Studio doors open for Southern Highlands Arts Festival
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, film screenings, theatre and music performances, as well as the Art Studio Trail which runs over the first two weekends of November.
The Art Studio Trail offers visitors a sneak peek into the creative processes of some of our local artists, with studio doors open across the weekends of 5 – 6 November and 12 – 13 November, 10am to 5pm.
Over 30 studios featuring the works of more than 60 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.”
Mediums on display will include both traditional and contemporary painting, ceramics, jewellery, woodwork, textiles, art conservation, photography, mosaics, sculpture, printmaking, leatherwork and botanical art.
“Guests from previous years have remarked that the trail provides a fantastic insight when they visit the artists and the spaces 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 Anita Parker in Burradoo all the way through to nationally recognised artists such as Max Miller at East Kangaloon Press.
“The Southern Highlands Arts Festival 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.
The Southern Highlands Arts Festival will be launched by highly acclaimed local poet Lorne Johnson on Friday 21 October at 5pm at the Sturt Gallery in Mittagong. To RSVP for the launch email info@shaf.com.au or phone 4868 0855.
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.