Art lovers finding glass treasures across the Bellarine

GLASS artworks are once again hidden in businesses across the Bellarine, with the Festival of Glass Treasure Hunt inviting locals and visitors to search for a little sparkle this summer.

Vice President of the Festival of Glass, Paul Chreszczyk, said the popular annual event continues to unite art lovers, local businesses and the community through a creative, family-friendly challenge.

“The treasure hunt became another way of sort of engaging with businesses and encouraging people to visit the businesses in the Drysdale, Port Arlington area in particular,”he said.

“We want to promote something in the Bellarine region that makes it special and unique.”

Running from January 5 to February 15, the hunt encourages participants to track down this year’s handmade glass beetles crafted by local artists.

Each of the 20 participating businesses features one on display, with ten stops earning an entry into the grand prize draw.

The prize draw will take place on February 15 at the festival’s workshop on Eversley Street, Drysdale, where participants must hand in their forms to enter.

“It’s been pretty successful in terms of feedback,” Chreszczyk said. “The businesses love it, about 95 per cent renew their sponsorship each year… and it brings people into town who stop for lunch or a coffee, so it helps also with visitation.”

The Treasure Hunt is one of several creative initiatives designed by the Festival of Glass to make the Bellarine a national hub for glass art.

Previously, the festival has hosted international glass artists from Murano, Italy, and is continuing to expand its offering of community workshops and group projects throughout the year.

Those interested in exploring beyond the treasure hunt can follow the ‘Glass Trails’ on the festival’s website and discover where other glass installations are around the Bellarine.

They also offer yearly memberships for anyone interested in learning about and working with glass.

“We just want to promote glass art for the Bellarine and give people an opportunity to learn new skills, meet like-minded people, and be part of something creative,” Chreszczyk said.

The Festival of Glass Treasure Hunt runs until February 15, with the prize draw and open studio held between 11am and 2pm.

Fot more information and to register, head to sites.google.com/site/afestivalofglass