Thirty artists, galleries and art groups from across the Macedon Ranges have registered for a new independent project aimed at promoting the area's rich artistic talent and attracting visitors all year round.
The Macedon Ranges Art Trail will be operating by Easter and is designed to link artists and galleries with the general public.
"The idea for the art trail sprang from some promotional work I had done for a few artists. It was clear that there were others who could use some assistance getting their names out there," said project coordinator Nadine Hartnett.
"I knew we had a strong and vibrant arts community but it was a revelation to learn that the Macedon Ranges had more working artists per capita than anywhere else in Victoria. Art trails exist all around the world, and I am determined that our most creative residents are similarly given great exposure."
The art trail will be promoted via a brochure available at visitor information centres, businesses and other outlets both locally and outside the region. The brochure will be downloadable to the tourism website www.visitmacedonranges.org.au. Meanwhile, the art trail is also generating followers on Facebook.
In July, the project was given a kick-start with a Community Funding Scheme grant of $3000 from the Macedon Ranges Shire Council. Costs will also be met with an annual subscription fee of $100 paid by each participant.
"The response from various sections of the community has been very positive, and there is plenty of excitement in the air," Ms Hartnett said.
The Macedon Ranges Art Trail is open to all artists, galleries and art groups in the Macedon Ranges. Registrations for 2013 close Friday, January 4. Contact Nadine on 0439 399 838 or email nhartnet@bigpond.net.au.
There is no selection process. Young, new and emerging artists have as much place on the trail as established and successful artists.
The trail features painters, glass artists, printmakers, photographers, sculptors, mosaicists, potters, jewellery makers, and textile and cake artists from across the shire.
Artist registrations to date: Kathryn Portelli (mosaic), Pipers Creek; Ettore Di Pilla (glass/mosaic), Woodend; Geri Walsh (printmaker/painter), Woodend; Brigit Heller (sculpture), Benloch; Richard Chamerski (painter, Woodend; Deborah Mullins (fine art photography), Woodend; Marian Alexopoulos (painter), Macedon; Karen Van Cuylenburg, Malmsbury; Peter Butterworth (wood/metal/bronze), Kyneton; Daniel Butterworth (oil on paper), Kyneton; Stephanie Goss (botanical art), Woodend; Tim Jones (printmaker/sculptor), Newham; Kay Brabham (scraperboard), Gisborne; Mary Larnach-Jones (painter), Woodend; Helen Cottle (painter), Gisborne; Robyn Neate (mixed), Kyneton.
Galleries participating include Exhibit Artist Space, Bakery Lane, Black Anther, The Chamber, Tin Shed Arts, The Gallery at Mt Macedon, Mad Gallery, Stockroom and 4Art Sake.
The brochure will highlight art events to be held over the year to March 2014. Groups are invited to supply details of any activities they have scheduled.
At this stage there is no plan to hold a special weekend or days to specifically showcase the Art Trail. It is primarily designed to function as a year-round link between artists/galleries and the general public.
The objective is for members of the public to contact artists whose work appeals to them and it is then up to the two parties to arrange meeting times. (Private studios are hence open by appointment only.)
Subscriptions can be renewed or cancelled by January 2014 and new participants will be welcome to register for the next year's trail.
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