HERITAGE NOOSA
HERITAGE NOOSA
Judy Barrass Oral History
DETAILS
Alternative NameJuanita DeharoOverviewJudy Barrass is a professional artist who has been living in Noosa Heads for twenty years. She has been a member of the Cultural Advisory Board and is involved with Wallace House Arts and Crafts centre. This interview was conducted in Judy’s art studio at her home. She had just returned from teaching a workshop to her printmaking group at Wallace House.
Judy Barrass reflects on her artistic career and her experience of Noosa’s evolving cultural landscape since settling in the region in 1997. Initially drawn to Noosa by its regional gallery—and particularly an exhibition of artists’ books—Barrass describes how the town’s creative community and natural environment influenced both her practice and her decision to remain. A multidisciplinary artist, she is known for papermaking, artists’ books, printmaking, and increasingly for her work in new media, including virtual reality and digital art. This shift has enabled her to maintain an international presence while living in a regional area.
Barrass discusses the strengths and challenges of Noosa as a place for artists. While the region has many residents interested in creative pursuits, she notes that professional practice can be isolating, with limited access to major metropolitan arts networks. She highlights Wallace House as a vital community arts centre, providing space, equipment, and collaborative opportunities that foster genuine artistic exchange. Barrass has been instrumental in establishing groups, workshops, and facilities there, including a papermaking studio.
She also reflects on Noosa’s arts history, including the influential Floating Land environmental art festival and the once renowned artists’ book exhibitions, both of which helped put Noosa on the international arts map. Throughout the interview, Barrass expresses concern about increasing tourism pressures, the erosion of local community life, and the shift of cultural institutions toward visitor focused programming. Despite these challenges, she values Noosa as an engaging place to live and create, while acknowledging the tension between its creative identity and its economic dependence on tourism.
Judy Barrass reflects on her artistic career and her experience of Noosa’s evolving cultural landscape since settling in the region in 1997. Initially drawn to Noosa by its regional gallery—and particularly an exhibition of artists’ books—Barrass describes how the town’s creative community and natural environment influenced both her practice and her decision to remain. A multidisciplinary artist, she is known for papermaking, artists’ books, printmaking, and increasingly for her work in new media, including virtual reality and digital art. This shift has enabled her to maintain an international presence while living in a regional area.
Barrass discusses the strengths and challenges of Noosa as a place for artists. While the region has many residents interested in creative pursuits, she notes that professional practice can be isolating, with limited access to major metropolitan arts networks. She highlights Wallace House as a vital community arts centre, providing space, equipment, and collaborative opportunities that foster genuine artistic exchange. Barrass has been instrumental in establishing groups, workshops, and facilities there, including a papermaking studio.
She also reflects on Noosa’s arts history, including the influential Floating Land environmental art festival and the once renowned artists’ book exhibitions, both of which helped put Noosa on the international arts map. Throughout the interview, Barrass expresses concern about increasing tourism pressures, the erosion of local community life, and the shift of cultural institutions toward visitor focused programming. Despite these challenges, she values Noosa as an engaging place to live and create, while acknowledging the tension between its creative identity and its economic dependence on tourism.
Oral History Transcript
CONNECTIONS
LocalityNoosa HeadsPersonJudy BarrassCollectionBarass CollectionMenuTopic | Arts & CultureDecade | 2010-2019Location | Noosa Heads
Judy Barrass Oral History. Heritage Noosa, accessed 17/02/2026, https://heritage.noosa.qld.gov.au/nodes/view/15439
