Illume Creations

Illume Creations is a glass art gallery in the Mayfield Centre at the upper end of Main Street, Montville. The gallery showcases colourful handmade work created in Queensland, with a strong focus on the hand-blown glass of Montville artist Tina Cooper and her hot glass team. The collection is presented as original art rather than a conventional gift shop, making it a worthwhile stop for anyone interested in studio craft, design and locally made objects.

Tina Cooper’s work spans several distinctive collections. The Tribal Tribute series combines glass with Indigenous brushwork and beadwork, while the Sunrise series uses layered colour to suggest a glowing sunrise and was created as a symbol of hope after the tsunami. The Sea Life Collection includes free-standing fish and detailed underwater forms, with some pieces requiring a full day of work from the team. Other gallery displays include Soul Essence pieces, the Enchanted Garden series, Sunflower works, and the colourful bowls, vases and platters known as Fabs.

There is more to explore beyond the larger glass artworks. Illume features handmade glass jewellery, locally made lampwork beads, dichroic glass pieces, and Wolfgang Engel’s glass sculptures. His lampwork collection includes glass pens, perfume bottles and tea light holders. Owner Shiralee Cooper also creates colourful aromatic essences through Aura Light, a colour consultation system associated with two-tone Harmony bottles. The gallery offers Pack and Send services worldwide, which is useful if you are considering a larger or more fragile purchase.

The gallery’s setting adds to the visit. Positioned on the Blackall Range, it has views towards the coast and nearby mountains, giving the space a scenic Montville backdrop. Illume Creations was established in 2004 by Shiralee Cooper and family members to celebrate colour and the talents of Sunshine Coast artists. It suits a relaxed solo browse, a couple looking for a distinctive Montville stop, or small groups interested in contemporary glass and handmade design. The website lists the gallery as open seven days from 10am to 4pm, with undercover parking available.