Grampians prove a magnet for artists

More than 500 artists from across Australia are participating in an annual Grampians Brushes workshop program in Halls Gap.

Tutors are leading participants, from beginners to advanced level, in a range of subjects including watercolours, oils, pastels, mixed media, drawing and printmaking.

The event started on Saturday and continues until tomorrow.

Marion Matthews, program co-ordinator for the last decade, said it was inspiring to see the diverse range of work tutors taught, to see people returning to participate in workshops annually and to see their work develop over time.

“We release the program in early February and by the end of March many workshops are already fully booked. People are enthusiastic to be part of it,” she said.

Ms Matthews said people who had visited Halls Gap during the week might have seen Tasmanian artist Deborah Brearley capturing the scenery of the Grampians and Halls Gap.

“She is artist in residence at Grampians Brushes,” she said.

“Deborah was one of the first tutors at Grampians Texture and then Grampians Brushes and has been based at Halls Gap Community Hub each

day between 9am and 5pm. She has run workshops for Halls Gap and Pomonal primary school students and is demonstrating her painting and wood carving.”

Ms Matthews said the community hub also featured book seller Red Rock Books presenting art-related titles, a large range of art supplies from Senior Art Supplies, hand-dyed textiles by Fibreworks, exotic fabric and paper from Dairing, and an eclectic range of Japanese products from Tombo.

A mini twilight market was at Halls Gap’s Centenary Hall on Friday and the week also embraced a special exhibition featuring the work of lino-cut artist Vida Pearson at Kookaburra Hotel.

Ms Matthews said an encouraging aspect of Grampians Brushes was an increase of day visitors travelling to Halls Gap to make the most of attractions.

“We release the program in early February and by the end of March many workshops are already fully booked. People are enthusiastic to be part of it” – Marion Matthews