Photos: Supplied.
Tucked away in the Pinkland Recreation Reserve of Thornlands, just off Cleveland-Redland Bay Road, you’ll find the gallery and studio of the Redland Yurara Art Society.
Yurara is a not-for-profit art society run exclusively by volunteers. It is the oldest and largest art society in the Redlands, established in 1962 by Clothilde Highton and a small group of artists. The Society initially met in Clothilde’s home, “Yurara”, which overlooked Raby Bay. Yurara is an Aboriginal word meaning “looking eastwards”, and the Society initially was known as “the Yurara Art Group”.
The group defined its purpose “to encourage practising artists and to awaken public interest in the Arts generally”. These remain Yurara’s objectives to the present day, though additionally, the Society now extends a warm welcome to all, irrespective of their level of artistic expertise. Eventually, the Society plans to expand its activities to become the Redlands area’s major arts and crafts hub.
In 1991, the group became an incorporated entity named the “Redland Yurara Art Society Inc.”, known informally as just “Yurara”. Following an allocation of land by the Redland Shire Council in the Pinkland Recreation Reserve, a significant fundraising effort was matched by a dollar-for-dollar grant from the Queensland State Government, and Yurara was able to build its own studio, which was officially opened in August 1992 by the then Premier of Queensland, Mr Wayne Goss. This remains the hub of members’ activities. In 1998, a generous bequest from founding member Joan Higgins allowed for an extension that doubled the available space and the creation of a professional gallery.
Yurara holds regular workshops and art classes, including life drawing, tutorials, meetings and social gatherings. Weekly portraiture and en plein air sessions allow members to hone their skills whilst enjoying a social get-together. A feature at Yurara is the members’ themed exhibitions of artwork, which change monthly. In addition, each year, a judged major exhibition is held.
The studio and gallery are well-equipped and air-conditioned, with modern hanging facilities and professional lighting. The studio is equipped with a wide variety of art equipment for members’ use and an extensive library of books, magazines, DVDs and videos.
Yurara Gallery is open to the public from 10:00am to 4:00pm on weekends. Artworks on display are for sale, and pottery, greeting cards, bookmarks, and other items produced by Yurara members are also available.
For more information, visit the website at https://redlandyurara.com.au.
