Art unites Smythedale at Fiesta

ARTFORMS blended harmoniously on Sunday at the Smythesdale Community Arts and Music Fiesta.

Visual art of varying forms and mediums, live music and performances, and various local food providers were enjoyed by local and regional attendees throughout the town’s historic precinct.

Ballarat Bluegrass Band and Ballarat Ukulele Group were some of the musical talent featured on the green, while stand-up comedy and poetry could be heard over the road in the Courthouse Hotel.

Artists sold work and demonstrated their techniques in stalls around the green, while ceramics, weaving and coiling, paintings, illustrations and more were exhibited in The Well, and classic Volkswagens were on show around the church.

Pat Cameron travelled all the way from Dunkeld as part of Sketch Club, giving Fiesta goers the opportunity to sit with her group, pick up a pencil and have a go at drawing what they could see.

“Art is a great way of communicating and meditating because you get into the zone and off you go,” she said. “I think the Fiesta is a fabulous idea. It’s a great commonplace with the music.”

Coordinator, Barry Wemyss called himself the “rusty axel in the wheel” of organisers, “batting for the community and the north end of the shire.”

He was excited to watch the day come together, full of life because of the enthusiasm of local creatives.

“Talking with people, they’re loving the music and the vibe,” he said. “Those who are here, there’s smiles and they’re expressing how good it is, and that’s really pleasing because it’s been a lot of effort over a good 12 months.

“I haven’t done any artworks for about three months, but I’ve committed myself to the day and I’m happy with the outcome.”