Follow the trail
The Leichhardt Open Studio Trail (LOST) on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th March is a fabulous annual event held in conjunction with Art Month. With 40 participating galleries and studio spaces opening their doors to the public this year, the event offers locals a rare sneak peek into the world of the artist.
Many locals already know how many cultural organisations and artists live and work in the Leichhardt Local Government Area, but LOST makes this clear to the wider Sydney community. Over the LOST weekend all the creative dots that make this locality one of the most vibrant and diverse art scenes in Sydney are drawn together, allowing everyone insider access to the inner workings of artist’s studios, to not only see finished works, but also to see works in progress. “This is where the hidden magic sometimes lies,” says LMC Public Art Officer and LOST coordinator, Bronwyn Tuohy.
Like many others, Bronwyn is happy to have witnessed the growth of LOST from humble beginnings in 2012 when just 22 spaces joined the trail. This year, that number has grown to 40 spaces and the event has remained as diverse as ever with the opportunity to view street art, video, painting, sculpture, mixed media, stencil art, illustration, silk-screen printing, mosaics, glass art, ceramics, flute making, furniture making, millenery, photography, jewellery, drawing and textile art.
“Art audiences are sophisticated and like a healthy mix of genres and practices to experience, and LOST offers up a healthy serving in this respect,” says Bronwyn.
However, LOST doesn’t just offer people the chance to view art, it also invites the local community to make their own. You can participate in a community mosaic on March 9th at the Mosaic Art School of Sydney or attend a workshop at Art Est Art School or Sydney Community College. Many of the participating artists and community centres also offer workshops and visiting these sites during LOST will give you an opportunity to learn more about what is on offer for budding artists, Bronwyn explains.
For those of you who like to get some exercise when viewing your art, you can bring your own bicycle and join the ArtCycle crew on a free tour of studios (bookings at http://www.meetup.com/Art-Cycle-Sydney). Whichever way you choose to explore the trail, it’s important to embrace the local arts scene. If you want to live in a creative city, you need to support the artists who help to make it that way and reap the benefits. Art and artists make a valuable contribution to communities, giving localities a sense of distinction, colour and identity, connecting people of different ages, classes and ethnicities and offering a means of expression and non-verbal communication. “Most importantly, a world without expression in its many forms through art and creativity, would be very bleak indeed,” adds Bronwyn.
Well, one thing’s for sure – art lovers won’t have to worry about art disappearing in Leichhardt. According to Bronwyn, “The buzz LOST has created in its first three years in set to grow from strength to strength, and LOST will continue to make it ever more evident that the arts community in this area are here to stay.”
For more information or a copy of the LOST map, visit www.leichhardt.nsw.gov.au.
Event listings
There will be plenty happening in Marrickville and Leichhardt during MOST (March 1st and 2nd) and LOST (March 8th and 9th). Here are some galleries to put on your list of ‘places to visit’ over these two huge weekends…
Leichhardt Open Studio Trail
Annandale Creative Arts Centre
ACAC invites visitors into their newly established art studio to watch screen printing and etching demonstrations and view exhibited work of artists in residence and The Charming Collective (printmakers).
81 Johnston St, Annandale.
Archway 1 Archetype Art Studio
Check out an art exhibition by founder of the Archway 1 Art Studio, Stefan von Reiche, including a new and older collection of mixed media paintings and sculpture. Plus a FREE creative workshop, music, refreshments
available for purchase and a B FILM screening later in the day.
Chapman Rd, Annandale.
Embellish Atelier
Embellish atelier is a bespoke millinery business creating gorgeous, original headwear for race wear, weddings and resort, and show-stopping pieces for catwalk and stage as well. They will be demonstrating during LOST and will have beautiful pieces for sale. Cups of tea will be served on their dainty teacup collection and students can sign up for the workshop series.
48 Victoria Rd, Rozelle.
Jimmy Little Community Centre
Sunday only display by Kerry Anne Jordinson. Kerry Anne’s paintings are inspired by the fun things in life – love, laughter, family and friends. She has developed her distinctive styles over 25 years of painting and illustrating.
19 Cecily St, Lilyfield.
Suey McEnnally
Throwing open the doors of her new studio for the first time, in collaboration with LOST, award winning artist Suey McEnnally will be exhibiting ‘Coast’ a new collection of works.
1 National St, Rozelle.
That Framing Place
In collaboration with LOST, local framer and photographer, Lynn Pearce, is exhibiting her B&W collection ‘The Village On The Harbour,’ featuring iconic Balmain landmarks and local pubs. For more information call 9555 1392.
216 Darling St, Balmain.
Ursula Kolbe
This is a double event; the Mayor of Leichhardt launches Ursula Kolbells new book ‘Children’s Imagination: Creativity Under Our Noses’ and exhibition on Thursday 6th March at 7pm.
Leichhardt Library, Piazza Level Italian Forum, 23 Norton Street, Leichhardt.
Marrickville Open Studio Trail
AirSpace Projects
AirSpace Projects is a new contemporary art space in Sydney and will celebrate MOST with it’s inaugural exhibition The Democracy
of Drawing.
1/10 Junction St, Marrickville.
Artsite Gallery
A Sydney Flower Show: March 8th to 30th. Stunning blooms for the soul. Works in the flamboyant and subtle traditions of the Chelsea Flower Show and Canberra’s Floriade. Featuring Ah Too Chew, Graham Marchant, Greg Hansell and Edith Cowlishaw. Preview Saturday 8th March from 11am. Opening Sunday 9th March, 3pm to 5pm.
165 Salisbury Rd, corner St Marys Street, Camperdown.
The Fracking Redundants Art Gallery
The Fracking Redundants Art Gallery is an exhibition space designed for established and up and coming artists who are looking for somewhere to show case some of their art and/or hold major exhibitions of their work. They’re currently hosting a photographic documentary of the closing of the old Oxford Tavern in Petersham by local photographer Lyndal Irons.
111A Crystal St, Petersham.
Mary Street Studios
Annabel Butler´s Open Studio during MOST will showcase vibrantly coloured paintings as well as an exhibition of exciting new “constructions” that combine painting with assemblage. Access studio via the car park located between Mary St & Edith St. No access from Mary St.
First Floor, Building 1, 75 Mary St, St Peters.
May Street Studios
MSS invites you to their exhibition and open weekend: Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd March 10am to 4pm. View works by over 25 award winning artists, in a range of mediums including painting, drawing, printmaking, mixed media, photography and assemblage.
Level 1, 23 May St, St Peters.
Oneart Studio
Visit this multidisciplinary creative studio offering children and adults an opportunity to enhance their creativity. For MOST, they are opening their doors to feature students’ work in figure sketching.
301-313 Stanmore Rd, Petersham.
SquarePeg Studios
SquarePeg is home to 10 artist/designers and MOST offers a unique opportunity to see inside a contemporary jewellery workshop,
meet the makers and learn about the jewellery making process.
10 Junction St, Marrickville.
Woodpapersilk
Woodpapersilk showcases artists across a range of disciplines including contemporary jewellery, woodwork, textiles, ceramics, printmaking and painting. Open Thursday and Friday 10am to 5pm, Saturday 10am to 3pm.
348 Stanmore Rd, Petersham.
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