Even if you’ve never had the chance to do anything particularly artistic in your life, three days at the end of October could change all that and provide the inspiration for your own brilliant creative journey.
Or it could be a long weekend of art-inspired shopping as you follow your own path along the biennial Granite Belt Art and Craft Trail (GBART).
GBART starts with a day of art pleasure on Friday 27 October followed by the official opening event that evening and another two full days of open studios dotted around the Granite Belt, art displays, artists in residence at community spaces and a range of demonstrations and workshops.
The combo of experiences takes you from meeting the makers to making art yourself! It’s a rare opportunity to mix with so many Granite Belt artisans at the one time, but the hands-on experiences on offer can also open up a whole world of colour and joy in your own personal art adventure.
Some of the creative pursuits you can try are printmaking, fibre art, watercolours, pottery, drawing, moisturiser making, acrylic painting, jewellery making and collage – and most styles even have a choice of workshops over the one great weekend. Book through the website gbart.org.au as soon as you can for these amazing opportunities to uncover your hidden talents. And if your talents remain hidden, never mind; you can use the opportunity to buy glorious art to take home and treasure forever.
You can also listen to ukulele playing or enjoy some busking entertainment or take a guided art walk in the great outdoors.
Music is also art so don’t miss the weekend’s two most noteworthy events.
Granite Belt’s sultry songbird Teri Welles will share her own brand of musical magic as she fronts the popular Jazzify band at GBART’s official opening event, Fresh Canvas, on Friday 27 October. With diverse musical and life experience, the combo puts its own special spin on a range of jazz, blues, popular, classic, swing and rock songs with tunes drawn from musical greats.
For this golden evening of crooning, BYO grazing platter but buy your drinks at GBART Central, also known as the Peter Bonner Exhibition Centre at the Stanthorpe Showgrounds.
The following night, Saturday 28 October, will be a knock-your-socks-off fun evening of Feelin’ Fine with Matthew Manahan and two entertaining friends. Matthew, a professional actor/singer, will bring his amazing talent and energy back to his home town for a night not to be missed. Bring a platter of food, buy your drinks to support the Rotary Club of the Granite Belt and sit back for a couple of hours of pure enjoyment.
It really is going to be an artstravaganza, whether you want to blaze a trail or have a more laidback approach. Don’t just mark 27-28-29 October in your diary. Jump on the website and make your bookings for the workshops and musical events right now through gbart.org.au.
