Close to me – our Art Trail Exbition…

Close to Me, our Art Trail Exhibition, had our official opening on Saturday 27 th of September. Everyone was welcome to come along and see what our members have been working on. The Southern Art & Craft Trail runs until Sunday 12 th October and we are open every day 10 to 4. We are Venue Number 11 on the Trail Booklet. You can pick up the booklets at participating venues. There are eleven art venues in the Plantagenet Shire. Make sure you don’t miss out on what our area has for you to enjoy.

Farmers and artists work all year around making the most of what opportunities arise, having to go with the flow, and suffering seasonal variations. We have to pay costs up front with the hope of a sale or harvest. For most artists in our region there is a once a year harvest or Art Trail that brings visitors to our venue. Where farmers produce food and clothing raw products that are a necessity, they are at the mercy of the market. And, often they are taken for granted. Before the consumer buys their products there are many “middlemen” adding their costs to the products – only a very small percentage gets to the farmer.

Likewise, the artist buys the materials, pays the fees and costs, does the work, pays for the finishing costs (framing, glazing, firing etc) and may not get a sale. When there is a sale there are also commission fees. People look at the cost and presume it is cream to the producer – but not so. People ask why farmers seem to keep bashing their heads against the walls when things can be so uphill and with all the red tape they have to wade through now, waiting for the good season. But, they love what they do and are driven to keep being a farmer. Similarly, artists are driven to do what they do – creatives must create. When you are on the art trail enjoying the artworks, remember to leave positive feedback. This really is the cream for the artists. It costs the viewer nothing, but the benefit for the artists is immense. Travel our region and enjoy the bounty there for your visual pleasure, including the pleasure of the beautiful countryside, wildflowers, local eateries and wineries. Enjoy this spring
season!