Torquay artist Erin Reinboth feels some challenging emotions opening her studio to the community for the Surf Coast Arts Trail but wouldn't have it any other way.
"You feel really exposed, because that's your craft and vulnerable space," Erin says.
"But how wonderful to open that up to people."
And each year magic happens as anxieties give way to the joys of sharing creativity and insights with Trail patrons from all walks and interests.
"The Arts Trail is amazing, I can't even think of another word," Erin says.
"Just to celebrate art like that and be around community, that's what I'm all about.
"You meet your customers, you meet aspiring artists, you meet other local artists, kids, it's just beautiful and it showcases all this beautiful art we have to offer down here that a lot of people don't know about."
Erin's studio is part of Torquay's Ashmore Arts hub. The 2025 Surf Coast Arts Trail will be her third and as artist registrations for this year open she has certain advice for any creatives unsure about sharing their works and craft.
"Go for it! You only learn, and what you can get from showing your process and meeting interested, like-minded people – there's nothing like it," Erin says.
"It's scary and it's tiring and I lose my voice every year, but it is so rewarding."
The 15th Surf Coast Arts Trail will be on 2 and 3 August, featuring the works of hundreds of artists from hinterland to coast in a range of mediums ranging from painting and sculpture to jewellery-making, textiles and ceramics.
Venues will range from private studios to community spaces and arts hubs, engaging thousands of visitors.
Artist registrations opened on 13 February via surfcoastartstrail.com.au and close on 30 March.
New and returning artists can learn more about participating in the 2025 Trail by joining Surf Coast Shire Council Arts Team members for an online Arts Trail information session on 19 February. People can find more information via surfcoast.vic.gov.au/25ATInfo
Artists who register for the Trail will also have the chance to exhibit in a special Arts Trail Taster Show, at Anglesea Art Space from 15 May to 1 June.
Cr Libby Stapleton encourages artists to register and add their own creative flair to the Trail's offering.
"The wonderful diversity of mediums and works on show is one of the elements that makes our Surf Coast Arts Trail such a special experience for the thousands of patrons each year," Cr Stapleton says.
"From our beautiful hinterland areas to the coast, we have so much creative talent to share, and the Trail provides such an important boost for our creative economy.
"Last year's Trail, featuring the works of more than 200 artists, generated more than $180,000 in sales, including $27,000 in commissions and $8000 in workshop commissions."
Erin Reinboth says her work is about bringing joy and colour into people's homes, and it truly defies the words of one her university arts tutors who 'crushed' her by telling her she couldn't paint happy art.
"Essentially I just want to celebrate colour and life and the happiness of the world we're in, and give people a moment to pause and meditate on that," Erin says.
"I've always been really interested in abstract because for me it's truly about the process of painting and not necessarily the end result.
"My art, and the way I paint, it really is raw and really is me on a canvas."
After having studied fine art in Adelaide, Erin moved to Melbourne and worked in textile design for 15 years, including eight as studio manager of womenswear with Cotton On.
She has lived on the Surf Coast for 10 years and, with a young family, moved into life as a full-time artist four years ago.
Her work has included collaborations with retailer Adairs and global tech accessory company The Dairy.
To learn more about Erin's art visit erinreinbothart.com/ and to find out more about the 2025 Surf Coast Arts Trail visit surfcoastartstrail.com.au
