Getting started
The idea for Studio23 came from Kris FitzGerald, mother to Luke, who has autism. Kris is struggling to find opportunities for Luke close to home. To attend any currently available centres he has to travel for over an hour every day and the cost of transport is very high. Studio23 will help Luke and his friends stay in their local community while maintaining a busy, fulfilling lifestyle – learning practical living and work skills, being creative and socialising.
Luke is an accomplished artist who has won awards for his work. He loves to create every day –painting, drawing, making small sculptures, singing, reading and cooking. Studio23 will cater to all his needs and to those in the community who also struggle to find suitable opportunities.
Who we are
Studio23 is a not-for-profit organisation auspiced and supported by Parent to Parent.
Parent to Parent is a parent-driven organisation that has been supporting people with a disability and their families for nearly twenty years.
Luke singing and playing his ukulele while taking in the views from Maleny to the Glasshouse Mountains
How can you help?
Located in the close and supportive township of Maleny Queensland, Australia, Studio23 will be an educational, creative and social hub for everybody.
Ideas are flowing but we now need help with funding to secure a suitable building to rent.
Funds are needed for equipment including art supplies, cameras, musical instruments and computers.
Of course, we also need to cover the cost of transport to our keenly anticipated social events.
Little Dragon a watercolour painting by Luke.
Levi, Luke and Shaemus at a museum, always happy to be out and about.
Courses available at Studio23
Classes will be available to people with a disability and the general public in the areas of:
- Art
- Music
- Photography
- Creative writing and Literacy
- Craft
- Cooking
- Computing
- Dancercise
To accommodate all the stunning art and craft produced there will be a retail gallery located inside the centre.
Studio23 will also organise an exciting range of social events.
Some of our wonderful staff:
- Craig Cole, a musician and photographer who has taught art, music and photography at TAFE and is an experienced support worker
- Kate FitzGerald, a PhD student in her final year, will be teaching creative writing and literacy
- Kris FitzGerald will be helping voluntarily with cooking and administration.
Follow our journey
