The Society
Founded in 1962, the society has always had as its aim the promotion of fine art in the Redlands, an early farming community in Moreton Bay, east of Brisbane. The word Yurara means "looking eastward", and was proposed by the society's founder, Clothilde Highton. The society found it's original home in a small cottage. Ducks, geese, ponies, peacocks and native wildlife cohabited the cottage with an increasing number of artists. The society become autonomous as the Redland Yurara Art Society Incorporated, and a new studio was built on Shire Council land at the Pinklands Recreational Reserve, Thornlands.
The Gallery
Following a bequest from a founding member, Joan Higgins, a gallery was added to double the available space and this was officially opened in 1992 by the Premier of Queensland. The gallery functioned for several years before closing. It was officially reopened on 27th May 2006 by Cr Debra Henry with the first exhibition being A Journey In Colour by Janice Chewe, Jan Honey and Valerie Chapman.
The Studio
The studio is the hub of our activities. It is hired by private tutors for lessons and workshops, with some time set aside for members' painting and discussion groups. Member meetings are held at the studio every other month, and may include an interesting talk, demonstration or video after the meeting. Committee meetings are held once a month. There is an excellent extensive library.
Our studios are air-conditioned, very well equipped with small and large easels , trestles, boards, hanging facilities and gallery lighting. Videos can be presented as workshop components or for general meeting art demonstrations. The two studios can be opened up to a very large space by repositioning movable storage units.
Facilities also include a kitchen with refrigerator, urn, sink and microwave.
A fine collection of art books and videos can be borrowed from the Library.