Skyward theme brought to earth for annual art show

Artists have been looking “Skyward” in the lead-up to the 2019 Dardanup Art Spectacular, a maker’s trail designed to celebrate emerging artistic talent.

More than 300 pieces will be displayed across 19 different venues throughout Dardanup, the Ferguson Valley, Burekup and Collie on Saturday and Sunday with the event to be officially launched at a function on Friday evening.

“We’re going into our 16th year,” event committee member Ros Edmonds said.

“It’s geared for emerging artists from the Shire of Dardanup, whether it’s kids or adults.”

Dardanup shire president Mick Bennett described the Art Spectacular as a “great weekend for the Shire of Dardanup” and said that it provided exposure for local studios and the region.

5th Element Glass Studio owner Chris Elston has been exhibiting at the event for more than a decade and said she had no intention of stepping away any time soon.

“I love it,” she said.

“I’ll keep on being a part of it for as long as I’m here.”

Exhibitors and contributors were set the task this year of matching their work to the Skyward theme with the freedom to interpret that theme any way they saw fit.

In Mrs Elston’s case, she will be displaying an abundance of Pilbara-inspired landscapes on plates, bowls and feature pieces.

“Originally we had about 50 entrants and now we’re getting up to about 300,” Mrs Edmonds said.