Open Studios a chance to support local

GOLDEN Plains Arts Inc’s Southern Open Studios event will be held across the lower end of the Shire this weekend.

Members of the public who are art-lovers, looking to collect pieces, or find out more about diverse creatives’ processes, are invited to visit the three open studio locations.

Marita Reynolds will host Lyn Dickson, Rosslyn Bosnar and their work at her Bannockburn art studio, while Lucy McEachern will have Harley Manifold, Deb Chirnside, Robbie Williams, Nick Dridan, Oliver Ashworth-Martin, and Sarah Gabriel in her Wingeel space.

Liam Kinniburgh will also present at High Eight Home and Living at Inverleigh.

Reynolds, also the GP Arts Inc secretary, said the Southern Open Studios will be appealing to those who have missed the annual GP Arts Trail, which was postponed at this time last year.

“The north of the Shire also have their Hidden Gems events every month, so we thought, let’s do something in the south on another weekend, to give people an opportunity to experience both area which are very different,” she said.

“Arts events are not all on one weekend, so visitors don’t have to rush or be selective with where they go, they can take the time see whatever they’d like to.

“If people in the north of the Shire know about the Open Studios, we hope they’ll come down. Golden Plains is such a big area, and people are really enjoy the diversity of art on offer.”

The practices of the participating artists include silk painting, 3D natural material weaving, illustrations for books, acrylic paintings, bronze sculptures, watercolour paintings, and ceramics.

Reynolds encourages open studio attendees to stop off at the “lovely little eateries in Inverleigh or Bannockburn” along their journey, to support other locals in the Shire’s southern area.

“Last year, we were bound up for so long… but our community spirit is still there. We’re wanting to supply local, and we’re finding the locals are supporting us,” she said.

The Southern Open Studios Weekend will be held over Saturday, 20 and Sunday 21 March, from 10am to 5pm both days. Visit bit.ly/3cfgTSw for studio locations.