Lino prints guiding CresFest goers

THE inaugural CresFest is set to stage and promote live music and dance, but organisers are also utilising Creswick’s visual arts talent to make the event even better.

Printmaker Loris Button has been tasked with designing an A2 map of the town for the fold-out event guide, which creatively highlights the festival’s heritage gig locations.

“Initially, I thought I can do a black-and-white line drawing, but it has turned into something much more complex than that,” she said.

“We decided to focus on all the wonderful old buildings in Creswick. Working out how to make them, and how to achieve a consistent look, has been the most enjoyable part.

“I’ve carved and printed eight lino plates which represent the different CresFest venues, two of them being rotundas.”

Other iconic building facades attendees might recognise include the town hall, old post office, the community centre, and the old courthouse.

“I decided I’d also print them on different papers, so on the map themselves, they’ll appear not just in the line version, but in full colour.

“The different papers have been chosen to reflect either the actual colour of the building, or some of the history associated with it. We’ve now also done postcards, and a tote bag,” Button said.

“It’s been really enjoyable contributing to the festival. It’s going to be fun, and a great thing to have in Creswick. I’m really looking forward to it.”

Having had a career in graphic design and art, Button took up a late interest in printmaking.

A lover of thin, vibrant, patterned Japanese and Korean papers, she enjoys experimenting with the chine-collé technique and collage.

She shares her large home studio with her painter husband, and works towards exhibitions.

The map will be revealed once the festival gets underway. CresFest passholders will receive a guide, or they can be purchased for a small fee.