Fiesta celebrates Shire’s artistic talent

VISUAL art, live tunes and poetry were presented harmoniously during last Sunday’s Smythesdale Arts and Music Fiesta.

Held on the town green, in The Well and old courthouse from 10am to 3pm, artists’ stall

s, musical and poetic performers, mural paintings, classic car displays, and creative conversation had the centre of Smythesdale buzzing.

Organiser Barry Wemyss said the festival brings local creatives and residents together, while “batting” for the Shire’s north.

“It’s a community event, a fun day, and it has a lovely feel. It’s great for Smythesdale and for the artists of all forms,” he said.

“This year, there are local artists and performers here that we didn’t previously know about. It’s their first gig, but a gentle stage opportunity. These examples make it all worthwhile.”

The Golden Plains Shire was ceramicist Peter Pilven’s home for 30 years. Displaying work in The Well, he was grateful to Mr Wemyss and Golden Plains Arts Inc for their advocacy.

“It’s important that they’re promoting and supporting all forms of art; visual, music, poetry… The whole event is wonderful,” he said.

Smythesdale painter and first-time stallholder Deb Chapman enjoyed meeting followers she had never met offline.

“People from Melbourne came in to say hi, so the Fiesta is bringing

people from all around Victoria to Smythesdale,” she said.

The Fiesta was also visual artist Tegan Crosbie’s first market.

“It’s so nice to be beside other artists. The quality of work out here is top-notch,” she said.

“In the studio, you don’t get to celebrate your work with others, so this platform is fantastic.”

Linton’s Stuart Barrow had his 1960-model sedan in the Ballarat Morris Minor Club’s classic car showcase.

The former club president said there should be more events in the Shire like this, where the group can set up and engage the community.

“It’s great to represent and advertise our cause; our interest in old vehicles, especially the Morris Minor,” he said.

Golden Plains Arts Inc’s Rosalind Lawson performed 10 songs with U3A Celtic ensemble offshoot, The Barnacoyle Band.

“We played Celtic-based and contemporary works like I

melda May’s Kentish Town Waltz, and Whiskey in the Jar,” she said.

“We give all the credit to Barry, but this event is something that GP Arts Inc has been working towards. Melding all the disciplines is how it should be.”