2025 Workshops & Events

Opening Event
We would love for you, friends and family to join us, The Straddie Arts Trail island artists and makers for the opening of this year's event.
3:30pm - Opening & Trail Blessingby Uncle Raymond
QUAMPI Arts & Culture Centre14-16 Ballow Rd, Dunwich
5:30pm - Q&A with Chris Nyst & Trish Lake followed by Spit the film
Straddie Brewing Co5 Junner St, Dunwich

Spit Movie - Special Screening
TICKETED EVENT
After 20 years on the run overseas, small-time ex-criminal Johnny Spitieri (Spit) slips back into Australia on a false passport only to find himself locked up in an Immigration Detention Centre with a massive target on his back as old enemies come looking for him, determined to settle old scores. As he struggles to stay one step ahead, the resourceful Spit finds new friends in detention, teaching them his version of mateship, and what it means to be truly Australian.

Beeswax Candle Rolling
Learn how to make tall candles and birthday candles from 100% pure Organic Stradbroke Island beeswax foundation sheets.
Beeswax candles are one of the oldest forms of lighting in history, and the only candle that is clean enough to be used in museums and historic churches. All equipment supplied. Take your creations home with you and enjoy the delicate honey smell.

Play with Clay
FREE event
Take a moment during the Arts Trail to Play With Clay in the old pottery’s garden! It’s fun for all ages. Also browse our little shop of pottery goodies.

Ngali Dullan exhibition
FREE Exhibition
This permanent exhibition aims to create an immersive atmosphere on entry to the Museum and give visitors a sense and understanding of Quandamooka people and country since time immemorial.

Printmaking Workshop
Lino printmaking on fabric. Learn to design, carve and hand print your own tote bag or tea towel. Join Mahala for a 3 hour workshop, where together you will explore the fun and excitement of print making on fabric. Workshops are age restricted to 12 years+ (with a parent) and will be held in Goompi (Dunwich) at our new culture and arts centre - QUAMPI.

Soap Re-batching
Learn how to create your own unique soap balls from small/scrap soap pieces with long time soap maker Theresa and her daughter Leone. All equipment supplied, variety of colours and fragrances available for personal selection. Take your creation home with you for immediate use.

Introduction to Beekeeping
Join long time beekeeper and expert honey farmer Phill Bowman in this fun and informative workshop where you will learn the fundamentals of beekeeping.
During this workshop you will be shown all of the equipment needed to create a successful bee hive and learn how to get honey without a spinner. You can get up close and personal while viewing the observation hives and will also be able to try different types of delicious natural honey. This two hour workshop has been tailored to create passion and excitement about beekeeping while also providing intimate knowledge and education so that you too can have an affordable and sustainable beehive in your own back yard. Witness what is usually the secret life of bees and be inspired.
You will also leave with a goodie bag filled with take home information about beekeeping and a jar of the signature Bowman Family Island honey.

Hidden Oasis Art Show
FREE EVENT
Students, parents, grandparents & friends — no matter your age or experience, YOU are invited to take part in the Hidden Oasis Art Show!

Friendship Bracelet Making
FREE event
We will be offering an interactive way to bring a piece of the Straddie Arts Trail home, Friendship Bracelet Making! Perfect for all ages, though the littlies under 5 may need a helping hand from their parents or siblings. We will also offer organic skin care demonstrations, live music and face painting!

Soil Testing
Bring a sample of soil to the Savour & Salt team, during the workshop, we will:
identify soil types
test pH
test NPK levels
Discuss ways to improve your soil health for better vegetables or natives growth.

Beeswax Candle Rolling
Learn how to make tall candles and birthday candles from 100% pure Organic Stradbroke Island beeswax foundation sheets.
Beeswax candles are one of the oldest forms of lighting in history, and the only candle that is clean enough to be used in museums and historic churches. All equipment supplied. Take your creations home with you and enjoy the delicate honey smell.

Beach Finds and the Art of Still Life with Jo Fay Duncan
Immortalise those whimsical beach finds with this art workshop at Soul Lodge studio and gallery, Amity. Join our Nature Art Retreat for a morning or book the whole program by following us on Humanitix.
BYO Favourite shell, feather or drift wood (but we have plenty). Art materials provided.

The Art of Slow Clothing with Jane Milburn
Enjoy this opportunity to withdraw from the fast-fashion spiral which has led Australians to be among the world’s largest consumers of clothing that is dominated by synthetic fibres derived from fossil fuels and shedding microplastic particles into our ecosystem. This session is about valuing your natural-fibre garments. Bring along a piece (or two) from your wardrobe that’s in need of embellishment or TLC and immerse in the mindful art of stitching, mending and tweaking it for longevity. Your guide in the process is Slow Clothing author and Churchill Fellow Jane Milburn who shares upcycling tips and regenerative ideas to reduce your material footprint. All hand-stitching materials provided, BYO garments.

Recycled Beach Plastics Mosaic
This beginner friendly Beach Plastic Mosaic workshop is suitable for ages 5 and up. Come along to this workshop and get creative decorating a photo frame with colourful plastic collected from Straddie beaches , or creating your own design on a flat board. Learn about micro-plastics and what you can do to help maintain Mother Earth.

