Creative output, passions and processes presented at Arts Trail

YOU’RE invited to meet artists, explore their work and techniques, and engage with demonstrations during the Golden Plains Community Arts Trail on Saturday, 21 and Sunday, 22 March.

Run by the Golden Plains Arts Inc, the group’s secretary, Marita Reynolds said the weekend is about getting in touch with the area’s huge creative output, moving from venue to venue.

“It’s about talking to artists about their passion and processes,” she said.

Presenting her own drawings at the Bannockburn Shire Hall, Reynolds said there’s a lot of ground people can cover, with 22 venues and even more artists.

Allocating a full weekend to the trail means a visit to more venues is achievable.

“The beauty of it all is over the two days you can do the south, and then the north the next day, or vice versa, depending on where you’re coming from,” she said.

“It’s a broad range of artists, from traditional oil painting, water colour painting, to lino cut print making, sculptures, textiles, millinery… There’s so much diversity, we’ve got a broad range of ages, there’s something for everybody.

“Some venues may only have one artist in their studio, but there are other venues with a group of artists, so it’s worth taking a bit of time to plan your own trail, from one venue to another.”

Printmaker, Vida Pearson is looking forward to opening her Haddon studio, showing people lino cutting techniques.

“It’s good to show people because if they haven’t had any experience of it, they really have no idea of the process,” she said. “I usually give them a play with a roller and the press, very hands on.

“We’ve got three artists within walking distance of my place, so it’s really good to open up studios so people can have a look around, see different styles of art and what’s happening around the district.”

Pearson said it’s positive to mix with art lovers who might be used to a one-way interaction in more traditional contexts.

“When people go into a gallery they often don’t have a lot of experience with artists, and we’re just ordinary people, so I think it’s a good idea to explain what we do, why we do it and what our passions are.

“It’s not necessarily about selling things, it’s more about communicating. Come and see what we do,” she said.

Reynolds emphasises the presence of community in the event’s name, having organised a family event with all local sponsors. An official launch is set for the weekend before it runs on Saturday, 14 March at 2pm.

With live entertainment, guest speaker Kim Biggs, light refreshments, wine, cheese and one piece from each trail artist on show, the official afternoon will be at 984 Wingeel Road, Wingeel.

Visit gpartsinc.com.au for more information about the 22 trail venues and the launch.