Take a deep dive into the island’s creative wonders as the Straddie Arts Trail returns in August, showcasing 65 artists.
Straddie Arts Trail 2024
Get ready for the return of the beloved Straddie Arts Trail in 2024! From August 30 to September 1, this vibrant event will take over all three townships, featuring open studios, pop-up retail and gallery spaces, workshops, and various events. The trail will showcase the talents of over 65 artists and makers, highlighting Straddie’s creative spirit and unique inspiration while also supporting local community businesses.
Third year for Straddie Arts Trail
“The Straddie Arts Trail is back in 2024, and we can’t wait,” Cath said. We have many well-known Island creatives taking part, along with new artists and makers keen to show their work.
“What we’re most excited to announce this year is a visit to the Island from award-winning Torres Strait artist and activist, Alick Tipoti. He will join us for the Arts Trail with some of his amazing works, and valuable insights, and will host a screening of the feature documentary Alick and Albert.”
“Alick and Albert” tells the compelling story of two communities—Monaco and Badu Island—united in their concern for climate change and the future of the ocean. This narrative brings together Torres Strait artist and activist Alick Tipoti and His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco in a shared mission to protect marine life. A special screening of “Alick and Albert” will be a highlight at the Arts Trail’s ‘Opening Feast’ on August 30th, accompanied by delicious local seafood from Perry’s Seafood.
Take a Deeper Dive into the Straddie Arts Trail
For those looking to dive deeper into the Arts Trail experience, there are a variety of new workshops to explore. Participants can join a watercolour workshop with local artist Bernadette Mollison, Clare Purser’s Plein Air Painting Workshop at North Gorge, or Elinor Drake’s ‘Paint a Fish on Your Toast Plate’ workshop. There are also workshops in collage, fibre arts, painting, printing, and watercolour. Additionally, Cath, an experienced potter, will lead a ‘little landscape’ workshop, where attendees can create their own miniature landscapes on tumblers.
Photography Competition
For the photographers, the NSI Golf Club will bring back its popular Photography Competition with over $2000 up for grabs in prizes.
“Last year’s inaugural competition captured unique snaps of our beautiful Island course through the eyes of over 100 budding photographers – the works are proudly on show at the clubhouse. This year’s theme will be flowers,” Cath said.
Meet The Makers
Explore the vibrant arts community on the island with this sneak peek at some of the talented artists participating:
Budla Malu
Budla Malu, meaning “two seas,” is a multidisciplinary art duo led by Jhavon Auda, a Zenadth Kes man from Boigu and Erub islands, and Mikayla-Haze Adams-Queary, a Quandamooka woman. Their work honors and reflects the cultures, languages, and lands of the Torres Strait Islands (Zenadth Kes) and North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah/Tjerrangee). They create handmade and hand-gathered earrings, clothing, hand-printed screen prints, and offer cultural workshops and experiences, all inspired by stories passed down through their families.
Shara Delaney
Visual artist Shara Delaney draws inspiration from the stories of her Elders and her deep connection to Quandamooka Country. Her vibrant paintings, featuring pastels and bright colors, particularly hues of blue and green, express her identity as a Quandamooka saltwater woman and reflect the sea country that is central to her work.
Renata Buziak
Renata Buziak is a biochrome artist, researcher, and educator who merges art and science. She creates unique artworks by allowing photographic materials to interact with organic matter, a process she calls biochrome. Her work is deeply rooted in nature and explores the boundaries of traditional photography.
Mahala Burns
Lino fabric print artist Mahala Burns, a descendant of the Nunukul, Ngugi, and Gorenpul people of Quandamooka, draws inspiration from her upbringing on Minjerribah. She prints her designs, inspired by the island’s bush and sea landscapes, on tea towels, tote bags, cushion covers, aprons, kids’ T-shirts, and fabric lengths, bringing the beauty of her homeland into homes.
Alan “Macka” McKinnon
A self-taught painter with over 40 years of experience, Macka has lived on Minjerribah for 48 years. His realistic style, painted mainly with acrylics on canvas, captures the local landscapes, seascapes, and other subjects, reflecting his deep connection to the island.
Elizabeth Borey
Jewelry maker Elizabeth Borey, who works under the name “Gindi,” creates unique, handmade pendants inspired by her Quandamooka heritage. She uses natural materials gathered from the island to enhance her designs, offering small treasures that reflect the beauty of both fresh and saltwater environments.
Koo Ballard
Watercolor artist Koo Ballard creates miniature seascapes inspired by the stunning skies and ocean of Minjerribah. Her journey with watercolor began during the lockdown in 2020, and she now paints a new seascape daily, turning these works into unique, original cards.
Craig Clarey
Craig Clarey is a chainsaw carver, woodworker, and jeweler based in Amity. Starting his artistic journey in 2022, Craig sources timber from Minjerribah to create stunning chainsaw carvings, walking staffs, and walking sticks. He also crafts jewelry and intricate sculptures from shells and bones, finding immense joy in presenting his finished works to new owners.
Need to know
The trail will feature a variety of events, workshops, and community engagement initiatives. Start planning your visit today by heading to iamstraddie.com.au.Explore Eat drink and be Kerry and discover more culinary delights, travel tips, and local secrets
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