Creativity unleashed: North Bellarine Arts Trail showcases diverse talent

ARTISTS and venues across the Bellarine’s northern suburbs will throw open their doors next weekend for the North Bellarine Arts Trail.

To be held on March 29 and March 30, the arts trail once again promises visitors a weekend full of creativity, art and exploration, featuring more than 70 artists spanning 29 venues.

Historically held in November over two weekends, the timing of this year’s arts trail has been chosen to separate the event from the region’s jam-packed spring calendar and to mimic the length of similar trails held in the area.

Renae Chapman, secretary of event organiser, the Bellarine Peninsula Arts Association, said it was wonderful to see the arts trail grow each year, as the community continues to embrace the free event.

“If you’re keen on any type of art, we welcome you to come and see the talents of people that live on the Bellarine and to see…the diversity of such an accomplished group of artists.

“What’s so encouraging too is that it’s not only artists that paint. We’ve got potters, we’ve got textile people, we’ve got mixed media, jewellery making, woodwork.

“There’s something for everybody.”

A selection of musicians, slated to perform at June’s National Celtic Folk Festival, will perform at some of the larger venues over the weekend, while several artists will host live demonstrations of their craft.

“Living on the Bellarine provides such a beautiful lifestyle and if you’re ever interested in doing something that’s a little bit outside your comfort zone, art is something that may appeal to people,” Ms Chapman said.

“There’s fantastic groups that people can belong to, so [the arts trail] is showcasing all that as well.

“We’re all very friendly… and if somebody is interested, they just have to ask, and we will be able to guide them in the right direction.”

For more information, or to view all participating artists and venues, head to bellarinepeninsulaarts.com/arts-trails