A Taster Show will provide a sneak peek into the 2023 Surf Coast Arts Trail, which will welcome 14 first-time participating artists including ceramicist Lauren McQuade.
The Bellbrae artist is excited to be involved in the Surf Coast Arts Trail Taster Show at Torquay's HOOP Gallery from 6 July to 30 July, before making her Trail debut on 5 and 6 August.
"Living in the local area and seeing the buzz that the Trail brings around town with all the local artists opening their doors seems really special," Lauren said.
"It's not often you get to see someone's space where the magic is created, so I see it as a nice opportunity for people to come and discover where it all happens. I am excited to meet people who have an interest in what I do, and to come try their hand on the wheel or just pop in for a chat."
The Taster Show will be launched at HOOP Gallery on Friday 7 July from 5.30pm to 7pm, with all welcome. The exhibition features the work of 45 Arts Trail artists, including Lauren.
"As a professional photographer by trade, I have always been creative however the change of pace with clay was something I was instantly drawn to," she said.
"Within ceramics, I have found my calm and I get lost in time when I am on the wheel. Anything that I make, I want the person who purchases it to love it just as much as I loved making it. I try to make functional pieces that people will treasure forever."
View the Surf Coast Arts Trail Taster Show at HOOP Gallery (77 Beach Road, Torquay) from Thursday to Sunday between 6 July and 30 July. The exhibition is from 10am to 4pm.
"The Taster Show is the perfect way to help plan your Arts Trail weekend. You can pick up a Trail program and see some of the artists who are taking part," Cr Rose Hodge said. "I always love getting out and about on the Trail weekend, which showcases why the Surf Coast is known as one of Australia's top creative hotspots."
This year's Surf Coast Arts Trail will welcome more than 200 artists across 58 venues, spread from the coast to the hinterland.
"There are a diverse range of mediums and demonstrations - from painting, ceramics and textiles, to glassware, jewellery and even aerial dance performance," Cr Hodge said.
