DAB Studio Gallery

DOUGLAS ARTS STUDIO GALLERY INC. is a not-for-profit community arts centre which is aimed at  teaching, promoting and encouraging the artistic development, appreciation and personal expression of people living in Mossman, Port Douglas and the whole Douglas Shire region, in Far North Queensland.

It is known as DAB for short – Douglas Arts Base – which was the original name.

DAB is located at 11 Mill Street Mossman (opposite the Library).  Its facilities include a studio gallery where art classes are held and members can exhibit and sell their artwork, and two sheds out the back for pottery, mosaics and glass work.

A wide variety of art classes are offered.  Learn to draw, paint, do pottery, mosaics, or work with glass.   Whether you are an absolute beginner and not sure where or how to start an art project, or a more experienced artist, there is something for everyone.  Some classes are tutored, while others are ‘peer groups’, where you bring along your project and work, talk and share ideas with other like-minded  people in a very relaxed atmosphere.  There are weekly classes, courses which run for a number of weeks, and workshops which run for a half day (3 hours) or full day (6 hours).

The atmosphere is fun, the people are friendly and supportive, and the tutors are all highly qualified professionals.

Douglas Arts Studio Gallery is a place for everyone. DAB is 100% run by volunteers.

Visitors are always welcome. There are lots of great gift ideas in the gallery.

HISTORY OF DAB

The Douglas Arts Base was the brainchild of  Marjorie Norris in 2002, and a select few local artists,  who were invited to submit a proposal to the Douglas Shire Council for the use of a vacant council owned Heritage listed building. The group saw a need for basic arts education courses for everyone.

Douglas Arts Studio Gallery Incorporated became the first group of its kind in the region to open its hearts and minds to the local community. Local artists and arts educators were invited to present ideas for adult art courses and workshops catering to all levels, abilities and walks of life. The initial workshops included drawing, painting, sculpture, pottery, fibre art, basket making, and many others have been offered over the years. The DAB committee is always open to new ideas, fresh approaches and new tutors.

Through the generous support of the Regional Arts Development Fund, the Douglas Shire Council and the Gambling Community Benefits Fund the building was set up with the essential basics.  This allowed the enthusiastic tutors to begin with a series of workshops and to support the use of the premises, and additional equipment has been purchased over the years.

The DAB building is very significant – it is on the Queensland Heritage Register, and registered with The National Trust. It has become an integral part of the Douglas Shire region, with exhibitions proving to be ever popular events for the community. Changing tutors, classes and events have meant a continuing interest in the activities run at DAB, and the long-term regular classes are as popular as ever with many students who have been with us for a long time – quite a few right from the start.

SPONSORS AND FRIENDS

Douglas Arts Studio Gallery Inc. is proud to acknowledge and thank the following for their support of our venture and activities over the years. Without the support of these groups we would not be able to operate –

• Douglas Shire Council
• Gambling Community Benefits Fund
• QLD Country Credit Union
• ANZ Bank
• Bendigo Bank
  
• Mossman Library
• Mossman State High School
• Mossman Framing
• Mossman Newsagency
• Mossman Bowls Club
• Markham Timbers
• Port Douglas Combined Clubs