By Dongyun Kwon
With embracing the high expectation from the success over the last seven years, YAVA has gathered local artists once again for its Open Studio events.
As the Open Studios Exhibition, which showcases the example artworks of participating artists, has opened on Thursday 26 September at YAVA Gallery and Arts Hub and online, YAVA is inviting not only local art enthusiasts but also art lovers from across the state and even interstate to both the exhibition and Open Studios weekends.
31 artists from the Yarra Valley and Upper Yarra have put all hands on deck to put on the Open Studios Exhibition as well as to show their studios.
YAVA Open Studios coordinator Gabby Higgins said the Open Studios program is to connect art lovers with local artists by letting them experience behind the scenes.
“The Open Studios Exhibition is a good place to start at the YAVA gallery because you’ll see an example piece from each of the artists and can pick up your map [for the Open Studios weekends],” she said.
“Each of those artists is opening their studios over two weekends in October.
“We have a range of different genres from painting and ceramics to sculpture and photography, and you will see behind the scenes, you can smell the paint, you can see examples of works in progress.”
The Open Studios program has been running since 2017.
Yarra Valley artists will open their studio doors on 12 and 13 October while artist studios in the Upper Yarra Valley, around the Warburton Highway, will be open on 26 and 27 October.
Ceramic artist Lynne McDowell has participated in the Open Studios events since its inception.
McDowell said the Open Studios program is a good opportunity to explain people about her work.
“I just really enjoy the fact that I’m going to get to see people and explain what I’m doing, it’s important to see their responses to what I’m doing,” she said.
“Otherwise, if you’re always selling through galleries, you don’t get that personal contact with people.”
Her studio is located at 1715 Warburton Highway, Woori Yallock.
Greg Ure is a printmaking artist who grew up in Healesville.
After he spent his whole working life in Melbourne, he moved back to his hometown at the beginning of the year.
“I am a printmaker, mainly relief printmaking, so that’s carving images onto lino or wood blocks and printing from that,” Ure said.
“I also do digital art for commissioned work.
“I thought the Open Studios program was a good way to engage with the local arts community.”
Ure’s studio is located at 2A Grandview Cres, Healesville.
The Open Studios Exhibition is available until 27 October.
