The paintings have been hung, workshop kits are ready and hundreds of crafty masterpieces are in place. It’s the final countdown to the Granite Belt Art and Craft Trail, a three-day event that starts this Friday and brings some of the Granite Belt’s most fabulous artisans out of the woodwork.
 
Now all they need is you! There’s so much to see and do, but first you have to make your bookings … even for the free stuff. Jump on www.gbart.org.au and browse among the amazing offerings. Make your selections pay your money, and you’re in! 

The fun starts on Friday—it’s GBART’s version of a long weekend! Make the most of these three big days to totally immerse yourself in all the colour, gorgeousness and satisfaction that is part of the magical world of art and craftsmanship. 
 
Some artists are polishing their doorknobs in preparation for opening their studios to visitors. Others have their displays in public venues. The railway art precinct, ArtWorks, will have a full billing of wonderful offerings throughout the three days. Hear Southern Downs’ famous town crier, listen to poetry recitals, take a watercolour workshop or watch a demonstration of oil painting. This is all happening against a backdrop of an exhibition of local artists. And of course you can wander around the lovely garden and grab something to eat at the cafe.

Another very busy venue will be Borderline Regional Arts Association, showcasing colourful masterpieces and running workshops at Alpaca Arts Collective at The Summit. You’d need more than three days to do the workshops in this one place alone. There are felted beads to roll, felt book covers to make, botanical art in watercolours to learn, bookbinding techniques, shibori dyeing, felt flowers and even needle-felted brooch making. So much creativity under one roof!
 
And so many individual offerings are just waiting to be discovered - the smorgasbord of everything arty has a trifecta of exhibits, demonstrations and workshops including watercolours, oil painting, printmaking, glass pouring, sculpture, pottery, indigenous art, candlemaking, fabric upcycling, silver jewellery, sock-making (yes, really!), watercolour pencil, metal art, photography, frying pans, cheese making  and poetry.

So now’s the time to dive in and create your own art and craft trail with all the offerings that most appeal to you. Go to the website www.gbart.org.au and reserve your spot in anything and everything that appeals. October 29, 30 and 31 might just be the most memorable weekend of the year!
 
An information area will be set up at the showgrounds during the event. GBART Central will be the place to pick up pre-booked picnic hampers for those who want to take their lunch with them as they meander around the trail. We’ve heard of food for thought, but this is food for art!