A fun-packed evening of creativity was on offer as viewers perused paintings, sculptures, poems and performances at 14 gallery spaces and venues around Milton’s town centre.

Shoalhaven City Council mayor Amanda Findley and Escape ARTfest committee members launched the festival at the jam-packed cafe before musical performances from Ebony Henry, Joby Hendricks, Maya and Leon Holstegge and Southern Accent.

Poets kept crowds hooked at the garage of the Commercial Hotel while many othervisitors made a quick-step between the various galleries.

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Ulladulla painter Suzy Thomson (Johnson) held her exhibition ‘Resin’ in the Milton Yoga Hub on Wason Street. Mrs Thomson, who has displayed works overseas and in various Australian capital cities, said hosting a local exhibition was a celebration after her mother’s passing two years ago.

Her resin-rich paintings adorned the walls of the studio, however, Mrs Thomson also had the novel The Glass Soldier on display. Her artwork features on the cover. All money from sales goes to the Fred Hollows Foundation.

Mollymook artist Brooks Bayliss’ exhibition, A Vacant Lot, featured in another gallery space on Wason Street. He said the idea for a gallery walk was “wonderful” and it provided many people the opportunity to be positively impacted by art. 

Escape ARTfest committee member Sue Brodie said the committee’s goal was to stage ARTfest annually.

“I feel the committee has achieved our goal,” she said.

“We look forward to a fantastic three days.”

Ms Brodie especially looked forward to the Lost Artists Project, which features works from former residents who have progressed to work professionally overseas.

“It’s close to home,” she said.

“There’s a lot of young people in this area who are really talented. By gathering lost artists, it inspires young people here that they can do it.” 

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.