Introduction to Photography with Tim Van Vuuren
Welcome to an introduction to photography with Timothy Van Vuuren. This is a visual presentation designed to inspire and inform those curious about the art of image making. Through a curated presentation, we’ll explore key concepts such as composition, exposure, lighting, and the creative choices that turn a simple photo into a powerful story. Ideal for beginners, and enthusiastic amateurs, this session offers a thoughtful overview of photography fundamentals using real examples, a rich visual journey into the world behind the lens.

Soap Re-batching
Learn how to create your own unique soap balls from small/scrap soap pieces with long time soap maker Theresa and her daughter Leone. All equipment supplied, variety of colours and fragrances available for personal selection. Take your creation home with you for immediate use.

Sovereign Culture; Food as Art
Connecting as a group around the fire First Nations caretaker, chef and artist Kieron Anderson will take you on an artistic gastronomic journey exploring the colours and flavours of Quandamooka country.
Explore the natural pigments of the island whilst sampling ancient foods cooked over coals which have sustained his people throughout time. Suitable for ages 16+.

Guided Walking Art Journal Workshop with Megan Forward
Megan will be leading guided walking art journal workshops that delve into the archaeology and history of significant Minjerribah sites. Along the way, you’ll be encouraged to create your own beautiful artwork responses. All ages and abilities welcome. All materials are provided—just bring a raincoat in case of wet weather. Spaces are limited, so book early.

Introduction to Beekeeping
Join long time beekeeper and expert honey farmer Phill Bowman in this fun and informative workshop where you will learn the fundamentals of beekeeping.
During this workshop you will be shown all of the equipment needed to create a successful bee hive and learn how to get honey without a spinner. You can get up close and personal while viewing the observation hives and will also be able to try different types of delicious natural honey. This two hour workshop has been tailored to create passion and excitement about beekeeping while also providing intimate knowledge and education so that you too can have an affordable and sustainable beehive in your own back yard. Witness what is usually the secret life of bees and be inspired.
You will also leave with a goodie bag filled with take home information about beekeeping and a jar of the signature Bowman Family Island honey.

Basket Weaving with Cats Claw
In this workshop you will learn to make a functional and natural handled basket out of Cats claw, an invasive vine. This workshop combines environmental action with connection and creativity. Ages from 12+, absolutely no experience required.

Soil Testing
Bring a sample of soil to the Savour & Salt team, during the workshop, we will:
identify soil types
test pH
test NPK levels
Discuss ways to improve your soil health for better vegetables or natives growth.

Artist Talk
FREE event
In the days leading up to the Straddie Arts Trail, we are hosting a Nature Art Retreat. Soul Lodge art studio will be an exhibition space for new work and venue for artist talk, Sunday 10am - 12pm. During our retreat our guests will learn the skills to create beautiful compositions, guided and inspired by experienced artists, on-location North Stradbroke Island. Experiment with drawing, painting and collage referencinga range of art styles, covering the basic skills of observation and developing your own mark and artwork to be hung at Soul Lodge, part of the Straddie Arts Trail.

Printmaking Workshop
Lino printmaking on fabric. Learn to design, carve and hand print your own tote bag or tea towel. Join Mahala for a 3 hour workshop, where together you will explore the fun and excitement of print making on fabric. Workshops are age restricted to 12 years+ (with a parent) and will be held in Goompi (Dunwich) at our new culture and arts centre - QUAMPI.


Introduction to Photography with Tim Van Vuuren
Welcome to an introduction to photography with Timothy Van Vuuren. This is a visual presentation designed to inspire and inform those curious about the art of image making. Through a curated presentation, we’ll explore key concepts such as composition, exposure, lighting, and the creative choices that turn a simple photo into a powerful story. Ideal for beginners, and enthusiastic amateurs, this session offers a thoughtful overview of photography fundamentals using real examples, a rich visual journey into the world behind the lens.

Guided Walking Art Journal Workshop with Megan Forward
Megan will be leading guided walking art journal workshops that delve into the archaeology and history of significant Minjerribah sites. Along the way, you’ll be encouraged to create your own beautiful artwork responses. All ages and abilities welcome. All materials are provided—just bring a raincoat in case of wet weather. Spaces are limited, so book early.

Terrarium Naturescapes
In this small group workshop you will create your own beautiful terrarium to take home. You will learn all the tips and tricks to keep it thriving and will leave with the skills to make them at home. All materials provided. No experience necessary, ages 12+.

Discover Cyanotype: Botanical Blueprints
Renata returns to share this beautiful and so accessible process with you. In this hands on workshop create your own unique artwork and gain skills to continue exploring this captivating art form at home.
Explore the historical photographic process using plants, found objects, and sunlight. Keep your unique prints as cherished artwork or as gifts to someone special.
In this workshop, you will:
Create your own stunning cyanotype prints on cotton and paper.
Learn some history of the process, coating, developing and fixing techniques in a relaxed atmosphere.
Acquire the skills to continue experimenting with cyanotype at home.
All materials provided: cyanotype supplies, paper, fabric, plant cuttings, found objects. Bring your own small objects for a personal touch. Morning tea will be provided. Limited spots available. Reserve your place now!