Spring is sprung, the grass is riz, I wonder where the artists is?  
 
(With apologies to Anonymous the poet and all the grammarians out there).
 
Wonder no more! They’re getting ready to throw open their doors to visitors for the great Granite Belt Art and Craft Trail, which will be held across three days on October 29, 30 and 31.
 
Art lovers will be able to meander around the Granite Belt on their own self-guided artistic jaunt. About 30 artisans will share their wares and knowledge—and even help some of their visitors take the first steps in their own artistic journey.

So much is on offer that the most difficult part will be choosing! Get a quick introduction to all the artisans at the website www.gbart.org.au, where you also make all your bookings. (Everything, even free demonstrations, must be booked in advance.) Choose your own level of involvement—there are opportunities for both appreciative viewing and active doing. GBART is essentially an immersive experience, so there are many, many opportunities to have a go. It could be the start of a whole new world of creativity for you.
 
For viewing, the choices include a photographic exhibition and demonstrations ranging from wheel-throwing and raku to watercolour pencil and the art of oil painting. Listen to a talk on taking your art supplies into the field, see candlemaking, join a public art walking tour and watch how a useful bag can be made from a pillowcase or an animal feed bag. There are myriad opportunities for purchasing art for your walls, sculptures for a special corner, or even a frying pan for your own kitchen masterpieces.

Or really get hands-on. Have a go at cheesemaking, try resin art, make a pinch pot, do some alpaca felting, take an acrylic class or get creative with some precious metal clay. Immerse yourself in cardmaking or poured glass art or candlemaking. There’s an art to craft and there’s definitely a craft to art, and this is your chance to try your hand at both.
 
Even the official opening, Fresh Canvas, has a touch of the arts. Performing arts, that is. Singer-actor Matthew Manahan will join the Stanthorpe Swooners to present the entertainment for the night on Friday, October 29 at the showgrounds. Slip into your semi-formal party clothes, prepare your tastebuds for a delicious meal by local chef Jason Costanzo and expect to have a great time.

While you’re at the website at gbart.org.au to book in for the opening event, demonstrations, classes and studios you would like to attend, you can also order a picnic hamper to pick up for any day of the event. That way you can stop and have lunch at a time and place that suits you.
 
Art comes in all shapes, sizes and materials on the Granite Belt. It’s a cornucopia of craftsmanship, presented against a backdrop of wonderful springtime landscapes, local wines, fresh produce and gourmet goodies. Don’t forget to book your accommodation straight away too.