By Justin Flynn
The second annual Bellarine Arts Trail went off without a hitch on the weekend.
Encompassing Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale for the first time, as well as Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads, the arts trail allowed local artists to showcase their work at various points around the Bellarine Peninsula.
Last year, the inaugural arts trail had 38 artists participating at 19 venues, but this year, more than 100 artists took part at 40 venues.
“In general we were really happy with the event again this year,“ Bellarine Arts Trail co-ordinator Karen Shirley told the Voice.
“As we’ve gone around the venues over the last two days artists have been excited and happy to be able to participate. We’ve had lovely feedback from visitors as well, many who have come back after the first one last year.“
A steady influx of tourists, taking advantage of an extra long Cup weekend, and locals visited the artists in their own studios and the quality of works on display was of a high quality.
“In terms of visitor numbers, it was quiet early yesterday (Saturday), but as the day warmed up the visitors were out and about across the four towns,“ Ms Shirley said.
“Similar pattern today, with venues reporting visitor numbers that peaked mid-afternoon. Artists are already talking about next year, so that’s a great sign that all the hard work was worth it.“
