Studio doors open for Southern Highlands Arts Festival

9 October, 2015Posted in: Events
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The Southern Highlands Art Studio Trail, a once a year opportunity to see beyond the studio door of some of our local artists, is on again this November.

The Art Trail is the feature event of the month-long Southern Highlands Arts Festival. The festival features exhibitions, workshops and performances, as well as the Art Studio Trail which runs over the first two weekends of November.

The Art Studio Trail, which this year celebrates its 10th anniversary, allows a sneak peek into the creative processes of some of the region’s brightest artists, with studio doors open across the weekends of 7 – 8 November and 14 – 15 November, 10am to 5pm.

Over 30 studios featuring the works of more than 50 artists will open their doors as part of the festival.

“The Southern Highlands has long been a place favoured by artists,” said Council’s Cultural Development Officer Jenny Kena.

“The beauty of the area provides the perfect conditions for inspiration and creativity,” she said.

Mediums on display will include both traditional and contemporary painting, ceramics, jewellery, woodwork, bookbinding, textiles, printmaking, photography, sculpture, botanical art and bespoke lamp making.

“Guests from previous years have remarked that the trail provides a fantastic insight into the creative processes where the pieces are made,” Jenny added.

“Another wonderful aspect of the trail is that visitors have the opportunity to view the works of both emerging artists such as those involved in the Men’s Shed groups all the way through to professional and nationally recognised artists.”

Another highlight of this year’s festival will be the unveiling of the ANZAC Centenary public art work by local sculptor Thomas Bucich at the Moss Vale War Memorial Aquatic Centre on 11 November 2015.

“The Southern Highlands Arts Festival really is the ideal time for visitors to view first-hand some of the amazing talent and skill that our local artisans are renowned for.”

As part of the Art Trail visitors will be able to purchase artworks directly from the studio.  Entry to all participating studios is free.

For more information, including a full program and Southern Highlands Art Studio Trail map, visit www.shaf.com.au or contact the Southern Highlands Welcome Centre in Mittagong on 1300 657 559.

For further information including images or to schedule an interview with one of the artists, contact Council’s Cultural Development Officer on phone 4868 0855 or via email at jenny.kena@wsc.nsw.gov.au.