Discover the Byron Bay Art Scene: Something for Every Art Lover

Byron Bay’s laid-back lifestyle provides the perfect environment, not for only surfers looking for great waves, but also the creative minds of artists who thrive in this atmosphere. If you are planning a camping holiday to Broken Head Holiday Park, be sure to include the Byron Bay art scene on your list of things to do, you won’t be disappointed.

Arts Trail

“Young at Heart” by Jacqui Doran. Source: Jacqui Doran Facebook

Start your journey of discovery by going on the Byron Bay Arts Trail. The trail takes you through the Arts and Industry Park where you can visit lots of galleries, studios and showrooms, many of which will give you a chance to see Byron Bay artists at work.

Be sure to grab a map that guides visitors to participating studios as well as coffee shops and restaurants in the park. As you walk along, look for flags marking the Arts Trail locations. The trail offers a chance to see such artwork from ceramics and glass art, to painting and sculpture.

This trail is a great way to see many Byron Bay artists at once, such as:

• Out There Sculpture Garden: Nursery and hand-made garden decor

• Matthew Farrell: Hand-blown Glass

• Jules Hunt Gallery: Ceramics, photography and paintings

• Jacqui Doran: Paintings

• Gallery Cosmosis: Lino block prints on paper and fabrics

Retrospect Galleries

Source:Retrospect Galleries Facebook

This Byron Bay art gallery, located in Jonson Street in the centre of town, is known for presenting work from both established and up-and-coming artists from all over Australia. Not only does the gallery have a great list of represented Byron Bay artists, but it also features guest artists through exhibitions. The gallery also hosts artist talks, workshops and discussions as part of the exhibitions.

Three exhibition spaces make up the Retrospect Galleries where visitors can see all types of Australian art.

Arts and Industry Estate

Also called the Arts and Industry Park, this area of Byron Bay is home to approximately 75 Byron Bay artists and galleries. With this many studios and creative shops in one area, of course not all of them can be on the Arts Trail. Some further recommendations are:

• Byron Tik: A newer studio in the Estate featuring Tik’s paintings, drawings and prints.

• Colin Heaney: Glass jewellery, homewares and a fashion line of digital art on fabric.

• Into the Woods: Felt art and classes. The studio is open Monday-Saturday 10am to 4pm and runs classes for children. Contact sandivalerio@bigpond.com for more information.

• Byron Designworks: Art, homewares and custom-made furniture made by local artisans who utilize recycled Australian hardwoods.

Planet Corroboree

Source: Planet Corroboree Facebook

This retail art establishment , also in Jonson Street, supports indigenous Aboriginal artists and provides a place from them to sell their work. A local family whose roots come from Yaegl, Bundjalung (Bandjalang) and Gumbainggir tribes runs this outlet. Their goal is showcase authentic indigenous art and products that will interest regional and international travellers to the area. The store features such items as jewellery, homewares, crafts and, of course, Byron Bay art.

Byron Bay Artists to Follow

Check out the following artists’ sites to see some of the amazing Byron Bay art that you might not catch in the galleries:

• David Young is a professional photographer who lives in Byron Bay. He works for local, regional, national and international clients, including Vogue Living, GQ and Harpers Bazaar.

• Sean O’Shea is a photographer and artist who uploads many of his photos of Byron Bay on his Facebook page and Instagram account.

• The Art Park, which used to have a gallery location in the Art Park/Arts and Industry Estate area, shut down in June 2014. The gallery is expected to open a new location in 2015. For now, watch for postings on its Facebook page. In addition, you can still shop for art and other hip items (such as T-shirts) through The Art Park website:

• Kelly Sullivan is a Byron Bay artist who creates mixed media works and paintings. Her Facebook page features her modern, pop art and reflects her graphic arts background as well as her 1970s and 80s childhood.
  

Book Your Holiday and Check Out Byron Bay Artists

If you enjoy viewing great art (and even buying an artwork or two!), then Byron Bay is an excellent place to visit. Between the Arts and Industry area and other local galleries and outlets, you’re sure to find your favorite type of art.

When planning your holiday, consider Broken Head Holiday Park for a place to stay. Our Byron Bay budget accommodation provides an excellent base for your holiday so you can spend lots of time taking in the art and have enough cash leftover to purchase a piece to display at home!