The vibrancy of the region’s arts scene is on display this Melbourne Cup weekend when the Bellarine Arts Trail returns.
The free event, running from 10am to 4pm on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 November, includes more than 90 artists in more than 30 sites across Barwon Heads, Ocean Grove, Point Lonsdale and Queenscliff.
In addition to larger venues such as Barwon Heads Arts and Community Hub and the Hive Gallery, the Arts Trail gives local art lovers the chance to meet with artists in their studios, the places where they conceive and create their work.
Award-winning Wallington artist Annie Finkelde is one of the many who open their doors to the public during the event.
“I think it’s really important that the public gets to see where we create, what we do, and the sort of environment that we work in,” she said.
“I think it’s inducive for people to tap into some of their creative process. They’re really interested in asking questions about your process; what thoughts did you have, what made you want to paint that in the first place?
“Past experience with having people visit my studio has been very rewarding… they sit, they look at the artwork and absorb it, which is very flattering.
“But more than that, we get these wonderful conversations starting with people who have never met before. They find new friendships, kindred ideas and shared connections, and that’s really nice.”
Event coordinator Lou Kennedy said the Bellarine’s unique coastal environment, nature, ocean, light and landscapes were key themes throughout many of the artists’ work in this year’s Arts Trail.
“Visitors to the trail will discover a huge diversity of art with artists working across a range of mediums including painting, sculpture, 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 Kay Clancy’s ceramics inspired by local flora and fauna on show at The Barwon Heads Arts Hub to Nell Frysteen’s contemporary realism in Ocean Grove to Annie Finkelde’s studio in Wallington where her large-scale mix media works showcase her unique surrounds.”
Go tobellarineartstrail.com.au for the full listing of venues and artists.
