ARTpreneurs help creatives escape

VOLUNTEER-run not-for-profit Buninyong Community Events has launched a new sub-committee, aimed supporting artists and craftspeople hit hard by the pandemic.

Led by Annie Ross, Trudy Nicholson and Lisa Cressey, Buninyong ARTpreneurs is facilitating a weekend of “Creative Escapes” across the village’s historical locations later this year.

Fifteen local creatives will host a series of art, craft and movement workshops at places like new the Buninyong Community House, Uniting Church hall, Red Door Pizzeria, and Netherby.

“We’ve got varying workshops for beginners and experienced artists, from learning how to do air-dry clay, to embroidery or paper sculpture,” Ms Cressey said.

“Jon Lam is one of the best watercolourists in Ballarat and Victoria, and we’ve had a lot of interest from experienced artists wanting to learn more from him as an expert.

“Then there are mums that would like to learn to make a kokedama, or to crochet, and people like me who want to do everything. The weekend isn’t targeted at children but would be suitable for older teenagers.”

Local crafter Sonya Sutcliffe is delivering multiple workshops, which will each run for a couple of hours.

“It’s exciting to have this opportunity for Buninyong because there are so many talented people with craft skillsets and they need to be shared,” she said.

“More people are seeking this workshop experience, rather than offering their friends or family a material gift.

“It will be great to showcase a lot of the historical features of Buninyong through the venues, and welcome new people to Buninyong.”

Not only are the Buninyong ARTpreneurs’ Creative Escapes supporting artists and makers, they’re a chance to showcase the village, and boost the events industry.

“That’s been hit really hard as well. Our Buninyong Film Festival didn’t go ahead this year, for example,” Ms Cressey said.

“We have a lot of optimism and are hopeful that restrictions will allow this to happen.”

Book for the Creative Escapes weekend on 16 and 17 October at buninyongartpreneurs.com. Keep up to date on the Buninyong ARTpreneurs’ Instagram and Facebook pages.