Four huge days of exhibitions, live music, art displays, inspiring workshops, street art, artist talks, open studios, interactive art installations, art market with children’s art activities and much, much more will be on offer at the upcoming Escape ARTfest festival.
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Most Escape ARTfest events will be free to attend from October 4 to 7, making the festival accessible to everyone.
ARTfest organisers have praised the generous support and sponsorship from local businesses and community groups, which have allowed many events to be open to all at the cost of nothing.
“Our community support has also been overwhelming with over 40 enthusiastic volunteers responding to our call out for support,” Escape ARTfest event manager Kara Payne said.
Here’s a sneak peek of what’s on during Escape ARTfest 2018, but head to www.escapeartfest.com.au for more.
Thursday, October 4
5.45pm: Head to Coast Café Milton, for the official opening of the festival by Shoalhaven City Council mayor, Amanda Findley, at the Milton Gallery Walk.
At Coast Café you can create your own masterpiece using Pennelopy Tan's hand crafted harmonograph, and enjoy music by young talented locals including Ruby Tuffs, Ebony Henry, Jamee Soo and Blue Grass Band.
This family-friendly free event is an “energetic collection” of 12 art exhibition venues and playful interactive art installations for children to help colour a panel on the 'Paint by Numbers' group artwork, then enjoy a sausage sizzle, barbecued by APEX. ‘The Garage’ space at the Commercial will play host to the Milton Poets, live drama and street performers.
“It’s a family evening, be prepared to get involved, you might see giant butterflies, bears.. you never know what’s around the corner,” Ms Payne said.
8pm: Bring your dancing shoes and party with Mojo Electric. Meet the gallery walk artists and exhibitors, poets, performers and volunteers at the Milton Gallery Walk After Party at Coast Café.
Friday, October 5
The first full day of festival activity and events begin with exhibitions including The ARTfest Collective exhibition featuring 10 local artists including Chris Jansch, Rodney Moss, Belinda Doyle and Ryan Pernofski. Located in the Alley Gallery at the Dunn Lewis Centre, the exhibition will remain open 10am to 4pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
9am to 4pm: Check out Tim Phibs in action, one of the most respected and renowned names in Australian Street Art. You'll have a great view of PHIBS creating an urban art master piece walking to or from the escalators in the Woolworths shopping centre. He’ll be there Saturday, October 5 until the mural is complete.
1.30pm: Exhibition launch of beautiful artworks by Dawn Woods titled Festival of the Flock at Milkhaus in Milton.
2pm to 5pm: If you want to dabble in a painting workshop, while enjoying an afternoon bubbly, then Paint and Sip at Coast Café in Milton is for you.
3pm: Join the the official opening of the Abstracted Reflections, a collection of work by five local artists at the Ulladulla Civic Centre. This vibrant exhibition features work by Fiona Glaister, Alex Blunn, Helena Geiger, Craig Green and Deb McCarry.
Lost Artist Project exhibition will be an eclectic collection of distinctive artists who have emerged from the Milton-Ulladulla region. This energetic, playful and bold exhibition showcases contrasting artists and their impressive talent in the professional art world since moving from the area. Exhibitions will be open Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
5pm to 7pm: The Wall gallery space in Eastside Mall, Ulladulla will launch The Rewilding, an exhibition of beautifully constructed works by Queensland glass artist Noel Hart.
7.30pm to 10.30pm: Friday On My Mind – At Milton Theatre for those ears calling out for an exciting night with local bands Three Hours South and The Swaggers, as well as the dynamic Sydney duo Winters End. Come for a night of funky tunes and melodic ballads. Tickets available at www.miltontheatre.com.au.
Saturday, October 6 – The Art Market on the lawns of the Ulladulla Civic Centre.
10am: Welcome to Country by local Elder Victor Channel followed by a performance by Ulladulla High School didgeridoo group.
10.30am: Ulladulla Public School drummers followed by the Milton Public School dance group.
11am: Escape ARTfest event manager, Kara Payne will announce the three winners of the kids’ colouring competition.
11.15am: Local dancers from Streetfeet Academy will showcase their talent.
11.30am: Free workshop with Circus 35˚ South.
11.45am: Put on your Bollywood costume and come join our duo for Bollywood dancing and drumming.
12pm: Aerial acrobatics performance by Circus 35˚ South
12.30pm: Local talent from Ulladulla High School, Jasmine Golden performs. She is known for her range of original songs and covers.
1pm: Drift away with cruisey tunes by singer and guitarist Joby Hendriks.
1.30pm: Dance along with young talented duo Maya and Leon Holstegge.
The kids can participate in free art activities including face painting, craft and art workshops with local painters Kim Wall, and Indigenous painting with Shane Snelson.
Come and be creative with Wollongong’s textile artist Stacie Sims, who was part of the city’s biggest arts and cultural festival ‘Viva La Gong’. Stacie is set to treat Ulladulla with a fun and interactive art installation. Come help Stacie create a giant Banksia Spinulosa and watch Stacie spin wool.
Browse artisan market stalls where you can purchase quality handmade art and meet the artists.
To name a few, you will find handmade resin homewares, natural jewellery, paintings, quality clothing, funky hand-painted frames, as well as ceramics, garden art, weaving, painted silk, photography, graphic design, calligraphy art and much, much more.
10am to 4pm: Open Saturday and Sunday - Pack a picnic and visit the sculpture exhibition at the beautiful Petana Gardens. While you’re out and about why not visit studios including Lyrebird Gallery – Termeil; Di Crisp – Mollymook; Meagan Jacobs – Mollymook and Nadja Burke – Croobyar.
10am to 4pm: Dabble in an Escape ARTfest workshops - Gyotaku Fish Printing with Takako or Pan Pastel with Joanne Barby. For bookings visit ARtfest’s Facebook page or website.
2pm to 4pm: Join internationally renowned urban artist Mandy Schöne Salter, visual storyteller Meagan Jacobs and photographer extraordinaire Stuart Spence ‘on the couch’ at Bannisters Pavilion as they talk about art, influences, life and some good old rock and roll stories with their host music journalist, Bernard Zuel.
JJJ unearthed artist, Chloe Dadd kicks off the afternoon's entertainment at 2pm.
Tickets are $15 if you book online prior to the event and $20 on the door, seats are limited. Book online at https://www.southcoasttickets.com.au/events/artists-talk-artfest.
3.30pm: Pop in to Tallwood Café for the launch of visionary ocean interpretations by Fernanda O’Connell.
Sunday, October 7
10am: Join the Glorious MUDsingers for an hour of rousing acappella, gospel, soul and spirituals. Make sure you get there early if you want a seat.
Book the last day of workshops with either Lissa-Hane de Sailles for weaving with Natural Materials workshop where you will learn to create your own basket, or try Photography in the Fields with talented local documentary photographer, Dean Dampney.
For full details, tickets, workshop bookings and more information about the incredible artistic talent set to showcase at this year’s Escape ARTfest, please go to www.escapeartfest.com.au or the Escape ARTfest Facebook page.