Sunshine Coast Art Group (SCArt)

Sunshine Coast Art Group (SCArt) is a not-for-profit community arts group with a history of more than 50 years. Based at studios in Buderim and serving the Sunshine Coast, it provides a friendly place for members to spend time making, learning and sharing creative skills. Rather than a conventional gallery visit, SCArt is centred on participation, with regular activities across pottery, painting, life drawing, sewing and craft.

The pottery studio is one of the group’s standout features. Members can work with clay through hand building, sculpting and wheel throwing, with access to throwing wheels, hand-building areas, gas, electric and Raku kilns, an extruder, slab roller and a selection of glazes. Painting and drawing sessions cover acrylics, watercolours, oils, pastels and life drawing. The painting groups are untutored, while separate classes and workshops offer instruction for an additional fee, and the website states that all skill levels are welcome.

Life drawing gives artists the chance to study the human form from a live model, focusing on anatomy, gesture and expression. The craft group is suited to members working on independent projects, with interests listed including beading, jewellery making, macramé, knitting, crochet, felting, mosaics, needlework, paper craft, scrapbooking, resin work, matchstick creations and upcycling. Sewing groups are also part of the regular programme, and several bands rehearse in the studios, adding another dimension to the creative community.

The atmosphere is social as well as practical. Members use the studios to work on their own projects, exchange knowledge and skills, and share a coffee and conversation. Sessions are generally untutored, making the group a good fit for people who enjoy self-directed creative time and learning from others. Membership also includes access to shared skill sessions, discounts on classes and workshops, and opportunities to sell or exhibit work at markets and events. Annual membership is listed at $140, with new-member intakes held several times a year. As the group is entirely volunteer-run, members are expected to help with the ongoing operation of the studios. SCArt may suit solo makers, artists looking for regular studio company, or people wanting to explore a new creative practice through a welcoming local group.