Studios open their doors for hands-on creativity

Published on 16 June 2023

Art workshops and demonstrations will feature in this weekend’s edition of the popular Lake Mac Open Studios series, as almost 30 artists open their studio doors to the community.

Lake Macquarie City Council Manager Arts, Culture and Tourism Jacqui Hemsley said the introduction of hands-on activities was a natural evolution for the Open Studios concept, launched in 2019 to give art fans a glimpse behind the creative curtain of local artists and creatives.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity to not only learn more about that creative process, but to get involved in it yourself,” she said.

“It’s also a wonderful way to meet local artists and buy direct from them, and for our arts community to network and share.”

Studios opening their doors on Saturday and Sunday stretch from Mandalong in the south to Teralba in the north, and feature on both the eastern and western shores of the lake.

Artist Natalie Anderson will use her Eleebana studio to demonstrate mosaic jewellery-making on Saturday and expressive watercolour techniques on Sunday, with visitors given the opportunity to try their hand at each medium.

“For me, the creative process must involve time to play and experiment,” Anderson said.

“Letting a work evolve takes time and reflection. I switch between different media – mosaic, ceramics, painting, drawing and collage – often, and find that this allows fresh ideas to surface.”

Anderson said participating in Open Studios helped her engage with other creatives and art-lovers.

“It's an ideal way to share my work, as visitors can gain an in-depth understanding of my creative process,” she said.

“In turn, I learn a bit about them as we share our interests and experiences.”

Go to arts.lakemac.com.au for more information about the Lake Mac Open Studios weekend, and to download a map of participating studios.