art Prize. The, we’ll pop into Art on Yabba Gallery and see paintings by Fiona Groom, and Stephen’s Recording Studio to understand the process of recording music.

Storyteller Ian Mackay will tell some funny and factual tales as we head to Kandanga Country Club for lunch and to see paintings by Pam Hopkins. We’ll walk around the lovely Kandanga Cemetery gardens and maybe take some rubbings from the old gravestones.

Finally, on the way home will detour to Raven Heart Art studio of Amanda Brierley at Tuchekoi to see her textural botanical paintings.

*** Please note

Bus departs and returns to Australian Institute of Country Music each Sunday.

Ticket prices include a return seat on the bus which is hosted by a local creative who will share stories and entertain, entry to select studios along the trail, a "Goodie Bag" with local produce, artisan products and promotional material, lunch and refreshments along the route.

Please bring cash for some studio purchases.

The bus may not accommodate all accessibility needs. Please contact organisers if unsure creativearts.gr@gmail.com

Creative Arts Gympie Region membership is $30per person per year. Click here.

We hope you enjoy your creative experience!