Chance to see work in progress at Open Studios

ARTS lovers’ cups will be filled to the brim next weekend as forty-eight local creatives throw the doors open to their places of work for Bendigo Open Studios.

Each studio will have something different on offer, such as demonstrations, talks, workshops and of course the opportunity to purchase work from the artists themselves.

It will be business as usual for glass bead maker Leanne Grylls at her Bendigo Pottery setup, as she’s already “open to the public” from Thursday to Monday, 10am to 5pm every week of the year.

“It’s going to be great – Open Studios is fabulous,” she said.

“You meet people who focus on visiting as many studios as possible – they bring their programs and mark off the artists they’ve seen, and that’s really nice because it means we get a lot more extras.”

Painter Boben Mammen, who’ll be stationed at Valentine’s Antique Gallery in View Street for the three days, said there’s no equivalent (in Bendigo) that truly gives fine artists their own space to showcase their studios.

“The Rotary Club’s Easter exhibition is great, but it’s a separate event in a gallery setting,” he said.

“Open Studios is different – it lets visitors go directly into artists’ creative spaces, see works in progress, and meet (them).

“Even though it’s a small, private initiative, it’s something no local artist wants to miss because it makes those personal connections possible.

“I’m very much looking forward to the weekend.

“It’s one of the few opportunities for Bendigo’s fine artists to engage with the public, exchange ideas and contribute to building a stronger sense of community.

“I encourage you to visit, view the artwork, engage in conversation and perhaps find something to take home.”

Fellow painter Amber Collett, who has participated in the initiative since it started, will be welcoming people into her Forest Street home studio on the Saturday and Sunday.

“I enjoy talking to people about art and art making,” she said.

“Working in the studio can be lonely at times, and it’s an opportunity to get feedback and talk to people about what they see in the works.

“Open Studios is about experiencing art on a deeper level than just on a gallery wall – it’s an opportunity to talk to real life artists, share experiences, talk about materials, share techniques (and) understand why people make art.

“It’s a real life learning and cultural experience. Many locals and tourists don’t realise we have some amazing artists (here), who do amazing things and sell work all around the world.”

If you’re sitting on the fence about having a look over the weekend, Ms Grylls proposed a question.

“Do you want to see where real art is made?” she asked.

“Come and watch how things are done, it’s not normally an opportunity you’re going to get.

“Kids and critters are (also) more than welcome – I don’t discriminate!”

Bendigo Open Studios takes place around town from Friday 10 October to Sunday 12 October.

The full list of artists can be found on the Open Studios website.