Arts trail taster exhibition fires imagination

A preview exhibition showcasing more than 50 artists is offering an early taste of one of the Surf Coast’s biggest creative events.

A Taste of the Trail is showing at the Anglesea Art Space, featuring works from painters, sculptors, ceramicists and woodworkers who will take part in this year’s Surf Coast Arts Trail.

The exhibition serves as a lead-in to the 16th annual Arts Trail, which returns on August 1 and 2 and is expected to attract more than 15,000 visitors across the region.

Surf Coast Shire mayor Libby Stapleton said the exhibition was an opportunity for people to begin exploring the artists and experiences on offer ahead of the main event.

“The exhibition shines a spotlight on the amazing breadth and depth of creative talent we are fortunate to have in our region, and of course serves to build anticipation and excitement ahead of the trail,” she said.

“This year’s event promises to be another beauty, with 65 studios, galleries and creative spaces showcasing the works of more than 300 artists.”

Among those preparing for the trail are Torquay father-and-son timber artisans Mark and Liam Waters of LAMwood Creations, who will participate for the fifth time this year.

The pair specialise in reclaiming timber from urban land clearing, roadworks, storm damage and fallen trees, transforming it into furniture, bowls and keepsake boxes.

For Mark, the appeal lies in giving discarded materials a second life.

“I really enjoy the fact that there might be a piece that has just been lying around, unloved and silvering sitting in the corner, and I’m able to rejuvenate it, rebirth it and give back some enjoyment and useability to it,” he said.

“And Liam just loves wood. He loves the grain, he loves the craziness – just the absurdity of where the grain doesn’t go and does go.”

Many of the pair’s pieces combine timber with coloured resin, drawing inspiration from Torquay’s long association with surfboard manufacturing.

This year’s trail will also mark a milestone for the business, with Mark and Liam opening their Ocean Acres Drive workshop to visitors for the first time.

A Taste of the Trail runs until 21 June.

For more information about this year’s art trails, including participating artists and volunteering opportunities, head to surfcoastartstrail.com.au