During the Castlemaine State Festival eleven artists from Newstead and district will be opening their studios to the public. On the weekends of 18th & 19th and 25th & 26th March, eight studios will open their doors for the public to access a diverse selection of lovingly created artwork.

You will have the opportunity to visit their studios, chat to the hosts about their artistic journeys, be inspired by their stories and support their endeavours, perhaps by purchasing an original artwork with story attached.

Come and visit and enjoy some diverse offerings. Photographer Bronwyn Silver offers a range of nature photographs of the bush reserve surrounding her home – the Old Walmer School. Julie Patey explores the process of art making through the use of colour, shape and texture. It echoes an important connection to the landscape of central Victoria, using printmaking and mixed media. Krissy Scherlies’ current style is the exploration of her imagination and the courage to express her feelings on canvas and through the playfulness of mosaics. Lachlan Park makes ‘things’ from wood. He strives for these things to be the highest quality of woodwork of which his hands and mind are capable. Prue McAdam is a painter who works in a variety of media and has a special love for abstraction and gestural marks. Printmaker Richard Sullivan is influenced by his environment and creates the most engaging of designs. His talents also include artist books, collage and altered books. Sally Roadnight’s work involves a continuing exploration of the landscape using various found objects and media including drawing sewing, printing, sculpture, and basketry. Sarah Koschak creates functional wheel thrown porcelain pottery, bringing handcrafted beauty to everyday life. ‘Engineering with heart’ describes the work of Trefor Prest. He creates intricate, organic and mechanical oddities fabricated from brass and copper. Entice your imagination through mystery and a sense of play at Roger McKindley’s Antares Iron Art Garden. Broken and discarded objects come together, finding a new life. Chris Johnston references connection to place and the land through the medium of clay. Her pieces are sculptural and functional.

So there you have it, a feast of artistic talent waiting to satisfy your hunger for an extraordinary creative experience. For more information please visit our website (www.newsteadopenstudios.wordpress.com). A studio guide/map will be available on our website, or from Dig Cafe and Red Door Gallery in the heart of Newstead, or find us on Facebook and Instagram.