Southern Art and Craft Trail returning to the Great Southern for spring school holidays

One of the Great Southern’s most popular art events is set to return to the region this September, with the Southern Art and Craft Trail opening on September 27.

The regional art showcase will run over 16 days from September 27 until October 12, with 63 venues set to host artists, events and exhibitions during the September school holidays.

The trail, hosted by ArtSouthWA each year, is divided into six areas and includes towns from Manjimup to Albany, with more than 500 artists presenting work.

The trail aims to offer locals and visitors a taste of the diversity of art in the region, with mediums including painting, sculpture, photography, jewellery, pottery and glass work on display in venues that range from cosy home studios to large-scale group gallery exhibitions.

“The 2024 Trail welcomed record attendance, generated over $400,000 in direct sales for local artists, and contributed more than $5 million to the regional economy,” ArtSouthWA chair Seirah Woodward said.

“Inclusivity remains a cornerstone of both ArtSouthWA and the Southern Art and Craft Trail.

“We’re proud to welcome new exhibitors including the Gorenang Moortabin Corporation (exhibiting for the first time at Centennial Park), the Community Living Association and several gender-diverse artists.”

A total of 17 regional schools, from Lake Grace and Borden to Albany, have partnered with local libraries, businesses and venues to get student work out on show during the trail event, a feature of the trail this year designed to get the community involved at all abilities and age levels.

Artists will be staging workshops and demonstrations throughout the event, with galleries and local venues hosting workshops for the community to have a go at a range of art styles and mediums. These include a paint and sip evening at the Albany Art Cafe with Carol Hope, and felting and eco-printing workshops at the Cheeky Parrot Gallery.

Workshops must be booked ahead of time, but the majority of gallery and studio venues are free to visit any time during the trail.

More information and the full program is available on the ArtSouthWA website.