More than 1,000 student artworks are set to be on display at the biggest collection of amateur paintings and drawings the Coast has amassed for public viewing.
The 2026 Art School Co. annual exhibition will run across five days from September 4 to 9 at Goodlife Community Centre in Buderim.
The free exhibition will bring together artists ranging from children and hobbyists to adults returning to art after raising families and pursuing careers, and emerging artists preparing to exhibit and sell their work.
Art School Co. opened its doors to learning in 1997. The Buderim-based school teaches children, teenagers, adults and developing artists.
Founder and principal Jessica Le Clerc said the exhibition highlighted talent developing outside the region’s established professional art scene.
“There is an incredible amount of creativity on the Sunshine Coast,” Ms Le Clerc said.
“Some of it belongs to established professional artists, but there is also so much talent sitting quietly in homes, classrooms and studios.”
Ms Le Clerc added that the exhibition reflected the school’s belief that artistic ability could be taught rather than being an innate talent.
“People walk through our doors all the time saying things like, ‘I’m not creative’, ‘I can’t draw’ or ‘I could never do that’,” she said.
“One of the most rewarding things is watching that belief change.
“Art is a skill. Yes, it takes practice, but with the right guidance people are often capable of far more than they imagined.”
The scale of this year’s exhibition is intended to show the range of people involved in the local creative community.
“This exhibition isn’t about putting 1,000 perfect artworks on a wall,” Ms Le Clerc said.
“It is about putting more than 1,000 examples of creativity, courage, learning and individual expression in one place.
“When you walk through the exhibition, you are seeing what happens when people decide to make creativity part of their lives.”
A ticketed celebration event for students, their family and friends, and the wider community, will also take place at the centre on September 5, with sessions at 2.30pm, 4.30pm and 6.30pm. It will combine live painting demonstrations, live music, poetry, artists presentations and other creative experiences.
Ms Le Clerc said the September 5 event was suitable for everyone, from art-lovers to the person who has never attended an art exhibition.
“We want people to come and look closely, talk about what they love, meet artists, watch people creating and experience what a strong creative community feels like,” she said.
“You don’t need to know anything about art to enjoy it.”
An emerging artist showcase and art award will also be held at the centre on September 8 at 6.30pm with more than 100 developing artists participating.
It will feature live music, refreshments and awards including best painting, best drawing/paper work, the packing room prize and the people’s choice award. More than $5,000 in cash and prizes will be announced at the event.
The exhibition is open to the public during Goodlife Community Centre’s trading hours.
