Registrations open for annual arts trail

Torquay painter Jude Morgan (left) featured in last year's Surf Coast Arts Trail. Photo: SUPPLIED

PREPARATIONS are underway for this year’s Surf Coast Arts Trail and registrations have opened.

Surf Coast Shire councillor Rose Hodge encouraged local creatives to be part of event and have their works featured and studios open on August 5 to 6.

“Local and international trailgoers will have an opportunity to see first-hand why the Surf Coast is one of regional Australia’s top creative hotspots,” Cr Hodge said.

“We hope that momentum will build from last year’s trail, which sprang back to life post-pandemic with more than 200 artists across 60 venues.”

The Surf Coast Arts Trail has acted as a stepping stone for artists including Torquay oil painter, Jude Morgan.

Ms Morgan made her trail debut in 2016 after a referral from local sculptor Cinnamon Stephens.

“I thank Cinnamon for it, and I similarly would like to encourage anyone who is considering applying to do it,” Ms Morgan said.

“It is a great experience and can open doors to other events and exhibitions.

“You don’t have to have your own studio as there are community spaces available to share with other artists, and I can assure you that on my first Arts Trail I felt really welcome as a newcomer.”

The trail welcomes registrations from all artists, from hobbyists to professionals, and all mediums: painting, sculpture, glassware, jewellery, ceramics, textiles and more.

Last year’s trail enjoyed a wide range of arts diversity which welcomed 11 community groups including SPARK in Deans Marsh, basket makers, fibre artists and sculptors The Weaverbirds, and a U3A Surf Coast exhibition.

Eight galleries also opened their doors, from In The Skies Art and Music in Lorne, to Surf Coast Gallery in Torquay and Salt, to Pepper Gallery in Bellbrae.

Forty private studios featured established artists such as Natalie Martin, Ian Westwood, Pat McKenzie, and Ms Stephens.

Registrations for the 2023 Surf Coast Arts Trail will remain open until Wednesday, April 26.

Artists can register for the event via surfcoast.vic.gov.au/SurfCoastArtsTrail