ISSN 2207-100X 30th March 2022
Arts Connect Open Studios (Hinterland) was held last weekend. Artists from the Hinterland area of the Queensland Sunshine Coast opened their studios so the public could see “how art happens”.
This was a first time for Judi to open her studio Palimpsest to the public.
Who would have thought it even possible after the extreme weather event of March
4. Judi’s home & studio, are in Landsborough, in the middle of the one of the worst hit areas!
Wild winds and flooding. Trees downed, no power, phone or internet. Schools closed and people told to stay off the roads!
Early preparation was her answer.
Judi in QLD kept me (Jo in WA) up-to-date with her plans for, and then news of, the weekend.
Judi…
“I had Studio “Palimpsest” set up
plus two small galleries, the Foyer Gallery,
and Mini Gallery…
and an interactive challenge for people to try and assemble, the “Deconstructed Fibre Puzzle”. 
Since my fibre technique is generally unknown to most people in this country – and
it’s so tactile – I also provided visitors with access to a “Touch Table” in the area between the two galleries where the fibres used in my work could be touched and handled. This, to try and restrain visitors from touching the works! I know they are soooooo enticing!”
Saturday rolled around and even though one of the organizers had been to visit Judi to check out her studio space and had indicated there would be many visitors, Judi didn’t really believe it. In the Landsborough area she is one of four artists, a couple of painters and a sculptor working with wood. There are towns in the Glass House Mountains and further north closer to the coast well known for artists colonies but Landsborough is a bit out of the way.
Judi…
“What a terrific first day and my first time with Open Studios… it was exhausting but it was great fun!
I had at least 50 people come through, a really nice group of engaged and engaging visitors with good questions. I sold one work and a few bags and small items.
Jo: I have one of Judi’s bags showing the Greater Bilby – it makes a great catch-all there’s a place for my keys in an inside zipped pocket and the black bottom and shoulder straps don’t get grubby. Plus the zip at the top of the bag prevents things spilling out!
Judi: Most visitors went onto the studio deck, individually and in groups, to “have a go” at assembling the “Deconstructed Fibre” puzzle (16 pieces with an “extra” to throw them off), they tried to match wits with this fibre challenge but only a few managed to put it together (I think it has something with how you squint!)
Since my two galleries and “touch table” are away from my studio space, I owe the success of the day to my team of highly-trained and immensely creative group of fibre/textile artists who acted as “fibre docents” answering questions and guiding people to various areas. My docents were issued with red aprons (embroidered with my “Moose with Boomerang logo – and tattoo) so visitors knew who to ask for information.
SUNDAY – Judi… Oh MY! today was a real surprise even though I expected more people on a Sunday…. I can’t be sure how many showed up (still have the paperwork to go through) but a number of them came back after Saturday’s visit. I would guess there were 80+ visitors. My crack Fibre Docent Team in their red aprons were available to guide visitors to the various locations and to answer questions but even with help, I was flat out all day. I sold another three pieces as well as more canvas bags and small kits (people were thinking ahead to Christmas and grandchildren I believe).
SOME OF MY SOLD WORKS :
The “Deconstructed Fibre Puzzle” served to keep people here even when they said upfront, they were “in a rush”. There were some really hysterical moments with the puzzle and one group of 4 “cheated” by using my new photo that “proved” the puzzle would work and that there was indeed a 17th piece that didn’t fit. I told them I would time them for speed and accuracy…. they failed to do it quickly even then but finally got it together…. and insisted on a “Winners” photo be taken. 
The puzzle served as a great icebreaker and let people experience fibre and my “odd” work tactilely.
The “touch table” was a hit and I had people going back for “one more touch” before they left! Some in the gallery would begin to reach out to touch and then abruptly withdraw their hand smile at me and quickly walk out to the touch table.
We also offered free Turmeric as people left… many intended to plant some while others said they would use it in the evening meal. 
Several people have indicated they want bespoke/commission work and I do think that many received a metaphorical “whack on the side of the head” when they were asked to see the world and all who sail in her, differently.
Judi’s take on the weekend event…
The Open Studios was great on a number of levels and the fact that my Fibre/Textile group was so involved as my “Fibre Docents” accounted for the success of the two days! The event couldn’t have been more fun, cooperative, or collaborative! I’ll do it again! Visitors commented on how well-organised this event has been… I would second that!
Once again, many thanks to Arts Connect for the Open Studios adventure. This organisation will be the topic of conversation and I hope for more memberships in Arts Connect when my Fibre Docents come back for one of our irregular “Gatherings” later in April.
** The End… of a Great Weekend **
