Registrations open for Surf Coast Arts Trail

TORQUAY’S Erin Reinboth is just one of the artists who will welcome the public into their studios during this year’s Surf Coast Arts Trail.

She admitted to feeling “really exposed, because that’s your craft and vulnerable space”.

“But how wonderful to open that up to people,” she said.

“The Arts Trail is amazing, I can’t even think of another word.

“Just to celebrate art like that and be around community, that’s what I’m all about.

“You meet your customers, you meet aspiring artists, you meet other local artists, kids, it’s just beautiful and it showcases all this beautiful art we have to offer down here that a lot of people don’t know about.”

Reinboth’s studio is part of Torquay’s Ashmore Arts hub.

The 2025 Surf Coast Arts Trail will be her third, and as artist registrations for this year open, she had some advice for any creatives unsure about sharing their works and craft.

“Go for it! You only learn, and what you can get from showing your process and meeting interested, like-minded people – there’s nothing like it,” she said.

“It’s scary and it’s tiring and I lose my voice every year, but it is so rewarding.”

The 15th Surf Coast Arts Trail will be on August 2 and August 3, featuring the works of hundreds of artists from hinterland to coast in a range of mediums ranging from painting and sculpture to jewellery-making, textiles and ceramics.

Venues will range from private studios to community spaces and arts hubs.

Cr Libby Stapleton encourages artists to register and add their own creative flair to the Trail’s offering.

“The wonderful diversity of mediums and works on show is one of the elements that makes our Surf Coast Arts Trail such a special experience for the thousands of patrons each year,” she said.

“From our beautiful hinterland areas to the coast, we have so much creative talent to share, and the Trail provides such an important boost for our creative economy.

“Last year’s Trail, featuring the works of more than 200 artists, generated more than $180,000 in sales, including $27,000 in commissions and $8000 in workshop commissions.”

Artist registrations will close on March 30.

Artists who register for the Trail will also have the chance to exhibit in a special Arts Trail Taster Show, at Anglesea Art Space from May 15 to 1 June 1.

For more information, head to surfcoastartstrail.com.au