The 2022 Surf Coast Arts Trail will support the goal of Deans Marsh organisation SPARK to light the way for local connections.
The Arts Trail – held 6 and 7 August – is pleased to welcome debutant SPARK, which will showcase its collaborative facilities at Deans Marsh Memorial Park where trailgoers can take in various artists at the one venue.
“When we first developed SPARK, we envisioned facilitating spaces that invited people from our community and further afield to connect with the artists in our community,” SPARK administration coordinator Miranda Jarvis said.
“Many artists living regionally can find themselves isolated from the broader arts community, so we wanted to provide spaces for people to practice their art, learn from each other and develop new skills. The Surf Coast Arts Trail speaks to this and is a wonderful opportunity for local artists to share their works with other artists and arts lovers.”
While SPARK formed in late 2019, numerous artists featuring on this year’s trail are long-time participants.
“This includes Veronica Phillips who – along with Sandra Hickford – has done amazing work promoting the arts in our area and gathering artists for previous Arts Trail events in Deans Marsh,” Ms Jarvis said.
“We’re really excited about the return of the Arts Trail, as it’s an important event for artists to promote their works and make new connections, leading to commissions and exhibitions. It’s also a fantastic opportunity for art lovers to get to know local artists and buy directly from them. Understandably, many people are feeling somewhat hesitant to re-emerge after the past two years, and the arts provide a positive way for everyone to get together and boost our local arts economy.”
Musician Josh Rigg will perform at the Memorial Park’s festival stand at 11.30am on Saturday 6 August, while the historic Footy Shed will see local artists share their practice, creative processes, and works for sale. Deans Marsh Hall will be home to textile artists and designers running displays, demonstrations, and events.
“In the Footy Shed gallery, we will host Deb McSephney, Lea Barker, Brendan Barker, Sara Perry, Veronica Phillips, and myself. We have a diverse range of practices across photography, oil painting, painting, printmaking, collagraph, and sculpture,” Ms Jarvis said.
“In the hall, we will host a display of textile works and demonstrations from local textile artists Lynette Clucas, Belinda McKenzie, Heather Locock, Jennifer McDonald, Seona Gunn, Sue Cole and Gillian Farrow, who is also opening her studio for the Arts Trail.
“Designer Lynette will be working on SPARK’s industrial sewing machine over the weekend and display her wares including recycled deck chairs and cushions, and a beautiful series of velvet capes made for the Deans Marsh Winter Solstice gathering. Meanwhile Heather will set up a carding, spinning, and weaving display and demonstrate these processes.”
On Sunday 7 August from 1pm to 4pm, SPARK will run its monthly Craft Gathering.
“We invite everyone to come along, and welcome you to bring a project you’re working on or would like to start and get to know the wonderful community of makers in the Marsh,” Ms Jarvis said.
“The arts community in the Deans Marsh district is made up of an interesting network of artists, designers and makers that all bring something special to our community. The artists that live here are passionate about this place and are looking forward to welcoming trailgoers.
“The Memorial Reserve has a number of picnic tables and lots of grassed space so, weather permitting, bring a picnic or visit our fantastic local store to buy some lunch to bring along.”
The 2022 Surf Coast Arts Trail will feature more than 200 artists across 60 venues. Surf Coast Shire Councillor Gary Allen said it was exciting to see newcomers such as SPARK at the event in its 10th anniversary.
“One of our Council strategies is to foster an environment where people with clever and creative ideas can make a difference in their communities – precisely what SPARK is doing in Deans Marsh. The Arts Trail is a wonderful way to shine a spotlight on the incredible progress they’ve made in the past two-and-a-half years to support their thriving arts community,” Cr Allen said.
To plan your Arts Trail weekend, visit surfcoastartstrail.com.au and download the booklet, and follow @SurfCoastArtMatters on Facebook and Instagram.
