Artist Jenny Reddin with one of more than 70 artists showcasing their work as part of the Yarra
By Kath Gannaway
THERE was no doubt the artists would throw open their doors again this year after the phenomenal success of the inaugural Yarra Valley Open Studios in 2009.
It will happen on the weekend of September 17, 18 and 19, when more than 70 artists in 56 studios across the Yarra Valley invite visitors into studios as diverse as their individual talents.
The event provides a rare opportunity to become immersed in the creative environments which nurture some of the finest artistic talents in the country.
From 5 to 19 September, a combined exhibition from all the artists involved will be held at Sticks Winery in Yarra Glen. The styles and media throughout the exhibition will range from oils and pastels to jewellery and glassblowing.
Marketing co-ordinator and photographer Mike Emmett said the Open Studio weekend was a brilliant opportunity for artists to gain exposure in the wider community.
“All those involved are wonderful artists and it’s great to see an event like this where so many of these individual works are not only in the same place, but people can head out to the studios and get the full experience,” he said.
Healesville artist Jenny Reddin said the program was a phenomenal experience for the artists.
“Instead of our work being on display in a rarefied gallery or showroom, visitors come into our inner sanctums, the places where we do our creative work,” she said.
Ms Reddin said it was a unique opportunity to not only display their work, but also to share the creative experience with people who are genuinely interested.
“It is a very affirming experience,” she said.
Mr Emmett said 22,000 studio visits were recorded across the Open Studio weekend last year, despite the Black Saturday fires impacting heavily on local artists.
Artists from the Kinglake Visual Arts Alliance and Steel’s Creek are being hosted in two locations, so they can participate despite the loss of many studios.
Organisers say Yarra Valley Open Studios is returning bigger and better, the only dilemma for visitors being how to choose which studios to visit and how to get to them.
Organisers have produced a comprehensive guide book with maps and summaries of each of the artists. Books are available at information centres, shops, cafes and service stations throughout the region.
A visit to the group exhibition at Sticks Winery in the lead-up to the Open Studios weekend is also an excellent way to get a taste of what to expect.
For more information, visit www.yvopenstudios.net.au
