Sunshine Coast Art Crawl - October 23, 2011

What a fantastic weekend! Too much to take in, but so much fun and perfect fall weather. Three all encompassing days of the 2nd Annual Sunshine Coast Art Crawl. 108 studios and galleries participating representing over 175 artists literally from Langdale to Lund.

Now I really don't know anything about art. But I do know when I think something is beautiful...amazing....and sometimes a little weird. I know when something speaks to me and I know when I wish I could have something to look at every day.

The best thing about the art crawl is getting to see where artists work...where they draw their inspiration and learn just a little bit about their process. It is also about all different kinds of art: paintings, jewelry, sculpture, pottery, metalworks, furniture design, carving, glass blowing, leather, perfume...you name it...it was here. What is really amazing is the high level of quality in some of these artists I am lucky enough to call neighbors.

This is Tien showing off his silver jewelry creations and his perfumes and lotions.



Friday night we mixed in a bit of live music at the Gumboot Cafe...one of my favourite jazz groups: Mimosa. Three amazing women who write much of their own music and perform in at least 3 languages. Don't miss an opportunity to hear these talented ladies perform. Lively music makes you want to get up and dance.

OK, back to the crawl... I managed to take in 23 studios this weekend and came home with a small painting that looks like it could have been inspired by the beach just down from our house.


23 studios may seem like scratching the surface with 108 studios participating. However, it isn't about quantity....its about enjoying art and listening to the artist talk about what it means to him/her. It is about talking to other crawlers and hearing their stories of the day. I went to a similar number last year. This year I was able to see many new artists and return to a few of my favourites. There will be plenty more to enjoy in 2012. Mark your calendars now for an October weekend visit to the Sunshine Coast.



Besides, it was a beautiful weekend. I started my crawl today in Davis Bay where there was a cluster of studios. I parked the car and got a nice walk in between visiting 7 studios. On the walk back to the car, I got this lovely view of the ocean. A perfect day for a little family time playing on the beach...and some feathered family feeding time as the tide started to inch its way back out.

Nope...not a bad way to spend a weekend.