More opportunity to take part in local art

FREE art workshops that have been offered in Bannockburn are set to also be held in the north of Golden Plains.

The Take Part: Local Art program, which was first held for 2026 last month, has been expanded to include sessions at The Well in Smythesdale.

Golden Plains Shire Council, in partnership with Geelong Regional Libraries Corporation, deliver the program, which local artists lead showcasing a variety of art forms and mediums.

The region’s mayor Cr Owen Sharkey said the program’s longevity highlighted Golden Plains’ artists.

“This program is entering its fourth year which is a testament to the incredible artists we have in our community,” Cr Sharkey said.

“We’re thrilled to also expand the program to Smythesdale this year for community members unable to get down to the Bannockburn Library.”

David Semmens, acting chief executive officer of the Geelong Regional Libraries Corporation, said the workshops helped residents connect with local artists.

He said the workshops were popular with the community.

“We’re proud to partner with Golden Plains Shire to support local artists while creating opportunities for people to learn new skills and experience the joy of making art,” he said.

A council spokesperson said the desire for workshops in other parts of the shire was identified through feedback.

“Expanding the program into northern communities such as Smythesdale allows us to extend its impact, offering creative opportunities to new participants who may not otherwise have access to arts programs,” they said.

“The program removes barriers to participation by bringing creative workshops closer to home, improving access, wellbeing, and social connection for residents.”

Selected mediums, the spokesperson said, were chosen because they aligned with the program’s focus on innovative, environmentally engaged art practices.

The next workshop, In a World of Our Own with Megan J. Riedl, will be held at Bannockburn Library on Saturday 18 April from 9am to 12pm. Bookings for this workshop will open Saturday 4 April.

In Smythesdale, the first workshop will be Ecoprinting with Eucalyptus Species with Catrina Sexton. It will be held on Thursday 14 May from 10am to 12pm.

More information about bookings and workshops for the rest of 2026 are available at goldenplains.vic.gov.au/events.