THE recent floods forced the Hastings Arts Trail to be postponed, but a new date’s already been set.
It will now be held on the weekend of 5-6 July, coinciding with the rescheduled ArtWalk.
The Trail is an initiative by local artist and facilitator Vivianne Hazenveld, and is supported by Port Macquarie-Hastings Council through a Creative Community grant.
Ms Hazenveld said she has been thrilled by the level of interest in the event.
“Local artists, businesses, and the wider community are all keen to be part of it,” she said.
“I’m already planning to make it a regular event.”
The Trail allows the public to step into studios and creative spaces across the region, from Wauchope and the Camden Haven to Port Macquarie’s CBD and industrial precinct.
With drawing, painting, sculpture, woodwork, ceramics, mixed media, and weaving on display, it offers a chance to meet the artists, see how they work, and purchase pieces directly from the source.
“It’s such a relaxed and fun thing to do, visitors can decide who they want to see, at a pace that suits them.”
Despite the setback caused by flooding, the renewed energy around the rescheduled event reflects the region’s strong creative spirit and sense of community.
“Having studied and worked in Creative Recovery after the bushfires, I believe the trail will really help people connect, and lift their spirits.”
Studios and venues will be open from 10am to 4pm on both days and most have easy access.
Entry is free, though gold coin donations are welcomed to support the event’s future.
For more information and to explore the interactive map of venues, visit hastingsartstrail.com.
By Sis HIGGINS
