Arts Open 2018 – Meet the Makers.
Castlemaine and surrounding districts
March 10-12th & 17-18 2018
Ever wondered what makes artists tick, where they find inspiration or just how long it takes to achieve the end result? Do you have a favourite local artist and you would like to see where they work? This month, studio doors are being flung open by artists from the Castlemaine area. ARTS OPEN is a biennial event in Mount Alexander Shire. You can explore over two weekends - 10-12 and 17-18 March.
Meet the Makers at their places of work and be fascinated. Perhaps you will find artists working at a kitchen table, in a reclaimed industrial space or a rustic shed. Some will have a magnificent purpose-built studio. Tucked away above shops, secluded in bushland, in plain sight in the townships, studio visits are bound to delight and surprise. Get an insight into the life of artists, their dedication, the hard work.
In their natural habitat artists and crafts people of the Central Victorian goldfields might demonstrate their techniques, share their creative processes, or tell you their story. Perhaps you will purchase an original artwork with the added value of having engaged with the maker and heard the story behind the work.
There are over 100 artists taking part in Arts Open 2018 - painters, jewellers, printmakers, sculptors, ceramicists, photographers, multi-media artists and crafts people. Open Studios span the townships of Castlemaine, Maldon, Newstead, Taradale, Harcourt, Chewton and surrounds.
If you are around mid-week you can catch two PechaKucha nights, in Castlemaine. PechaKucha is a Japanese term meaning ‘the sound of conversation’. At each event, ten artists will deliver a fast-paced, snap-shot of their endeavours with slides and succinct haiku-style commentary.
Start your exploration at the Castlemaine Visitor Information Centre inside the magnificent old Market Building in Mostyn Street. You can pick up Arts Open maps, brochures and pique your interest with artist profiles on display between 9am and 5pm daily.
More about the featured artists can be found on the Arts Open website at www.artsopen.com.au
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