Open doorway to artists

By Tania Martin
HILLS artists are putting the final touches to their masterpieces as they get ready to open their studios to the public.
The Dandenong Ranges Open Studios Weekend, which is now in its fifth year, promises to be bigger and better than ever before.
Art lovers will get the chance to visit more than 22 hills artist as they open their doors to the public on 24 and 25 May.
The weekend, which is run by the Burrinja Gallery in Upwey and sponsored by the Shire of Yarra Ranges, is one of the most anticipated events on the region’s cultural calendar.
Burrinja executive officer Ross Farnell said the impact that the event has on visitors was magical.
“They often come back to us with a sense of wonder at being given an inside look into the dynamic workshops of our eclectic hills artists,” he said.
This year the weekend will feature a range of artists from several mediums including potters, wood carvers, painters, glass artists, and didgeridoo makers.
Selby glass artist Kirsten Laken is just one of many who will open her doors for the weekend.
Now in her third year of the event, Ms Laken said it was a great way for artists to market their work to the art loving community.
“It’s fantastic. It the festival of the arts in the hills,” Ms Laken said.
This talented glass artist has been creating her pieces for more than 23 years and loves sharing her work with others.
“I started making pieces for a friend part-time and it just grew from there,” she said.
This year Ms Laken will be exhibiting her work for the open studio weekend at two popular hills businesses, Cloudhill Nursery in Olinda, and at Round About Thyme in Kallista.
Ms Laken said the weekend was a great opportunity for all artists to share their passion and work.
Art critics will get the chance to see inside the artists’ world from 10am to 5pm at various locations across the Dandenongs.
An easy-to-read open studios booklet with touring maps is available from the Burrinja Gallery at 351 Glenfern Road, Upwey.
Other exciting events at Burrinja Gallery this month include the play, The China Incident, performed by Peter Houghton.
Following this hilarious play, Trio, a musical monologue, will explore the life of violin virtuoso Karl Munch.
These two fantastic shows will take center stage on 17 May from 8pm.
Tickets are now on sale and cost $26 for adults or $22 for concession card holders.
To make a booking call 9754 8723.