Hopes for new weekend hub

Spinifex Hill Studios last weekend began a drive to become a favourite Saturday morning hangout for Hedland residents, as a small crowd dropped by to chat with artists and grab a coffee.

The Meet Over Art open day was held to kick-off the studio's new 10am to 2pm opening hours every Saturday.

With Spinifex Hill employee and former Muffin Break owner Nicole Friedrich pouring out coffees, visitors lounged in the gardens, made brooches, browsed stunning artworks and even watched an artist carve a design onto an emu egg.

Studio manager Greg Taylor said it was fun to see the interaction between community members and the artists.

"Hopefully it starts to become a favourite thing to do on a Saturday morning for many locals, and the word will start to spread among visitors too," he said.

"You can get a good coffee every week, read the paper and meet the artists behind the (group's) upcoming exhibition at the Courthouse Gallery."

The open day also marked the one-year milestone for the studio, which has been providing Aboriginal artists from Hedland and remote Pilbara communities with a place to socialise and share their culture.

Artist Annabella Flatt moved to Hedland from Perth and said painting at the studio served as a refuge.

"Painting takes all my worries away," she said.

"I can't wait for the weekends when I can go back and sit down (at the studio) where it is peaceful."

She said the profits she made from selling her works helped buy toys for her children.

Ms Flatt will join other artists from the Spinifex Hill group to exhibit works at Port Hedland's Courthouse Gallery on June 5 in a show titled, We Call it Home.