22 ARTISTS’ SCULPTURE WORKS IN COLAC GARDENS
Find 22 artists’ sculpture works in Colac’s Botanic Gardens from April 13-18 as part of this year’s Colac Otway Arts Trail.
The group of established and emerging local artists are taking part in the Hidden Small Art Treasure art walk. 
Arts trail committee member and event organiser Sandra Batten said a news article about a similar event the Mornington Art Gallery ran inspired the idea for the walk.
“The idea caught my eye and our event unfolded from there with the support of a fabulous team behind the scenes bringing this initiative together. The idea is not new just new for Colac and the gardens. We had an art walk on Murray Street a couple of years ago which was successful, so we thought let's do something in the gardens this time,” Ms Batten said.
She said the response from the artists and makers was wonderful. They were asked to respond to the gardens in their work in any way they wished. Each art treasure has a QR code close by providing details about the work, the artist, and the arts trail program.
“People visiting the gardens during the Easter break can enjoy the pieces as they find them or scan the QR code and read more about each work. 
“They can expect to stumble on small art-based creations, the ephemeral pieces may deteriorate over time. They can expect to be surprised by the variety of handcrafted pieces in various locations, pieces sitting in trees or wrapped gently around or hanging. 
She said the work on show was from artists and makers, with different experiences and art practice ranged from established to emerging or new to making. 
“We hope the event brings joy and prompts some interesting conversations,” she said.
2022 Colac Arts Trail dates and locations 
13 to 18 April Hidden Small Art Treasures Colac Botanic Gardens
16 and 17 April Easter Apollo Bay, including the 45th Apollo Bay Art Show,
Beech Forrest, Barwon Downs, Birregurra,  Colac, Forrest, Gellibrand,
Click on venues for more details
Register for one of a series of creative workshops 
Visit the website www.colacotwayartstrail.com for full details or to download the map. Or follow the trails Facebook page or find them on Instagram @colacotwayartstrail
Colac Otway Arts Trail sponsors include Colac Otway Shire, Regional Arts Victoria, Connected Communities Acconia, Otway Print and Frame, Ziibo and ALC.
For more information at colacotwayartstrail@gmail.com

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It all starts this weekend- grab the Colac Herald 
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The full arts trail brochure will be available in print format at each of the venues over the arts trail beginning at the Arts Expo 9&10th April
It will also be available  at tourist information centres and local cafes in early April.
Colac Herald will also distribute 4000 copies  early April.
​Look out for your copy
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​​ Colac Otway Arts Trail organisers invite you to join the trail, and visit artists working in their studios, enjoy group displays and exhibitions, street theatre and creative workshops happening in Colac, Birregurra, Apollo Bay, and towns throughout the Otways during April.
Kicking off on April 9 and 10 in Colac with the Art Expo at COPACC the event includes art displays, workshops and demonstrations, and performances by local musicians - The Angus Duo, Connor Knight, and Musik DJour.
Or head to the Lake Colac foreshore with the family to enjoy the magical giant puppet street-theatre performance, Elevate – Walking with Giants presented by the Wild Honey performing arts group on Saturday April 9 between 3-5pm, bring a picnic and enjoy the treasure hunt before the show.
People can also discover their own creative talent by taking part in a series of workshops throughout April including, drawing, photography, writing, printmaking, weaving, stilt walking, puppetry, and storytelling. To register check out the full workshop details on the trail’s website.
Follow the trail Easter weekend, April 16 and 17, to the 45th Apollo Bay Art Show and artist studios.
Or visit Birregurra, Barongarook, Barwon Downs, Forrest Beech, Forest, and Gellibrand and check out the exhibitions and open studios. 
Wander through Colac’s Botanical Gardens and discover hidden art treasure as part of the Small Art Treasures exhibition from 13-18 April.
Colac Otway Arts Trail’s Lynne Richardson said local artists were excited to showcase their work and she encouraged people to get involved and register for one of the many different creative works available. She said if people preferred doing something hands on including drawing, printing or puppetry then book one of the many workshops and activities happening as part of the trail. “The arts trail has exhibitions and displays, artist opening their studios, music, workshops, street theatre, its great day out. It’s a perfect way to enjoy what the region has to offer. Stay in one of many Otway’s boutique accommodation venues or take a day trip and visit local cafes and restaurants, wineries, galleries and exhibitions. And don’t forget to check in to win some beautiful treasures made by local artists,” she said.
2022 Colac Arts Trail dates and locations
9 and 10 April -The Art Expo at COPACC
9 April Walking with Giants Lake Colac foreshore
13 to 18 April Hidden Small Art Treasures Colac Botanic Gardens l Easter: Apollo Bay, including the 45th Apollo Bay Art Show, Beech Forrest, Barwon Downs, Birregurra, Colac, Forrest, Gellibrand, Click on venues for more details Register for one of a series of creative workshops.
​ Visit the website www.colacotwayartstrail.com for full details or to download the map. Or follow the trails Facebook page or find them on Instagram @colacotwayartstrail Colac Otway Arts Trail Sponsors include Colac Otway Shire, Regional Arts Victoria, Connected Communities Acconia, Otway Print and Frame, Ziibo and ALC. For more information contact Lynne Richardson on 0400922219 or colacotwayartstrail@gmail.com
Photo Credit -Colac Herald

Registrations for the Art Trail have been extended until January 31st .

Art Expo Registrations open until March 31 or until places are filled-click link

New this year - The Art Expo Art show- inviting all artists to enter up to 3 pieces for sale and prizes- click here to register
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Registrations  for artists are now open for the Colac Otway Arts Trail over April School Holidays 2022 April 9-18th
Register online.
​ www.colacotwayartstrail.com/register-online.html
Launching on  9 & 10th April 2022 at the Art Expo @ COPACC you can register your venue, studio or workshops. 
On registration form choose Easter or enter the dates you wish to be open.

The Acconia sponsorship program will support the Creative Otways Inc -Art Expo to engage guest speakers and deliver some exciting workshops as part of the 2022 Art Trail. Pictured Jan Verouden- Treasurer, and Deb Gartland -Secretary of Creative Otways  Inc.  #lovelocal #livelocal #supportartists #openstudio #artgallery #colacotwaylocals #southwestvictoria #artexpo #visitcolacotway #colacotwaytourism #visitvictoria #mtgellibrandwindfarm
@ACCIONA.Australia @ACCIONA_Au @ACCIONA@Acciona 

Online registrations for Colac Otway Arts Trail 2022 will open in September 2021.

In the meantime you're invited to follow COAT on Facebook or here on our NEWS blog
 
We look forward to having you on the trail.

​To register you will need to provide the following

• a statement about your studio, gallery or yourself and your work, 
• a credit card as a method of payment
• a good quality image of your work
• for studios and venues a copy of your PL Certificate of Currency 
• for studios and venues a copy of your COVID safe plan

​​TO REGISTER BY EMAIL.
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Please download the registration form HERE and when completed email it,  with images of your work and a copy of your PL insurance (if required)  to colacotwayartstrail@gmail.com.

• Artists listing on website and in brochure $25
• Spot in the Arts Expo @ COPACC $35
• Sole Trader Venue or Studio $65
• Community Venue $150
• Public Art Free

Payments will only be accepted by prepaid direct credit to
Account Name: Creative Otways
BSB: 033217
Account No: 375672