By PETER DOUGLAS
DANDENONG Ranges Open Studios will next month celebrate the region’s rich and vibrant artistic heritage.
In an interactive and eclectic weekend event, the studios will offer visitors the unique experience of meeting artists in their working studio environments during a single weekend.
More than 36 local artists and art collectives are involved, working across a diverse range of mediums, including ceramics, textiles, painting, illustration, performance, woodwork and steel art.
The event is one of the most anticipated in the local cultural calendar, attracting almost 5000 art-minded visitors and tourists from across Victoria.
Project co-ordinator, Amy Middleton, said the event was unique and had proven highly popular.
“It’s a unique opportunity to have a peek inside artists’ creative practices and visit hidden studios nestled among the stunning forest of the Dandenong Ranges,” she said.
“It is in these curious and inspirational environments that the artists’ creative practice truly comes to life.”
Now in its 12th year, two new categories of artists has been added, which are Emerging Artists (within the first five years of their practice) and Odd Balls (who push the boundaries of expectation).
Also included will be an exceptionally high standard of Individual Artists and Collectives.
An easy-to-use Open Studios guidebook with touring map is available free from Burrinja and other popular tourist and arts locations throughout the hills.
In addition, all artists will be exhibiting new work in an accompanying exhibition at Burrinja, running from 28 March to 3 May.
The Open Studios Weekend will be held Saturday and Sunday 18 and 19 April, from 9am to 5pm.
The Burrinja Gallery is located at the corner of Glenfern Road and Matson Drive, Upwey.
For more information, visit www.openstudios.org.au.
