22 Artists' Sculpture Works in Colac Gardens

Published on 13 April 2022

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

Pictured is Veronica Phillips with her sculpture work created from upcycled farm waste.