Art@Work, an art festival that celebrates all things creative on the Coast is coming up, running from December 3 to 5.
The festival will be held daily at OpenShutters factory on Hereford St, Berkeley Vale from 10am to 4:30pm.
Founder of Art@Work, Marion Mikkelsen, said the event was a celebration of creativity.
“This year we have about 36 painters, printers, potters, glass makers and wood artisans coming to show their work and give demonstrations to the community.
“We have been working with our artists throughout the year and are so pleased we can provide them with an opportunity to meet with the community.
“The Art@Work event pushes the boundaries of traditional art exhibitions.
“Artists, the community and businesses unite in a working factory to not only show and sell their work, but also to share their secrets through interactions, demonstrations and talks,” Mikkelsen said.
2021 marks the fifth year the festival has been held and Mikkelsen said the community was amazed by the event each year.
“They walk into this working factory with all these wonderful artworks and performances by various artists.
“On the Saturday and Sunday, we will have our interactive painting where artists will encourage the community to get creative and get involved.
“The artists will also be doing demonstrations for painting, making pottery, and creating prints,” Mikkelsen said.
Central Coast Council and other local businesses such as Mariners Medical Centre, Aubrey Brown Lawyers, Wyong Leagues Club Group, Stone Real Estate and Fox Group will be supporting the event, helping in running and promoting the event, as well as sponsoring artist prizes such as the People’s Choice and the Artist’s Challenge awards.
They also sponsor performances and the Lucky Door Prize.
“We offer the artists a challenge, last year it was COVID, and the artists all enter a piece, and the winner received a cash prize.
“This year the theme is what new thing have they challenged themselves with during COVID, people have done jigsaw puzzles, or ridden a bike for the first time and let their hair grow out all crazy,” Mikkelsen said.
Mikkelsen also said that she was looking for new businesses to sponsor the event.
Anyone interested in supporting Art@Work can contact Mikkelsen at artatwork19@gmail.com.
Harry Mulholland