Have you wanted to become a Japanese taiko drummer? Or maybe making silver jewellery is more your thing? Perhaps you love burlesque? Or are paintings, woodworks and ceramics your passion?
Whatever it is, art in all its forms will be celebrated at the annual River of Art Festival which kicks off in just a few days.
“This is one of our biggest and best festivals ever,” said co-chair Di Jay. “We’ve managed to bring together a wonderful representation of the South Coast’s community of artists. But we haven’t stopped there. We also have nationally renowned artists and performers joining us for this celebration.”
Archibald prize-winner, Wendy Sharpe, will officially open the festival on Friday May 17 at Moruya’s Basil Sellers Exhibition Centre.
“Our festival has an amazing array of all forms of art. Just a quick look through this year’s program shows the variety - from our new Artists in Conversation event through to the Busking Championships, choral performances and art exhibitions,” added Robin Scott-Charlton, also co-chair of the festival.
A highlight of the festival will be the burlesque and cabaret show, Kinema Kabaret, on Saturday May 18. Performers from fringe festivals and circus events across the country will be twirling their best on Narooma’s beloved art deco Kinema stage. There’s also a kids circus show at the Kinema the next afternoon featuring Heidi Hula Hoops. Tickets for both events are on sale at the Kinema now.
Other musical events throughout the Festival include the Busking Championships in Narooma on Saturday May 25 bringing the streets alive for the day on the second weekend of the festival.
Running until May 27, the Festival has close to 120 different events and will feature an Art Trail with 30 Open Studios while another 30 artists have partnered with local businesses to be part of Art on Parade, showcasing their work in shop-fronts. The festival’s art prize will be announced at the SOART Gallery in Narooma on the evening of Thursday 16 May.
Artists in Conversation gives festival-goers an opportunity to hear artists talk about their work and enjoy local produce prepared by some of our best local chefs. Wendy Sharpe, will be in Conversation at The River restaurant, Moruya on Sunday, 19 May. Graham Fransella, a four-time winner of the Wynne water colour prize will be in Conversation at the Sandbar, Batemans Bay, on Saturday, 25 May. And Helen Maxwell and art professionals will be In Conversation at Lincoln Downs talking about making a life in the creative arts. Tickets to each of the Conversations are already on sale. There will also be 15 different visual art exhibitions including at the new Bas Centre.
The full festival program is now available on the River of Art Festival website, www.riverofart.com.au. Hardcopy programs are also available in libraries, visitor centres and other locations along the coast.
River of Art is funded by the NSW Government through Destination NSW and the Eurobodalla Shire Council
