By Kath Gannaway
The second instalment of the Yarra Valley Open Studios showcasing the work of artists along the Melba Highway was a huge success over the weekend of 14 and 15 October.
Hundreds of visitors, including artists from across Yarra Ranges flocked to the studios of artists from Coldstream through to Toolangi including 95-year-old painter Len Alden, a member of the Steels Creek Painting Group.
Mr Alden dabbled in pencil sketches of famous film stars as a teenager and took up painting in 1995 after a career in signwriting.
Surrounded by fellow artists at the Steels Creek Community Centre, he said the Open Studios weekend gave artists an opportunity to engage with the public.
“This type of event gives a feeling that people are interested in what you are doing as artists,” he said.
Warburton artist Sue Sluzarek ventured to ‘the other side’ and said the decision to stage the event over three months, featuring the Maroondah, Melba and Warburton highway artists, was brilliant.
“I think it’s just wonderful,” she said looking over the Group Exhibition at Coombe Estate in Coldstream where the Melba Open Studios was launched.
“As artists we can now get out and see the work of other artists, and the public can also get to see more at a more relaxed pace,” Ms Sluzarek said.
The Coombe Estate Group Exhibition will be on display until 29 October.
The final Open Studios weekend will highlight the Warburton Highway artists on the weekend of 11 and 12 November, with a joint artists’ exhibition at the Waterwheel Gallery in Warburton from 26 October to 14 November.
Visit www.yarravalleyarts.org.au for studio locations and profiles on participating artists.
