A walk on the arty side

THE creative folk who make up Soldiers Hill Artist Collective (SHAC) are once again preparing to launch their annual Soldiers Hill Art Walk.

It’s good news for anyone who likes their art with a degree of discovery as the self-guided ArtWalk will see original artworks by 22 members of the collective on display in 14 different venues throughout the leafy suburb that is Soldiers Hill.

This is where all of SHAC’s resident members reside and enjoy being part of the supportive collective that includes members like April Welfare – who just joined their ranks last year – and Cliff Adeney who has been with them for a decade.

Do the walk: SHAC members April Welfare and Cliff Adeney, pictured with some of Welfare’s work, are two of the 22 Soldiers Hill artists who will have works in the ArtWalk launching on 27 February. Photo: EVIE LAMB

Both are among the artists who will have work in the ArtWalk that launches on Friday 27 February and will then stroll through to 15 March.

The event invites people taking a saunter around Soldiers Hill while checking out the works on show across the multiple venues using provided QR codes to learn more about the artists and about SHAC itself.

Works will be up for sale and venues range from professional office spaces with glass street frontages to local eateries with interior brick wall space for artistic adornment for diners to meditate on while taking a bite.

Do the walk: SHAC members Cliff Adeney and April Welfare, pictured with some of Welfare’s work, are two of the 22 Soldiers Hill artists who will have works in the ArtWalk launching on 27 February. Photo: EVIE LAMB

“This year we’ve expanded slightly beyond Soldiers Hill to include 18 local businesses and artists’ studios, showcasing the work,” Ms Welfare said.

It will be the ninth ArtWalk for the collective that now has 38 members and meets monthly at the Ballarat North Bowling Club, with new Soldiers Hill-based members welcome. ArtWalk 2026 will be launched at Ballarat North Bowling Club on Friday 27 February at 6.30pm with all welcome to join the opening celebration and then explore the historic streets, discovering some unique treasures over the two-week event.