Surf Coast arts showcase returns

Artist Peter Day's studio will be open to the public for the Surf Coasts Arts Trail. (Supplied)

This year’s Surf Coast Arts Trail will see the shire welcome hundreds of artists and thousands of visitors over August 3 and 4.

With venues ranging from private studios to community venues and arts hubs, the event will feature experienced and emerging artists working with media such as painting, sculpture, glassware, jewellery, ceramics, textiles and performance.

Since its inception in 2011 the Arts Trail has brought thousands of art lovers to the region to experience the creativity of the people of the Surf Coast.

Moggs Creek sculptor Peter Day will be one of the artists whose work will be on display, opening up his studio to visitors for the event.

Day uses sculpture, assemblage and painting to combine man-made flotsam and natural debris, reflecting on the relationship between the human and natural worlds.

“My work uses sculpture as a medium to inform viewers of the human impact on ecology and environment and the loss of wildlife habitat,” Day said.

“It is about inspiring positive change. My experience is that a lot of people like the story behind the work, so that is good to share. I plan to be working away on a bit of stuff across the weekend, and of course I’m looking forward to selling some works.”

Last year more than 16,700 people visited nearly 60 venues, with sales across the event totalling more than $240,000.

Surf Coast Shire councillor Gary Allen said the 2024 event was shaping up to be another extraordinary weekend.

“We have hundreds of artists ready to share their inspiration and talents, from the hinterland to the coast, truly enhancing the Surf Coast Shire’s reputation as one of Australia’s most creative regions,” Cr Allen said.

Visit surfcoastartstrail.com.au for more information.