Thw countdown has begun for this year’s Surf Coast Arts Trail, with artist registration scheduled to open next week.

Entering its 13th year, the trail brings together artists living and working across the shire for a two-day event that showcases the creativity of the region.

Surf Coast Shire councillor Gary Allen said artists of all ages, pursuits and experience were welcome to register for the event and share their talents with the community.

“Total sales across the weekend exceeded $240,000, including more than $30,000 in commissions and $10,000 in workshop commitments, so it provides a significant economic boost for our acclaimed creative sector alongside a wonderful experience for all.”

Registration for the event will open on Thursday, March 14 and close on April 28.

Fairhaven artist Julia Freake encouraged artists who might feel daunted about sharing their work for the first time to “give it a go”.

“So many people think ‘Oh no, I couldn’t do it’, but that’s not what exhibiting your art is about,” she said.

This year’s Surf Coast Arts Trail will be held on August 3 and August 4, and will feature hundreds of artists ranging from hobbyists to professionals, exhibiting and demonstrating skills in an array of mediums.

“My favourite thing about the Surf Coast Arts Trail is the conversations it invites around creativity, particularly with people who think they are not creative, but once you get them talking they realise maybe they are, and they’re just not exploring it,” Freake said.

“Equally, we have all of the artists talking to each other about what mediums they use or how they do things, all inspiring each other.”

To register for the event, head to surfcoastartstrail.com.au

Read full Surf Coast Times story here.

Photo credit: Julia Freake and her mother Monika welcoming visitors to last year’s Surf Coast Arts Trail exhibition. Photos: SUPPLIED