Festival of Glass returning to Drysdale

August 19, 2024 BY Abby Pardew

Committee member Glenda MacNaughton and Festival of Glass Inc. President Mercedes Drummond have been busy preparing for the festival. Photos: ABBY PARDEW

THE Bellarine’s annual Festival of Glass is returning next weekend for the 14th instalment of the popular event.

On August 25, Drysdale Community Hub will host about 14 glass artists from all over Victoria, displaying their work as part of the exhibition.

Glass art using hot and cold techniques will be on display including stained glass, mosaics, flamework and more.

The community hub will host the event for the second time, allowing them to show the community what they do.

Festival of Glass Inc. President Mercedes Drummond said she was looking forward to seeing the public enjoy the variety of art being showcased.

“When we see people, when they see pieces and the exhibitors work and just the look on their faces, is really something that one never gets tired of.

“New people coming and seeing things and then people that we’ve seen for years and years and we only see them once a year to say hello and they come and support us.”

As part of the exhibition, there will be a variety of glass art on display, including mosaics.

Demonstrations will run throughout the day from members of various groups, including the microwave melters where people will be able to use the equipment.

Committee member Glenda MacNaughton will also be melting glass using a candle flame as part of the day’s demonstration.

New to this year’s event is the treasure hunt, taking place in the garden where participants answer questions and submit their entry, with prizes up for grabs.

“The treasure hunt actually is something new in relation to the gardens that’s something else we’ve introduced this year,” Ms Drummond said.

The microwave melting group will be demonstrating how to use the equipment to create unique pieces.

“We’ve had had the treasure hunt as a different format, but this is just specific to our area and it starts and finishes on the day.

Ms Drummond said 2024 would be the second year the expo had been held in the hub, which was significant for the committee.

“That allows the people that visit to see the type of work that is done here and we always get a number of people showing interest in joining different groups.”

Entry is $2 with wristbands also available for people to leave and re-enter, providing the opportunity to support local businesses in the area.

The festival will run from 10am until 4pm. For more information, head to festivalofglass.net.au