Calling all Loddon Valley artists
Published on 05 March 2021
Local artists, makers, creators and local businesses who operate or live in the Loddon Shire are encouraged to be part of an arts trail this coming spring.
To be held from 23 to 24 October, the Loddon Valley Arts Trail will be created by artists for artists and is open to both professional and amateur artists.
The arts trail is a joint project between Arts of Olde in Bridgewater on Loddon and Loddon Shire Council.
Bridgewater on Loddon artist Ainsley McPherson, who owns the Arts of Olde art gallery and gift shop, said the idea for the arts trail initially came via Bendigo.
“Bendigo was having an arts trail, and a couple of us here in the Loddon Shire enquired as to whether we could be part of that trail,” Mrs McPherson explained.
“Unfortunately, because we didn’t live in the City of Greater Bendigo, we were unable to take part in the arts trail.
“So we thought – ‘why not do our own arts trail? There are plenty of artists around here’.
“We put the idea to Council’s tourism staff Robyn Vella and Shelby Hutchinson, and they said “why not?”
“The arts trail is also a way of encouraging tourists to our Loddon Shire that are into art.”
Mrs McPherson said there had already been plenty of interest in the arts trail.
“There seems to be quite a lot of interest so far. I can think of eight people to start with and that’s just people I know,” she said.
“However, as I’ve only been here for two and a half years, there would be a lot more artists around than just those I know.
“I think there’s a lot of artists around – they can be hard to find,” Mrs McPherson added.
“But we’re encouraging these artists to come forward and be part of the Loddon Valley Arts Trail and showcase their work.”
Mrs McPherson emphasised that the Loddon Valley Arts Trail was open to all local artists, makers, creators and local businesses.
“For example, of the artists and makers I know there are a couple of painters, a photographer who also has an open garden, a sewer who makes cloth from Aboriginal patterns, as well as Aboriginal artists.
“I’m fairly new to the area so there are people I’ve met who have come into the shop who would also be more than welcome to be part of the arts trail, for example rustic items that they hand make.
“We also know that there’s a few places around the Loddon Shire that are makers and producers of food – that’s an art in itself.”
Mrs McPherson said people might also be interested in displaying someone else’s work for the arts trail.
“An artist, creator or maker might not have enough space to showcase their works, but someone else might have adequate studio space to do so. For example, the Tarnagulla Tea Shop has been displaying art in their studio space.
“It could be a two-fold thing for the arts trail – food and displaying of works.”
Once artists and locations have registered for the Loddon Valley Arts Trail, a “mud map” of locations would be produced.
“This will provide information as to where the work of all our artists, makers and creators can be found, which will let visitors do their own outings – and book accommodation for the weekend,” Mrs McPherson said.
If you would like to be involved in the Loddon Valley Arts Trail please complete an Expression of Interest form at www.bendigoregion.com.au/visit-loddon-valley/node/5130
For further information contact the Loddon Visitor Information Centre on 5494 1257 or email loddonvisitorinformation@loddon.vic.gov.au