Art lovers set to converge on the Bellarine for third trail

ORGANISERS and artists taking part in this weekend’s Bellarine Arts Trail are very excited the event is almost here.

Held over the Melbourne Cup weekend, the third arts trail will be held across Barwon Heads, Ocean Grove, Point Lonsdale and Queenscliff.

During the two-day event, artist studios, artist collectives and local galleries will open their doors to art lovers.

The Bellarine Arts Trail features local artistic talent including painters, sculptors, photographers, jewellers, illustrators, printmakers, ceramicists and glass blowers.

Bellarine Arts Trail Coordinator, on behalf of Barwon Heads Arts Council, Karen Shirley said the arts trail had a way of focusing the mind for participating artists, so she knew they would all be putting finishing touches to artworks, while ensuring their studios and venues were ready for visitors.

“Some artists will be opening their doors in new studios for the first time, so that’s exciting.

“It’s looking like the weather on the Bellarine this weekend is going to be perfect for visiting artists and venues so that’s an added bonus.”

Borough of Queenscliffe mayor Susan Salter encouraged residents to immerse themselves in local culture, with the event featuring home grown artistic talent.

“An event highlight this year is the inclusion of world-renowned sculptor Rod Dudley, who will open his Queenscliff studio to visitors to display sculptures in wood and bronze created in his Italian studio, where he spends six months of the year.

“Rod will also exhibit his ‘Empire Day’ group sculpture of 1981, first shown at the Adelaide Festival, at the Queenscliff Town Hall.”

This year the Bellarine Arts Trail comprises 33 venues across the four towns and more than 75 artists in their studios or group venues.

Maps are available at the Ocean Grove Community Services Office, Starfish Cafe in Barwon Heads, Driftwood Cafe and Kyosk Cafe in Ocean Grove, all Greater Geelong Tourist Information Centres, Queenscliff Visitor Information Centre, Borough of Queenscliffe Council offices, or you can head to barwonheadsartscouncil.com.au to download a printable version of the Bellarine Arts Trail map.