VISITORS from across South Australia and Victoria are expected to flock to the highly anticipated Art in the Sticks event to be held near Lucindale later this month.
Art in the Sticks is a unique collaborative event set in the stunning surrounds of ancient gum trees, lush paddocks and historic buildings on Cluain – a working organic beef property – and will this year be held over the weekend of September 29 and 30.
Now in its eighth year, Lucindale’s Art in the Sticks has variously been described as a “Woodstock for artists” and originally started when property owner and artist Hamish opened his gates and welcomed visitors into his art studio in 2011.
Titled Raw, this year’s headline exhibition will showcase eclectic works from a range of artists, including paintings, sculpture, photography, jewellery, furniture, textiles and wearable art, which will be housed throughout unique exhibition spaces, including rustic shearer’s quarters, shearing platforms, paddocks and next to a dam.
Complementing the range of art on offer will be hands-on workshops, live music, poetry performances, artist-led rambles through the exhibition spaces, food offerings, local wines and boutique beers.
Visitors are encouraged to book early for Sunday’s Farmers Fare Lunch – this year catered for by McLaren Vale’s Billy Dohnt from BillyDohntDoes.
It is set to feature a rustic paddock to plate feast of local produce held within the ambience of the magnificent shearing shed.
Co-creators Hamish and Christa Mlakar – along with the exhibiting artists – have this year increased the focus on live music, with a line-up including Kelly Menhennett, Archer and Matisse and Jack Lane, along with Thomo and Julianne and jazz group Two’s Company on Sunday.
According to Hamish, the weekend is designed for people looking to see and experience something different, which comes with a slow and relaxed vibe.
“Being the long weekend, it’s a great opportunity for friends and relatives visiting the region to head out to a beautiful grazing property and enjoy something different,” he said.
“It’s a friendly, welcome, warm event, with Saturday having a more folky country style atmosphere with loads of creative activities – including workshops and ambles with artists on offer – against a backdrop of fabulous music.
“We’re camping and pet-friendly and we particularly love seeing travellers from afar come and relax here for the whole weekend.”
Workshops include a Seven Piece Challenge led by local sculptor Mark de Nys, Dan Kane and Robe’s Tom Davidson and Goreshop with Mel Cecotti.
Visit www.outix.com.au to book for Sunday’s Long Lunch.
