New arts and wellness space to open

Published 10:00am 27 June 2023

Words by Ashleigh Howarth

Above: Phoebe Hofsteede of Heal and Bloom Creative. Photography by Jesse Bowen-Saunders from Tether Media

A passionate artist whose dream is to inspire and support other like-minded people is set to open her own arts and wellness space this weekend.

Samford local Chelsea Lomandra will officially open Studio Lomandra on Saturday, July 1, with artisan markets and an artist meet and greet happening between 2-8pm.

The studio is located down the laneway next to Makers on Main at 48 Main St, Samford.

Having run her own business for seven years, as well as facilitating on the side, Chelsea said she often found it difficult to rent a space that had the right atmosphere and creative feel for what she was trying to achieve.

“Following interactions with various companies, small businesses and venues, I realised there wasn’t anything out there that reflects artists in the way that I was hoping for myself,” Chelsea said.

“I then found myself wanting to launch my own space where I could offer something for other like-minded people which will allow them to share their craft and passions with others through workshops, courses and events.

“When I found this space, I thought “wow, this is exactly what I am looking for”.

“The studio is like a little nest where you can settle in and really immerse yourself into the activity you are doing.

“We are quite central in Samford but also tucked away – it’s like a little secret!”

Photography by Jesse Bowen-Saunders from Tether Media

Lots on offer for the community to try

Chelsea is hoping the community will jump on board and support the new studio, which will provide entry level workshops on a variety of different artforms and alternative wellness practices.

“Studio Lomandra isn’t only a place aimed at advanced artists – I want to provide entry level workshops on a wide variety of different things because I am hoping to get people who are at the beginning of their journey to come and learn from us,” Chelsea explained.

“I have got jewellery smithing lined up, Henna art, art therapy, natural plant mandala arrangements with pressed flowers, collages, natural dyes, alchemy, aroma therapy, massage introduction workshops, women’s circles, education about women’s cycles and hormonal balancing, plus much more.

“I personally will be hosting sculptural workshops, ink illustrations, life drawing, mixed media with acrylic layering, lino carving, introduction to graphite, and watercolour.

“I want to give people the opportunity to learn something new or expand on what they already know and what they want to explore.

“There is so much that we can expand on, but for the moment I want to keep it nice and simple and then add more later.”