Nillumbik opens up for art lovers
Nillumbik opens up an exciting opportunity for Melbourne art lovers to gain behind-the-scenes access to the world of visual art.
By TOM WALKER
Artists from Nillumbik Shire will open their studio doors as part of the bi-annual Nillumbik Artists Open Studios event this weekend – a rare opportunity for art enthusiasts.
More than 30 artists will welcome the public inside their workspaces, to reveal, celebrate and promote the creative processes behind visual art.
Nillumbik Artists Open Studios coordinator Elanna Sanderson said she believed a behind-the-scenes insight into the workings of an artist allowed appreciation beyond the offerings of traditional gallery-style exhibitions.
“Open Studios provides a rare glimpse of the dirty paint brushes, burning kilns, grey-lead shavings and artworks that didn’t quite make the cut,” Ms Sanderson said.
“Pulling back the layers allows visitors to discover the artwork in a more intimate way.”
Nillumbik Shire consists of leafy suburbs and bushy semi-rural townships such as Eltham, Diamond Creek, Plenty, Yarrambat, Hurstbridge and Panton Hill.
The region has been a favourite of many famous Australian artists, such as three-time Archibald Prize winner Clifton Pugh and 1995 Australian of the Year Arthur Boyd, whose works were inspired by the Nillumbik landscape.
Plenty-based artist Susan Woodfall, who is applying to be a future participant in Nillumbik Artist Open Studios, said the area was an ideal location for Melbourne artists to find inspiration.
“It has that nice rural feel about it, and that manifests itself on the canvas,” she said.
“If you can’t be inspired as an artist in Nillumbik then you won’t be inspired anywhere.”
As a prospective participant, Ms Woodfall must meet certain educational requirements, undergo an interview and have her studio assessed through a site visit before she can be featured in the event.
“I think it’s great as it ensures the best artists are showcased, and that promotes Nillumbik as a place where people can come to appreciate art,” Ms Woodfall said.
Ms Woodfall said events like Nillumbik Artist Open Studios continue to build Nillumbik’s reputation as an artistic tourist destination.
“People go grape-grazing in the Yarra Valley, or go to Healesville for the sanctuary. I believe the attraction of Nillumbik is the great art scene,” she said.
“I’d encourage anyone who loves art to attend this weekend and see what this beautiful part of Melbourne has to offer.”
Nillumbik Open Artists Studios will run in multiple locations across Nillumbik Shire from 11am to 5pm on May 7 and 8, 2016.
