SEEING IS BELIEVING

Published on 09 September 2024

Loddon Valley Arts Trail is back with the return of old friends plus new venues, artists and events – and a fresh, fun theme, “Seeing is Believing”.

From Friday afternoon 4 October, through to Sunday 6 October this year’s Arts Trail opens with a free community barbeque and live music on Friday at 5pm, to celebrate the group show of local artists showing in the Tarnagulla Public Hall.

It’s all about place, and the community of these tiny towns, where arts and crafts build strength and resilience through creativity and sharing that with others.

Popping up in towns including Boort in the north, central Wedderburn, and Inglewood to the south, this “choose-your-own-direction” Arts Trail puts flair, imagination, colour and joy on the map.

Artists are opening their studios, cafes and halls are having pop-up exhibitions, and for the first time the stately Nimmitabel house in Inglewood opens its doors for visitors to see the staircase mural by Melbourne artist Shawn Lu and hear house-owner Lisa Calandro talk about the commission and the decade-long restoration of the house.

There’s an arts workshop in Wedderburn Neighbourhood House, a conversation about using wood for art at the Eucalyptus Distillery Museum, and an afternoon tea with a talk about the “magic of art” at the Coach House Gallery in Wedderburn.

Julie Benaim, proprietor of 24 Karat café in Wedderburn is opening a new gallery space in time for Arts Trail, where artist Len Dierickx will be installing his work.

“We’re really looking forward to the weekend, ready to welcome lots of visitors to our town and region,” Julie said.

“We love the way our community gets behind these events, so we’re proud to be part of Arts Trail and hope people come and enjoy Len’s new installation.”

Loddon Shire Mayor, Cr Gavan Holt said the program aims to build connections right across the shire, and the Trail’s “Seeing is Believing” theme invites everyone to take a look at what’s on show, to see and share in the belief that creativity is a kind of magic.

It’s all about place, and the community of these tiny towns, where arts and crafts build strength and resilience through creativity and sharing that with others.

A Get Smart photo competition is inviting everyone to get involved, by taking a smartphone photo that represents life in Loddon, with three age categories and retail hamper prizes to be won.

The program, including venues, artists and events as well as the Get Smart photo competition entry form, is on the website: www.loddonvalleyartstrail.com.au

Image: 24 Karat café Proprietor Julie Benaim and local artist Len Dierickx.