It takes more than a global pandemic to conquer Eurobodalla's creative spirit.
Just as the 2019-2020 wildfires which swept through the region couldn't keep good artists down, the COVID lockdown of Spring 2021 has motivated Eurobodalla's River of Art into finding new ways to give voice and visuals to its creative community.
So while the planned 10 day physical program due to start next week had to be cancelled because of the COVID restrictions, this year's festival is going virtual.
From the comfort of your laptop/smart phone/tablet and wherever you are, you'll be able explore Eurobodalla's vibrant arts community online as you undertake a virtual journey through the lives and workplaces of local artists. You can set your own time and pace to be uplifted and inspired by Eurobodalla's creative people.
The headline act of the 2021 Virtual River of Art will be the Arts Directory which was introduced at last year's festival also in response to COVID. This year's directory is greatly expanded to include profiles of over 50 artists.
Above: Claire Morris
But the 2021 Virtual River of Art is more than the Arts Directory. Local groups who in previous years have been festival participants are looking at ways they too can contribute their own online exhibitions. These include the Moruya and District Historical Society's online exhibition "Illuminated: the Art of Children's Book Illustration" and the Montague Art and Craft Society's 39th annual art exhibition.
"In light of the tough restrictions everyone is under, this artistic celebration of diversity and beauty is much needed," said Di Jay, co-chair of the festival.
"And that diversity will be all encompassing. Sculpture and ceramics through to the performing and visual arts as well as jewellery and textiles will all be featured," added Vicki Lascelles, also festival co-chair.
Above: Illuminated MDHS
"We'll be doing a virtual launch of the festival next Friday, 17 September, the same day we had planned for the launch of the physical festival," Di explained. "By then, we will have all, if not most of the artists, taking part in the Arts Directory on the website as well as other organisations.
""There's no getting around our disappointment in having to cancel the physical events
but the upside is that this virtual celebration isn't for a set period. People wanting to set off on a personal discovery tour of Eurobodalla's art can do so whenever and wherever they want to."
"Or if you have a favourite local artist you want to contact and even commission a piece, you'll probably find them on our directory," said Vicki.
Getting the virtual festival into place hasn't stopped the committee from looking at how some of the cancelled physical events such as the very popular River of Art Prize can be rescheduled early next year. Plans are also underway for the 2022 River of Art which the committee is determined will be spectacular to make up for the COVID-related disappointments of this year and last. Those dates are now set for 16-25 September 2022.
For updates on the virtual program, stay in touch via the website - www.riverofart.com.au - and to see what events will be running in the new year. You can also subscribe to our E-news and join River of Art on Instagram or Facebook.
The festival is a community-led initiative run by volunteers with support from local artists and local business, the Eurobodalla Shire Council and NSW Government.
MACS Exhibition - Janet Jones
