Dardanup art draws spectacular crowds

The 2019 Dardanup Art Spectacular gets under way next weekend and will provide an injection of tourism and exposure to the already booming area.
Described by Dardanup shire president Mick Bennett as fantastic for the region, the Spectacular was created to promote and encourage young and new artists to pursue and display their passion for art.
Event committee member Ros Edmonds said the event has grown to now include about 300 entrants, up from about 50 in its first year.
“It’s encouraging them (artists) to come on board and showcase what they can do,” she said.
One particular venue on the trail that has felt the benefit of the event is Peppermint Lane Lodge, home to the Follies by the Ferguson exhibition. According to lodge owner Kim Wesley, the Spectacular has resulted in full bookings this year for the weekend of the event.
“For sure we get lots of people through,” she said.
Mrs Wesley set up Follies by the Ferguson as her own contribution to the Spectacular’s cause of promoting young artists such as Ruby and Juniper Milton and neighbour Ian Barlow who all have their own exhibits at the venue.
“A folly is something that is a little bit odd or without a purpose ... it’s just a fun, creative thing,” she said.
Ruby and Juniper’s creation “Mother Earth Rocks” has already been sold ahead of the Spectacular, something they were very pleased about.
Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.
Sign up for our emails