Open Studios program now covering all of Baw Baw, opening tomorrow
 Baw Baw Entertainment   By // 18:05, Saturday 11 February 2012

Once again the arts community of West Gippsland will bring forward an exciting Open Studios program.

Run by a group of local artists, including Rokeby’s Sue Acheson and Crossover’s Kerrie Warren, the Open Studios events open the arts studios of West Gippsland to the public around 3 times a year.


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The next event will be tomorrow.

The February open studio is linked to Drouin’s Ficifolia festival, and while past years’ events have focused only on the artists of Drouin, Drouin West and Jindivick, the 2012 event showcases artists from across the Baw Baw Shire including Willow Grove, Neerim, Warragul, Rokeby and the traditional Drouin section of the shire.

A map of the Open Studios day has been distributed far and wide. I picked up my copy at the Baw Baw Arts Alliance (BBAA) hub in Yarragon which has been showcasing the work of artists participating in the Open Studios.

The BBAA’s exhibition includes a striking work of abstract expressionism from Kerrie Warren and is open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm at the BBAA Arts Hub in Murray Street, Yarragon.


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In December I attended an arts exhibition at Lillico Glass which featured the work of Meg Hayley; on Open Studios day visitors will be able to see her work and the work of her artist partner Nick Perrin at their studio in Biram Drive, Warragul. Nick’s works are described by the Open Studios team as large textured landscapes in oils and Meg’s works described as floral themes and French-inspired home wears.

The Lillico Glass artist, Hayden John, is partaking in Open Studios his studio on Lillico Road, Lillico, showcasing his unique glass sculptures and platters.

At Drouin’s Old Butter Factory Arts centre the Jewellery of Wendy Hitchins will be on show. At the recent Warragul Gem Club show in Yarragon, Wendy’s demonstration of glass bead creation was a hit, and every reader of The Warragul Citizen should try to see her in action creating the glass for her handmade jewellery during the open studios.

A regular of the event is Helen Timbury who works in linocuts and creates the most amazing cards and gift cards. Based in Albert Road Drouin, the limited edition prints are well worth viewing.

At the other end of Baw Baw Shire is Alene Bonser, well known in both the arts and gardening communities. Alene on Willow Grove Road works across many mediums with gardens being a regular theme of her works. If you’re lucky, during your studio visit Alene may be able to also show you the wonderful garden her studio overlooks.

Many other exhibitors, from printmaker Lisa Kurec to Metal Sculpture expert Laurie Collins, will have their studios on show on the day. Maps should be widely available across the shire. The event costs $5, charged at your first site visit, with those under 18 having free entrance. You can start at any studio from 10am untill 5pm. Maps are also online at www.kerriewarren.com.au and details on the events can be found at www.ficifoliafestival.org.au.

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