Are you an art aficionado, a budding artist or do you have a yen to do something creative? Then the most amazing long weekend has been crafted especially for you, starting tomorrow.
If art is not your jam but you love to be entertained and serenaded, the Granite Belt Art and Craft Trail still has you covered with its offerings on 27, 28 and 29 October.
GBART shares the mastery of Granite Belt artisans in a unique meet-the-maker setting that will combine studio visits, a central meeting place, galleries and retail outlets where artists will be in residence with their works.
There are also very hands-on opportunities to make your own mark – be it bookmaking, watercolour painting, printmaking, jewellery creation or pottery (from elf-making to cups) – and get a feel for different kinds of artistic endeavours that could become your new creative passion. Or find a new favourite piece of fibre art, acrylic painting, pick up some very special moisturiser. It’s all about creating your own artistic path at this open studio event.
And while the art will undoubtedly make your heart sing, there’s even more variety to the weekend with music in a range of styles. Enjoy the performances of buskers who will be at STARS in Folkestone Street from 10am to 1pm on both days of the weekend. Listen to the Graniteers as they strum their ukuleles at GBART Central on Saturday at 12.30pm.
You can expect some crooning to get you swooning at the official opening event, Fresh Canvas, on Friday night at the Exhibition Centre in the Stanthorpe Showgrounds. Listen to the warm, golden tones of Teri Welles backed by the laidback but brilliant ensemble, Jazzify. Grab your tickets ($35 pp) online at Humanitix through gbart.org.au or at the door. Create your own charcuterie board or nibblies platter to bring along. Doors open at 6pm and a bar will be run by the Rotary Club of the Granite Belt.
The following night, expect to be Feelin’ Fine as fun and music take over the Exhibition Centre with a show by one of Stanthorpe’s favourite sons, actor/singer Matthew Manahan and two special guests. It’s $55 a ticket, and kids under 12 are free. Tickets are available through Humanitix or can be purchased at the door. Bring your own grazing board and buy your drinks at the event.
And don’t miss out on the street art. The best way to see it is on a Jim Barnes Art Walking Tour that happens at 3pm each GBART day leaving from the Weeroona Park fountain or other times by appointment by phoning 0438 852 197. It’s the best value for money you’ll ever get from a gold coin donation.
