LOCAL SCENIC RIM CREATIVES HEADLINE INAUGURAL ARTS ABLAZE PROGRAM

The Arts Ablaze countdown is on, with an array of local talent set to be unearthed and showcased this 2nd to 6th October at the festival to be hosted in the Kooralbyn Valley.

Talented local artists to be featured in the lineup include sculptural genius Chris Trotter, textile creative Bec Andersen and the multi-award winning family band - Haystack Mountain Hermits. 

These Scenic Rim artists will perform, educate and exhibit to an estimated 5,000 strong audience over the five-day festival, alongside other artists all unique in their creative expression.

Chris Trotter – Metal Sculptor

Internationally recognised for his iconic installation ‘Blumbergville Clock’ centred in Boonah’s main street, metal sculptor Chris Trotter’s iconic work will stand front and centre next month.

Chris explains his works are sourced with gutsy materials often up to 100-years old and it’s no surprise he’s accumulated a crazy library of eclectic objects from both around the Scenic Rim and afar.

Chris said, “I love the scenery and the rural industries within our region and am always eyeing off farming machinery and scrap piles.”

“I like going to local clearance sales and swap meets too,” he said. 

“I’m really looking forward to this Festival being in my backyard and the opportunity to meet and network with other artists and art bodies,” he said.

“Arts Ablaze also provides the opportunity to meet representatives from Councils in other regions to discuss public art possibilities and how they can be used to promote cultural tourism,” he said.

Bec Andersen – Hand-tuffed Wool Rugs

Mount Tamborine artist Bec Anderson produces colourful hand-tufted New Zealand wool rugs from her bright and cosy mountain studio.

Learning the unique technique of rug-tufting in Germany, Bec draws from her local surrounds including the Macadamia Nut Tree and the Mistletoe Bird – both featured on a series of quirky hall runners – almost too beautiful to walk on!

Bec will be sharing her skills and passion with registered participants at a Bohemian Braiding workshop; an ancient art form with strong emphasis on recycling old materials like sheets and yardage into rugs.   

Bec said, “It’s very exciting to see this Festival come together; it’s a great opportunity to bring artists together and highlight the integrity of all the artistic skills and talents in our region.”

“Art is a powerful tool for connecting people and I think that people are in some ways isolated due to the use of digital technology,” she said.

“Bringing people together creatively (via Arts Ablaze) is healthy,” she said.

Bec’s whimsical works will feature at the Arts Ablaze opening event hosted at Bromelton House.  The exhibition at Bromelton House is open to the public from 3rd to 7th October from 10 am-3 pm daily. 

Haystack Mountain Hermits – Family Musicians

Playing music together is somewhat of a tradition for the all-family band Haystack Mountain Hermits, boasting three generations of music makers.

Recipients of the 2018 Tamworth Country Music Festival Busking Champions award, the band will perform songs from their recently released album ‘Going Home’ while throwing in their signature family banter and storytelling.

Drawing large crowds wherever they perform, the team recently delivered a live-to-air performance on the ABC.  

Mum of the six-piece band Kerrie explains their formulation resulted from a seven month Big Lap of Australia in 2011, when they spent a lot of time around the campfire.

“We just loaded up the van with every instrument we could find and the instruments naturally seemed to end up in someone's hands,” she said.

“Everyone plays multiple instruments, however we all specialise on an instrument or two,” she said. 

“Arts Ablaze is the sort of Festival you would expect in a major city, so we’re incredibly fortunate to be able to experience this event in the Scenic Rim,” she said.

“Its talent, scope and breadth is staggering and we’re thrilled to be part of it,” she said. 

The Arts Ablaze festival brings together not only the diverse talents of local Scenic Rim artists; it attracts both national and international artists, cultural leaders and performers.

The complimentary weekend celebrations include live music, roving performers, market stalls, culinary delights, fashion and a Be Healthy and Active Program.

To obtain more information visit www.artsablaze.com.au

• Arts Ablaze is funded by the Australian Government through the Building Better Regions Fund, Festivals Australia and Regional Arts Fund.
• Arts Ablaze is supported by the Queensland Government through the Regional Arts Services Network, the Queensland Arts Showcase Program and the Regional Arts Development Fund which is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Scenic Rim Regional Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.
• Arts Ablaze is an initiative of Scenic Rim Regional Council.
• Arts Ablaze is made possible through Australian Government Regional Arts Fund funding provided through Regional Arts Australia and administered in Queensland by Flying Arts Alliance.
• Arts Ablaze is supported by the Ramada Resort Kooralbyn Valley, Artour, Central Queensland University and Arts Front.