Festival of Art to complement begonia weekend

MORE than 300 original artworks will be on show and for sale as the Festival of Art adds extra reason to be in the Ballarat Botanical Gardens precinct this long weekend.

Coinciding with the annual Ballarat Begonia Festival from 7 to 9 March, the returning Festival of Art is being staged by Alfredton Rotary Club in a marquee on the Lake Wendouree foreshore opposite the gardens.

“We’re encouraging people to visit the Begonia Festival then wander across Wendouree Parade to take in the Festival of Art,” the club’s Deb Robertson said.

“Any proceeds from the event will be used for Alfredton Rotary’s community projects supporting people in need and caring for our environment.

“This year, the public will be asked to vote for their favourite artwork and the creator of the most popular artwork will be presented with a prize.

“We will also have free children’s art activities each day from 10.30am to 2pm in a smaller marquee behind the main marquee and we’re also showcasing children’s creativity by displaying some of the fabulous artworks entered into the primary school competition in the smaller marquee.”

The Rotary club is also offering adults the chance to connect with their inner artist by participating in a hands-on paint and sip night.

The Vino & Van Gogh event is happening tomorrow evening Saturday 7 March, and bookings for that are essential.

“This will be a fun, relaxed evening with each participant creating an individual masterpiece,” Ms Robertson said.

The art show itself is open 10am to 3pm each day of the long weekend and more information can be found on the club’s website.