The Surf Coast Arts Trail is back for 2024! This will be my 8th year doing the trail and it is one of my favourite weekends of the year. It's such a lovely way to connect with my students and collectors as well as the local creative community.
When: Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 August
Time: 10am - 4pm each day
Where: Visit me at Studio 6, Ashmore Arts, 55b Ashmore Rd, Torquay
Previous visitors would agree that Ashmore Arts is an absolute highlight of the trail. Not usually open to the public, this is your chance to come in and check out all the action. It is also an exceptionally beautiful property to wander around with unhindered views of the Spring Creek valley.
There's a huge array of creative workers working there (including myself!). We've got wood carvers and blacksmiths, as well as sculptors, potters, painters and more. It's your chance to come and see where the magic is made. There's also a coffee and food van on site for the weekend. Kids and furry friends are welcome too.
I'll be exhibiting my new series 'The Secret Garden' in my studio along with all the usual suspects - cards, prints and a few bargains of course! I'll even have early access to my 2025 calendar ready for you to nab.
Being able to meet and interact with customers is such a joy. So much of my world is delivered through social media and online. To meet my online course students in person, or collectors who have bought my work - it means the world. And let's face it, buying directly from the artist in their workspace and being able to view everything in person is such an amazing and personal experience!
I’ll have my young bub in tow, Ned will be 10 weeks old! So I’ll personally be in and out during the day, but don’t worry as I’ll have the brilliant Kylee managing the ship for the weekend. She’s my studio angel!
Ashmore Arts is not the only stop on the map, make sure you get around to some of the other artists and makers. There’s so many studios to visit and the trail covers the shire, from Torquay right over to Lorne and Deans Marsh.
Learn more and download a map on the Surf Coast Arts Trail website
I'm so looking forward to it and I hope to see you there.
My top 5 tips for this year’s Surf Coast Arts Trail
⏰ Arrive early - Ashmore Arts is one of the most popular places to visit on the trail. We’re open from 10 both days, grab a coffee and explore the studios without the crowds.
🌦️ We’re open rain, hail or shine - Don the gumboots and pop that umbrella if it’s raining - it’ll be worth it, I promise!
🐶 Family friendly - Fur babies too! Grab the whole family for a fun day out. Discover a whole range of creatives who are experts in their field including sculptors, ceramicists, painters, blacksmiths, woodworkers and more - and that’s just at Ashmore Arts!
👋 Say g’day - We love meeting existing collectors, online course students, new fans, prospective clients and artists-to-be, and I promise we don’t bite. In fact the whole point of the Arts Trail is to create those connections.
🫶 Support local - It’s been a hectic few years for the creative industry and small business in general. Spend your hard-earned where it’s really going to be appreciated. Many of us also have extra special deals, seconds, samples and more exclusive to the Arts Trail weekend. I mayyyy even have an early preview of my new 2025 calendar!
Here's a few snaps from last years Arts Trail to get you inspired.
