A spotlight will be cast on the Port's artistic community next month when an expo aimed at engaging and inspiring creatives and art lovers is staged for the first time in Nelson Bay.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Create Port Stephens Expo is for the art-loving public, artists, art collectors and those interested in learning more about what's on offer, artistically, in the area.
"The aim of this event is to promote creativity and community - encouraging artist groups and individual practitioners to connect with each other and also be allowed to promote themselves to the wider community," event organiser Megan Webster said.
"We hope that participants are engaged and inspired to create not only art but also a creative community."
Hosted by the Port Stephens Artisan Collective, the expo will showcase art spaces and artist-run initiatives from across the region.
People will be able to talk directly to artists and gallery representatives. Attendees can also purchase works of art directly from the galleries and artist-run spaces.
The expo will begin with an industry night on Friday, May 3.
Kicking off from 6pm at Broughtons at the Bay, above the Port Stephens Artisan Collective gallery at d'Albora Marina, the industry night will give expo artists, stallholders and their guests a chance to network and listen to a talk by Anne McClaughlin from Maitland Regional Art Gallery.
Events planned for Saturday, May 4 are open for the public to get involved with.
This day, being held at Broughtons at the Bay between 9am and 4pm, will include interactive demonstrations and workshops for attendees to try and get a feel for different art practices.
There will also be artist talks and guest speakers to provide insight into the creative process, which is aimed at engaging the community and inspiring future artists.
Workshops will include weaving and mark making.
There will also be artist-run demonstrations on ceramics and copper foiling.
Nelson Bay artist and artisan collective member Kimberly Swan will run an introduction to mark making workshop on the Saturday.
Mark making is a term used to describe the various methods for or the act of applying marks to a surface.
"It's basic, free and accessible for everyone," she said. "I'll be talking about the importance of mark making in anyone's art practice.
"I'm looking forward to the expo, to meeting the broad range of artists that are out there and seeing their work. Hopefully this draws in artists from not just the Bay but surrounding suburbs that we can connect with."
For more information on the Create Port Stephens Expo contact Ms Webster on 0405 145 776 or email artisancollectiveps@gmail.com.