ART in the Sticks will return for its seventh instalment this weekend.
The two-day “raw” themed event will showcase art, music and food from across South Australia with over 15 artists showing their crafts.
Hosted half an hour west of Penola at Cluain, patrons flock from far and wide to take in the festival-like atmosphere.
In addition to artistic displays, the public can enjoy live music sets, workshops and the Farmer Fare lunch on Sunday.
Event guru Mark De Nys said interest in this year’s event had grown rapidly.
“With so much going on, people are pretty keen to get involved,” he said.
“We have sculptors, painters, poets, jewellery makers, furniture makers and so much more.
“It just gets bigger every single year.”
Some exciting exhibitors include Gray Hawk, who creates unique furniture and jewellery maker Kirsty MacKirdy.
On Saturday, the Goreshop and Seven Piece Challenge workshops will be held.
Goreshop will be run by talented artist Mel Cecotti, who will show participants how to paint zombie-like figures in keeping with the raw theme.
Mr De Nys, Dan Kane and Tom Davidson will host the Seven Piece Challenge.
“Basically participants grab seven interesting items out of a giant scrap pile to create an artwork,” Mr De Nys said.
“I have already had three women pre-book for the workshop so it’s looking to be popular.”
After the Saturday events, the public is encouraged to camp overnight so they are fresh and ready for the next day.
On Sunday, the Farmers Fare lunch will be hosted by chef Billy Dohnt.
Featuring a paddock to plate menu of local fare, including Coorong cockles, Limestone Coast-fed Scotch fillet and suckling pig, guests will also be treated to jazz music from Two’s Company for the afternoon.
Tickets for the lunch are a must and can be booked via www.outix.com.au/tickets/event/billydohntdoes.
Although the event falls on grand final weekend, Mr De Nys assured patrons would not miss out on the action.
“Footy and art do not really mix, but we know there will be people wanting to check out the game,” he said.
“We’re going to have a big screen TV set up so they can have the best of both worlds.”
Art in the Sticks will be held at 903 Callendale Road.
Visit Art in the Sticks on Facebook for more information.
