Open studios and galleries trail invites visitors inside Bellarine art scene
With 30 new artists displaying their works, this year’s Bellarine Arts Trail looks like being the biggest yet.
More than 90 artists will showcase their works at 40 venues across Barwon Heads, Ocean Grove, Point Lonsdale and Queenscliff on November 2 and 3.
Capitalising on a long weekend for many during the Melbourne Cup campaign, visitors will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with artists and discover their work.
Bellarine Arts Trail coordinator Libby Darcy said that the Bellarine’s unique coastal environment, nature, ocean, light and landscapes are key themes reflected in many of the artists’ work in this year’s trail.
“Visitors to the trail will discover a huge diversity of art with artists working across a range of mediums including painting, sculpture, jewellery, weaving,
photography, print-making, ceramics and glass blowing and we’re thrilled to showcase the region’s creative talent and provide an event which directly supports artists,” she said.
“Participating artists include established professionals to emerging artists and hobbyists. Work ranges from Georgie Gall’s landscapes inspired by ocean and light at The Hive Gallery to abstract visual art in vivid colours by Baz Shirley in Ocean Grove to character portraits in pastels by Mike Birrell at Suma Park Homestead, to Bevan Shepard’s Point Lonsdale inspired coastal landscapes to Rachel Scott Smith’s ceramics reflecting the marine environment and creatures, and so many more can be found in the Bellarine Arts Trail Map.”
Ms Darcy said every venue provides an opportunity for visitors to interact with artists, find out more about their influences, view and purchase art from the creators.
The Taste of the Trail Exhibition at the Barwon Heads Arts Hub is the perfect start to the arts trail experience. Visitors can sample artists’ work and go on to visit them in studios and exhibition spaces across the region.
The Taste of the Trail opens on October 19 and runs until November 4, Friday to Sunday from 10am.
Visitors are encouraged to explore the trail with a digital Bellarine Arts Trail Map at bellarineartstrail.com.au or pick up a print copy at Visitor Information Centres at Geelong City Hall and the Hub in Queenscliff. Also, Queenscliff Neighbourhood House, Barwon Heads Arts Hub, Starfish Cafe Barwon Heads, Community Bank Barwon Heads, Driftwood Cafe Ocean Grove, The Hive Gallery Ocean Grove, Pasquinis and Cafe 3225 in Point Lonsdale.
For more information, go to bellarineartstrail.com.au
