From extremely humble beginnings, the Arcadian Artists Trail began 29 years ago as an open day for the local community. Now flourishing with 50 creative souls and 8 studios spreading through Dural, Galston, Arcadia, Fiddletown, and Berrilee, this sumptuous feast for the senses attracts thousands of visitors each year. What sets the Arcadian Artist Trail apart from the rest, you may ask? With a careful selection process to ensure variety and the highest quality of artisans, from emerging artists to those you would only otherwise view within gallery walls. Everything is handmade and original, and viewed within its authentic studio environment. The studios are raw, varied, some small and neat, others rambling and chaotic, but all fascinating spaces. Watching the artists at work, talking with them, sharing their inspiration and techniques, is a rare opportunity.
In an increasingly built in, hectic, tech filled world, the Artists Trail offers you respite and a space to breathe. Each studio is unique. From architecturally stunning modernity, to tranquil gardens, rustic natural bushland, and peaceful rolling paddocks. From manicured beauty to eccentric, character filled sculpture gardens. It truly is a delight for the senses.
New to the trail this year, Yaja Hadrys uses plants to hand-dye textiles, and focuses on nature inspired themes to create truly unique and stunning wearable art. She intimately studied the ancient arts and crafts of Australia’s traditional owners in remote parts of the country, learning her natural dyeing techniques from the Yolngu women in Arnhem Land. “As an artist I often collaborate with nature, feeling a connected and integral part of it. When I use plants to dye and contact print fabrics I witness a true alchemy. Wearing the textile creations later, having them close to the body, it’s like being hugged by nature, almost feeling her subtle breath.’
Returning this year is the much cherished community from Warrah. This local organization offers social therapy to adults with intellectual disabilities or autism, which has produced stunning results that rival many able-bodied artists.
Looking for artwork for your home? Come and purchase unique artworks directly from their creators, not through a gallery. Works range from painting, printmaking, sculpture, glass, mosaic, textiles, jewellery making, furniture, wire sculpture, and so much more.
Each studio is connected by a stunning meandering country drive. Many of the venues will have coffee carts or food on offer, though the properties provide the perfect backdrop for you to bring a picnic lunch, blanket, and a glass of wine if you so choose.
Leave the city behind, treat yourself to a feast of inspirational artistic talent and beautiful scenery, and be immersed in our creative world this November. Road trip, anyone?
The Arcadian Artist Trail is held on November 11–12, between 9am-5pm. The event is free to all visitors. The website www. arcadianartists.com.au includes a map of this year’s trail, and information about all of the artists involved. The Committee would like to thank Bendigo Bank for its ongoing support of this event.
