Words paint the picture

Art lovers of all forms congregated at the Bellbrae Hall for the second Words from the Surf Coast Arts Trail, an ode once again to this year’s Arts Trail. Three award-winning writers Christine Davey, Favel Parrett and Jock Serong shared their written work inspired by a specific artist from the trail, with nine emerging writers participating in the open mic.

Among them 15-year-old Katie Brennan whose story, “Ding Alley: A place of Gathering throughout the Ages”, was inspired by Alda Hubbard’s vibrant painting Ding Alley. Musician Melody Moon’s song, In the Potter’s Hands, gave a distinct voice to Elaine Limbrick’s ceramic Rock Pools series, earning the young songwriter a special mention from the judges. Richy Bennett’s poem, “Burls”, evoked sculptor Glenn Romanis’s Burls series and earned him first prize; second prize went to Helen Booth’s short story “Murphy’s Place”, inspired by a Betty Walsh painting; while Libby Stapleton won third prize for her story “The Piazza”, which breathed life and humour into two of Sue Corbet’s sculptures.

In presenting the prizes, Surf Coast mayor David Bell congratulated all participants and commended Writers Victoria for its Words from the Surf Coast Arts Trail initiative as the icing on this year’s Arts Trail cake.

“It adds a wonderful literary encore to our popular Surf Coast Arts Trail weekend, which continues to go from strength to strength since the first one in 2012,” Cr Bell said.

Regional ambassador for Writers Victoria (Surf Coast) Gail Chrisfield said they acknowledged the support of Surf Coast Shire Council’s Small Grants program and the Grace Marion Wilson Trust in making this initiative possible.