Explore the Open Studio Trail

IT’S time to hit the Open Studio Trail, this weekend the first of three to explore the creativity of 95 artists across South Gippsland Shire.

There are 18 venues to visit, including studios and galleries, with 2026 the fourth running of the popular event, one of the participating venues ‘On Clarence’ in Loch hosting the official opening on Friday night.

It was a joint celebration, with On Clarence also opening its latest exhibition ‘Art Garden’, Director Lucy Hersey delighted to share the occasion with those from Art Connect, the organisation behind the Open Studio Trail.

Art Connect founder George Manis stressed that, “Art is more than just objects; art is the heartbeat of our shared human experiences.”

“Over the next three weeks, look behind the canvases, listen to the stories and what motivates these people,” he said of all those sharing their creativity with those exploring the Open Studio Trail.

Friday’s attendees saw an exhibition featuring the works of five artists who are all significant contributors at On Clarence, an artist-run collective offering affordable workspaces and allowing small businesses to thrive together.

Acrylic painter and ceramic artist Greer Arnott, who is Loch based and has a studio at On Clarence is one of the quintet of artists featured in the Art Garden exhibition, known for her ceramic sculptures and detailed landscape paintings.

Her works, both in the studio and painting from nature (en plein air) draw attention to the beauty of the natural world.

While Ms Hersey specialises in landscapes, her work is distinctly different, with her well-practised techniques of using earth pigments from local soil and clay in her paints.

Jo Quirk brings years of ceramics experience to her foray into en plein air painting, with those paintings inspired by her travel around Australia.

Rebecca Wilbourne is a multi-disciplinary artist living in Corinella, much of her work exploring her strong connection to the natural world including the beauty of the ever-changing coastal environment in which she lives.

Gallery Manager Martine Zajacek lives and works on the Bass Coast, with a background as a graphic designer and a love of antique and vintage paper that inspires collaged artworks of depth, complexity and beauty.

During the opening event, Sentinel-Times chatted to some of the other artists who are part of this year’s Open Studio Trail.

Jumbunna’s Matt Williams whose works are on show at the Gippsland Wine Company in Loch chatted about a spectacular dragon at On Clarence that he created.

“I just make it up as I go along,” he said when asked if he starts such works with a plan, the dragon consisting of objects such as a sliced up jetty pylon, clutch springs from a car, copper pipe, bike sprockets and agricultural chain.

Marianne Ruff, who is opening her Leongatha studio takes the same approach.

“Nothing’s pre-planned; it all evolves,” she said of her usual style, the occasional commissioned piece being the only exception.

Her creations include intricate sketches, vibrant paintings, sculptures and hand-crafted items, and she has recently repurposed old clocks and keys drawing on themes such as ‘The key to time’.

Mayor Nathan Hersey had the honour of declaring this year’s Open Studio Trail officially up and running, also being part owner of On Clarence.

“South Gippsland Shire Council is pleased to be supporting this for the fourth time,” he said, with that support focused on promoting the event.

“We’ve got an incredible display of talent and skill throughout South Gippsland,” he said, that accounting for the success of the Open Studio Art Trail in previous years.

Introducing his wife Lucy, Cr Hersey admitted his main contribution to the opening night event was keeping son Hugo entertained and staying out of Lucy’s hair.

Ms Hersey explained the supportive environment at East Gippsland artist-run collective FLOAT was the inspiration to establish On Clarence.

Bringing that dream to life began with the Secret Garden exhibition at Loch Public Hall in 2022, an annual garden themed exhibition held since then at On Clarence, the venue featuring multiple studios, a bakery and café and a new mobile gallery space.

The Open Studio Trail can be explored on the weekends of October 3-4, 10-11 and 17-18.

Visit artconnectsouthgippslandinc.com to view the brochure, with hard copies also available from various locations on the Trail.