Artists open doors

Sandy Peeters talks mosaics with Vanessa Mallard, Celia Blackwell and Sarah Rykenberg. 106461_01. Pictures: KATH GANNAWAY

By KATH GANNAWAY

YARRA Valley artists opened their doors to the public on the weekend as part of the Yarra Valley Open Studios.
Beautiful spring weather showcased the valley at its best, and the diversity of works and friendly welcome from the almost 40 artists who took part was a winning combination according the visitors the Mail caught up with across the valley.
For Celia Blackwell from Camberwell, Sandy Peeters mosaics and partner Josef Peeters wood carving studios at Millgrove were her sixth for the day.
“I’m doing VCE art next year and it’s really inspiring to see the various artists at work.
“I really enjoy art and like seeing what people are doing,” said Celia who, along with friends Sarah Rykenberg and Vanessa Mallard have come up to the valley for the past three years.
The Peeters are first-time participants and said they were thrilled with the response which saw more than 100 people on the Saturday, and a constant flow of visitors on the Sunday.
“It’s been an amazing two days and just wonderful to see arts in the valley being promoted and appreciated by so many people,” Sandy said.
While the weekend is gone, the Yarra Valley Open Studios Group Exhibition with feature pieces by each of the 2013 artists is open at The Memo in Healesville until 26 September.