LOCALS are invited to step into the inner sanctums of some of Lake Macquarie's leading artists next weekend.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The inaugural Lake Macquarie Open Studios Tour will give locals a rare glimpse into the creative processes of artists at 25 locations across the city.
More than 40 amateur and professional artists, from painters to glass-smiths and sculptors, will take part.
Organiser and artist Kate Belton said studios across Lake Macquarie would be open throughout the weekend of November 2 and 3.
Visitors were free to drop in any time from 9am to 4pm to meet the artists, learn about their creative process, and purchase works.
"It's rare to go behind the scenes in an artist's studio, so the Open Studios weekend is a fantastic opportunity to meet local artists and see how they create," Ms Belton said.
Lake Macquarie City Council arts, culture and tourism manager Jacqui Hemsley said the city had a proud history of producing top-quality artists.
"William Dobell, one of Australia's finest 20th century artists, called Lake Macquarie home, of course, but there have been many others in more recent times making a name for themselves," Ms Hemsley said.
Dobell House, at 47 Dobell Drive, Wangi Wangi, is one of the participating studios. It will be open from 1pm to 4pm, Saturday and Sunday.
"Our creative community is such an important element of Lake Mac's identity. We hope locals and visitors will see the Open Studios Tour as an opportunity to appreciate their work," Ms Hemsley said.
Blackalls Park abstract landscape artist Michelle Leilani said she was excited to teach people more about the creative process.
"Making art forces you to be entirely in the moment," she said.
"It's a beautiful process of just being honest and truthful in every mark or action you take to create something.
"The Open Studios Tour is an opportunity to meet the artists of our region, see art in the making, and to learn more about what drives our creative vision."
Among the other participating venues in the Westlakes area are Yarra Balba Studios, Mandalong; Lynne-Rose Art, Bonnells Bay; heARTworX, Morisset; Entwined Weavers Group, Dora Creek; Helene Ruma Gallery and Art Supplies, Wangi Wangi; JP Frost, Wangi Wangi; Tracy Thomas Art, Rathmines; Lynne Turner, Coal Point; and Deboir Designs, Bolton Point.
People taking part in the weekend can visit any studio in any order.
A map and information about artists is available on the Open Studios Tour website.
Brochures with maps are also available at Lake Mac Libraries.
The weekend of art will kick off with music and life drawing at Finite Gallery, Caves Beach, on Friday, November 1, from 7pm to 9pm.
Entry costs $15 and includes drawing materials, wine and nibbles.
