The walls of Nelson Bay's art galleries are proving to be just as vibrant as the summer scenes outside.
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Nature-inspired art is currently lining the galleries of Port Stephens Community Arts Centre and Port Stephens Artisan Collective.
The theme at the arts centre is summer holidays. The gallery is filled with artworks celebrating summer and the Port's natural environment, which will be on show until January 14.
"Within this exhibition visitors will find items that will bring back memories of fun at the beach, swimming, walking and sailing," arts centre member Meryl Miller said.
"These paintings reflect the relaxed Australian way of life and emphasise the colours surrounding us daily."
A new painting exhibition will be showing in the arts centre gallery, titled Under and Over the Ocean, from January 15.
This exhibition will showcase "what we see above and below the ocean including the beautiful underwater world and the fun to be had above", Ms Miller said.
Australia's flora and fauna will be celebrated in a second exhibition to show at the centre from January 15.
In addition to showcasing paintings, sculptures and other artworks inspired by Port Stephens in its gallery at d'Albora Marina, the artisan collective is hosting Meet the Makers events throughout January.
Members of the public can meet artisan collective members and learn about their style and craft in a demonstrative session.
Collective member Janet Mackintosh said Meet the Makers was about "increasing our reach into the community and engaging them in what we do".
"Last year, we had several macrame workshops and the Salted exhibition and art trail, and we will continue this in 2020," she said.
"The group currently has 19 artists. We often support a feature artist by offering gallery representation for a period of time. We will continue to work with Port Stephens Council in 2020 in promoting the arts and culture in the Bay."
As part of Meet the Makers, award-winning Bay artist Ileana Clarke will host a 'sloshing with watercolour' demonstration at the collective's gallery on January 11.
Fellow collective member June Wheen will be getting 'down and dirty with clay' on January 18 and Bev McKinnon will round out the program on January 25 with an information demonstration using a small etching press.