Are you an artist looking for studio space for an ongoing project? Could you use some feedback from talented artists? Then join us on Thursdays to nurture your creative spirit and collaborate with fellow artists! Local artists Susan Sands and Joalida Smit will host our open studio hours. They can offer guidance, answer your questions, or provide feedback on your art projects. Together, Susan and Joalida create a welcoming, creative community for all artists to collaborate and make art.

Whether you’re a painter, sculptor, writer, photographer, or any other kind of artist, our art studio space is open to all forms of creativity. In Gorton’s Open Studio Art hours are a supportive community of artists who can work on their craft and share the journey. Participants must bring their own supplies and materials.

About Open Studio’s Local Artists

Originally from South Africa, Joalida has lived in the UK and now makes Lake Forest her home. Art has been a passion for Joalida since childhood. Much of her current artwork centers on timeless themes of loss, regeneration, and transformation. She finds inspiration in the beautiful nature around us.

Joalida primarily paints with oils and acrylics. She often uses palette knives and scraping techniques to create a thickly textured painting with impasto layering. Her artwork has been featured in Lake Forest’s own The Gallery, private collections, restaurants, and a hotel.

In addition to art, Joalida had a 20-year career as a neuropsychologist and holds degrees in clinical psychology and clinical neuropsychology. You can visit Joalida’s website for more information about her and her art.