Get a taste of Surf Coast Arts Trail at this year’s taster show

Published on 08 May 2025

Art lovers are in for a treat with a special taster show offering a vibrant preview of what’s to come at this year’s Surf Coast Arts Trail.

On the Trail: A Creative Taster, being held 15 May to 1 June at the Anglesea Arts Space, will showcase a diverse selection of works by around 60 artists taking part in the much-loved Arts Trail, coming up in August.

From painting and photography to sculpture and ceramics, jewellery, textiles and more, the exhibition offers a glimpse into the incredible talent spread across the Surf Coast Shire.

“We have an amazing talent pool of artists across the Surf Coast, so this is your chance to see the work of some of our best artists all under the one roof,” Cr Libby Stapleton said.

“It’s a fantastic lead in event to the popular Arts Trail weekend, which last year attracted more than 16,000 visitors from around Australia,” she said.

One of the exhibiting artists is Jan Juc’s Andrew Middlehurst, a contemporary landscape artist, who has adopted a new technique for his new Woven series of works.

“I’m an impressionist landscape artist who has taken what I’ve learned over the years to push the boundaries in landscape painting to a point where I’ve broken all the rules and put them back together one brushstroke at a time.”

“I’ve used a process of repeated vertical brushstrokes and layering of acrylic colour to create something very different. It takes me twice as long as my usual impressionist pieces; there are so many decisions to make, and it is extremely challenging.”

Andrew’s most-loved places inspire his work, including many iconic Surf Coast landmarks.

“Bird Rock, Jac Juc Beach, Bellbrae’s rolling hills, Bells Beach and Point Addis are among my favourite spots.  When I’m bushwalking and mountain bike riding, I take it all in. We are very lucky to live here on the coast, it’s a place we should not take for granted.”

He encouraged people to get a sense of what’s coming up at the Surf Coast Arts Trail by coming along to the Taster Show.

“If you haven’t tried it, it really is a must see.  So many people are involved, it’s part of the culture down here. It’s a great opportunity to see what’s new or what your favourite artists have been working on.”

Andrew spoke about the supportive culture of the local arts community.

“There are so many of us.  Rather than it being a disadvantage, it’s a huge positive to realise that so many people are sharing their talents.  There’s always a place to go and someone to talk to. You’ve only got to walk the dog and you come across a new artist, or speak to a friend who knows someone who is painting or making pottery.”

Presented by Surf Coast Shire Council, On the Trail: A Creative Taster will be open Thursday to Sunday 11am-4pm during the 15 May to 1 June period. Anglesea Art Space is located at 2/103 Great Ocean Road, Anglesea.

Above image: 'South View Bellbrae Estate' by Andrew Middlehurst

Below image: Jan Juc artist Andrew Middlehurst