Inspired by the Tweed’s dramatic landscapes and abundance of good life, creative people have been drawn to the area for many years to live and work, creating a vibrant community of makers, musicians, artists and artisans.
Arna Baartz, an artist, writer, educator and poet, is one of these talented locals. She’s been finger-painting from the beginning when her father, also creative, encouraged her by taping paper to the walls of their home and letting her loose with paint.
She’s an expressive and accomplished artist who has won and been selected for many art awards, including those of prestige, and has had both her art and words published extensively around the globe. You’ll find Arna working at the must-visit M|Arts Precinct in Murwillumbah.
Q&A with Arna Baartz
I love: Oh, what is not to love?! We have the inspiration of the rainforest and all the magical creatures that live there. The expanse of the coastline bringing flow to our breath which activates the creative spirit. It is a magnificent place, I am so grateful to find myself here.
I unwind by: Taking a bushwalk with my children. There are so many beautiful trails in the area, the kids and I love to picnic, explore and discover!
Eating out: We live in Murwillumbah and our most favourite Saturday morning breakfast outing is to Keith Murwillumbah. Yummmmm! It’s also right next to M|Arts Precinct, where my studio is, so it’s very conveniently placed for this hungry artist!
Must-do: Come see me and all my friends at M|Arts Precinct. It’s a sweet and vibrant creative hub and you just might catch an artist doing something unexpected – well, that would no doubt be me!
Did you know: Well, I heard that the astronomical or astrological coordinates of Mount Warning/Wollumbin are the same as many of the man-made sacred structures around the world, such as the pyramids and Machu Pichu, and that it’s the only known natural place to share this with those sacred sites.
More about M|Arts Precinct
Set in a classic Art Deco building and industrial warehouse in Murwillumbah, M|Arts Precinct is a vibrant hub where artists and art lovers come together over great coffee, food and art. There are constantly changing exhibitions from local and visiting artists and over a dozen working art studios, some in renovated shipping containers, occupied by exciting artists, jewellers and makers.
From art supplies at Yellow Brick Studio and picture framing with Two Seas Creative to fresh flowers at The Flowerista, all things yarn at Mill and Make and divine jewellery at Ghost and Lola, a visit to M|Arts is always inspirational.
For more details and to sign up for updates on what’s happening head to the M|Arts Precinct website.
Opening hours:
Galleries Open Mon-Fri 10am-3pm, Sat 10am-2pm
Precinct Open Mon-Fri 9am – 5pm, Sat 10am – 1pm
Contact details:
Gallery DownTown: 0426 230 193
M|Arts Office: 0455 320 920
Inspiration
Inspiration
We wish to acknowledge the Ngandowal and Minyungbal speaking people of the Bundjalung Country, in particular the Goodjinburra, Tul-gi-gin and Moorung – Moobah clans, as being the traditional owners and custodians of the land and waters within the Tweed Shire boundaries. We also acknowledge and respect the Tweed Aboriginal community’s right to speak for its Country and to care for its traditional Country in accordance with its lores, customs and traditions.
