Whether the GBART weekend is a journey of art appreciation or a time when you hope to discover your own artistic talents, find out just how much the three-letter word ‘art’ can encompass when you visit Queensland’s high country on October 29, 30 and 31. Pictured are Louise Jenkins and Laurie Astill, two of the artists on the trail. 

Appreciate it. Revel in it. Try it for yourself. That’s the simple message behind the Granite Belt Art and Craft Trail.

Held on October 29, 30 and 31, the event brings an intimacy to art that most people have never before experienced. The whole weekend is a journey of discovery.

There’s something about the Granite Belt that has always attracted people with artistic tendencies. The fact that so many talented people have made the region their home is undoubtedly what makes the Granite Belt Art and Craft Trail so fascinating for visitors.

About 30 artisans are involved and they all offer something more than simply a chance for visitors to buy their wares. Some are running workshops while others share their skills through demonstrations. There are also talks and walks! And it’s all in the name of giving you a chance to absolutely immerse yourself in the magic of creativity. 

On Friday, October 29 the official opening, aptly named Fresh Canvas, will be a wonderful evening of dining and music. Break out your semi-formal wear to add a bit of glam to the atmosphere then enjoy the fine cuisine of Granite Belt chef Jason Costanzo and the warm, inviting music of Jazzify.

The group, fronted by popular songbird Teri Welles, has a divinely relaxed sound that glides effortlessly over a range of styles including jazz,
blues, popular, classic, swing, and rock songs. Savour the melodies of musical greats such as Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone, Frank Sinatra, Michael Buble, Louis Armstrong, Natalie Cole, the Beatles, Van Morrison, Paul Simon and Elvis, plus a few originals.

Bookings for the dinner plus all the workshops, demonstrations and exhibitions, can be made at the website www.gbart.org.au

Everything must be booked in advance, even the free demonstrations and visits to studios, so spend some time on the website deciding on what your personal trail will entail. While you’re planning your weekend you might also like to order a picnic hamper for any day of the event. Don’t forget to book your accommodation. 

Some of the workshop offerings include resin art, acrylic glass, cheesemaking, alpaca felting or other fibre art, cardmaking, poured glass art and clay-inspired activities ranging from making a pinch pot to getting creative with precious metal clay. Or book for a look at wheel-throwing, raku, oil painting, watercolour pencil or a bag being made from a pillowcase. A photographic exhibition will be open during the weekend or stretch your legs
on the public art walking tour.

The event will definitely add to your appreciation of what goes into the making of art. You might go home with a painting or a gorgeous clay sculpture, a shopping bag, a pair of socks or a hand-forged frying pan. The weekend might even put you in touch with your own creative artistry.

Prepared by Jenel Hunt 0428 852 450
Images: Louise Jenkins at Ballandean Hall./ Laurie Astill at Villa Costa Lotta, Thulimbah.
Photos by Sandra McEwan

For media enquiries please contact Roxane Scott 0411 433 474 (President)

Granite Belt Art and Craft Trail
When: Friday 29 October 2021 to Sunday 31 October 2021
Where: Stanthorpe and surrounding Granite Belt villages
Time: Open 10 am-4 pm, please book on gbart.org.au
Contact: marketing@gbart.org.au or phone 0411 433 474 Roxane Scott, President.