AS the Escape ARTfest finale approaches, the creativity continues to flow through the Milton-Ulladulla District, with tomorrow night’s Pechakucha night set to be a highlight of the two-week event.
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Festival coordinator Julie Sydenham said ideal weather conditions had allowed people to get out and about to more than 50 events so far.
“It’s been fantastic and so many people have been getting involved,” she said.
With another 20 events planned in the lead up to Sunday’s Fig Jam finale at Mick Ryan Park, Julie said there was still plenty of time for people to take part in a workshop or admire art at one of the local galleries or cafes around town.
Thursday evening’s Milton Gallery Walk is set to be popular as the village comes alive with art and entertainment.
A total of 18 venues in Milton will open their doors and showcase local art, sculpture and photography from 6pm.
Participants are invited to meet at the Courtyard Studios and purchase a festival wine glass before hitting the trail.
The entertaining Pechakucha night at the Milton Theatre will follow the gallery walk, with 11 arty speakers taking to the stage from 8.20pm.
“This is a great ARTfest event and there’s always a fantastic vibe in Milton,” Julie said.
This week’s activities also include acting, photography, children’s book making and life drawing workshops, a ukulele concert and workshop and an indigenous possum skin cloak making exhibition and talk at the Ulladulla Civic Centre.
On Saturday, Milton will come alive with markets and arty activities for the whole family, as well as the Shutterspeed photography competition.
Passers-by can take part in the Milton community chalk mural in front of The Chambers in Wason Street, Milton, while green thumbs can check out the Ulladulla and Districts Garden Club’s expo of local flora at the civic centre.
Sunday is the festival Fig Jam finale, where artists, musicians and families can chill out under the big fig tree in Mick Ryan Park.
Participants are invited to bring their art supplies and be inspired by the rural surroundings or an instrument and pull up a patch of grass for an unplugged jam session.
“This is a simple celebration of the local community and its love of simply getting together in the name of art,” Julie said.
The Manyaya Art and Craft markets will offer a selection of crafts, jewellery and second hand goods at the Yulunga Community Hall.
The final week of activities will conclude a fortnight of artistic bliss, which featured the Glorious MUDsingers’ Gospel Brunch which raised $1,900 for the Milton Hospital renal unit and also raised the roof of the Milton Anglican Church Hall on Sunday morning.
ARTfest prize winners this week included Phillip Cummings who took out the Commercial Hotel's Milton Voice 2014 best soloist award, while
Meagan Jacobs and Tracey Myers were named the best duo.
Nathan Cooper won the Voice 2014 people's choice award and Chloe Dadd was the best under 18 act.
Jack Miller gained first place in the Edge in the Kitchen Photography Prize, while Hamish Richardson won the Reading the Land Art Prize.
The $2000 Shoalhaven Open Art Prize (SOAP) winner was Fiona Glaister with her work At the Edge of the Wharf.
Simon Barton was awarded a highly commended, Andrew Antoniou won the prize for best drawing, Christa Drysdale took out the photography prize and Jeanne James won the landscape category.
