Fleurieu Arthouse is a contemporary arts hub with a huge design space, studios and exhibition space.

The Arthouse, which was founded by Anna Small and Warren Pickering in 2017, is now home to a number of artists, entrepreneurs and creatives.

The venue is dedicated to showcasing the most talented artists and entrepreneurs of the region and is considered locally, to be far more than an art gallery.

Each year, the team actively support and promotes well over 100 local micro-businesses and artists in many aspects of their work.

Those creatives come in all shapes - individuals who exhibit with us for a month, micro-businesses who sign up via our rental model to sell within our design space and artists working and selling in their in-house studios.

Many of our artists host workshops in the space

How does the Fleurieu Arthouse support micro-businesses and artists?

By providing a platform and a venue from which artists and artisans can sell their work, we ensure that these local gems can continue on in their quests to produce high quality handmade works.

Not all of our artists are exclusively visual artists; take Nell Harris - she’s an artist and author who has written a number of popular children’s books designed to open up the world of neurodiversity to young minds.

Her studio is where she thinks, sketches and displays a selection of her books which are also available to purchase here.

Bringing the artist closer to their audience

Whether they are producing original paintings, prints or photography, jewellery, ceramics or glass, when they join us, our artists are supported in a number of practical ways.

Firstly, by offering artists and creators space in a carefully curated brick and mortar storefront where locals and visitors from interstate and abroad can experience their work in person, we ensure the work is seen and experienced in person.

Being able to touch, hold and examine pieces, is a wonderful way for the public to discover work more intimately than is possible when making an online purchase.

Locals and interstate visitors really value the opportunity to meet and talk to working artists, to see their spaces, learn more about their practice and to buy direct.

Here at the Arthouse we often play host to visiting school and college students and to residents of retirement homes - the Arthouse offers an all encompassing experience with the chance to meet artists, see an exhibition, browse the design space and enjoy coffee all in one visit.

But that’s not to devalue the power of online marketing and all of our artists are featured on our website and in occasional social media posts.

Dedicated staff are present in the Arthouse 7 days a week. Each has an in-depth understanding of the works on sale as well as the skills to ensure each artist’s work is displayed to its best advantage.

Bringing value to the local community

The centre of creativity, which Fleurieu Arthouse provides, is a valuable resource for locals from all walks of life.

From the regular classes offered by two of our artists - one of whom (Artistic Claire) has no fewer than 75 families through her studio each week as she provides quality teaching to children - to the one-off workshops offered by artists of a variety of disciplines, the Arthouse is not just a place of selling but also a centre for learning.

We offer classes and workshops for both children and adults on a regular basis.

To learn the latest and upcoming timetable, visit our Events and Workshops page where you can find links to join future classes.

New additions to the Arthouse

In a response to much local interest, Cathryn Charnock has recently joined us with her bookstore Free Range Books.

Cathryn has curated a wide range of publications with something for every interest. In addition to her large selection of new books, she also offers some gently used books.

A corner of the Arthouse dedicated to Free Range Books

The latest novels, non-fiction and guides are proving a popular addition to her stock and the packed bookshelves are a great place to search for gifts for both adults and kids alike.

There are some wonderful puzzles and art supplies in the mix and you can find everything from recipe books using local produce, wine guides, art and photography to chicken keeping!

For many people, physical books still hold a charm that no e-reader can beat. The act of turning the page is part of the experience and whilst it’s true that books shouldn’t be judged by their cover, they often are! A beautifully bound book makes a lovely gift or keepsake.

Vintage homewares and preloved clothes in McLaren Vale

In addition to our bookshop, we’ve also introduced a limited range of carefully curated vintage homewares and preloved clothing.

Currently, the vintage homewares include some beautiful mid-century lamps, a small range of vintage furniture and a selection of stunning vintage ceramics and wooden objects.

Preloved clothing at Fleurieu Arthouse

If you love a bargain and you’re keen to reduce your carbon footprint, buying gently used, high quality clothing is the way forward.

With our selection of carefully chosen used clothing, you’ll often discover hard-to-find brands and designers and there are a wide range of styles and sizes on offer too.

We keep the racks refreshed, moving with the seasons, so you can find a gorgeous party dresses or a beautiful winter woolly on the same trip.

For visitors in need of a morning snack or an afternoon pick-me-up, there’s our coffee bar serving De Groot coffee and locally-baked cookies and pastries.

The Arthouse offers a peaceful yet stimulating environment for visitors to relax and unwind.

OPENING HOURS AND HOW TO FIND US

We are open daily between 11.00am and 4.00pm. Find us in the grounds of McLaren Vale Icon, Hardy’s Tintara on the Main Road. Drive or walk through the big gates and you’ll see us, just across the lawn.

Hardys Tintara makes a wonderful home for the Arthouse. The lovely gardens with their massive, old Moreton Fig tree and beautiful old gums are a peaceful spot in which visitors can take a short walk with a hot coffee.

If you’re planning a trip to McLaren Vale soon, we’re looking forward to meeting you!

fleurieu arthouse - a unique social enterprise in the heart of the region

How does the Fleurieu Arthouse support micro-businesses and artists?