The new Port Douglas Rainforest Studio and Gallery is not just a space for Erin Frizelle to display her work, but a long time dream which has now been realised.

Ms Frizelle has lived in the area for close to 30 years and has had a lifelong passion for art. She has previously only sold and displayed her work at local markets, but now has a dedicated space to work and share her creativity with the community.

“I’ve wanted to open up something for a while now, I decided it was time to present myself more professionally,” Ms Frizelle says.

“The markets are my main outlet but they are quite limited. 

“In this studio I can display some larger pieces as well as my smaller watercolour work without threat of damage.” 

The studio is located in Craiglie building The Round Space and is open Tuesday to Friday from 10am - 3pm, or by appointment. 

Ms Frizelle says it is a great location for her to work and display her art.

“The owners have put a lot of work into renovating the building,” she says.

“It is really becoming a great community space, there are already some other businesses around me but I hope to see more of the rooms occupied soon.”

“Painting at home can sometimes become isolating, so having somewhere around other people is really nice too.”

Ms Frizelle has had a natural talent for art her entire life, and studied it after high school, but put it aside to raise her four children, all of which are now adults.

Inspiration for her work is almost always drawn from something in the Douglas Shire region. 

She is interested in painting local wildlife and nature, though wants to paint more landscapes once she has the time.