MANSFIELD'S artists threw open their studio doors over the weekend, with the fifth annual Mansfield Open Studio Trail (MOST) drawing strong visitation and enthusiastic reviews.
A free event held every Melbourne Cup weekend celebrating community and creativity, MOST is a self-guided tour of the shire, with visitors invited to discover artists of the region.
The event also represents an opportunity for the public to gain an insight into the workings of a studio, see practical demonstrations and purchase a little something special directly from the studio door and maker.
This year, over 40 local artists took part showcasing their work in 29 studios scattered across the whole of the Mansfield District, with visitors coming from far and wide.
Kirsten Alexander, Chief Executive Officer Mansfield Council commended organisers on the well-run event.
"MOST is a really unique artistic highlight for the shire, exploring and showcasing our rich local creativity, with artists opening their studios in a rare opportunity for all to enjoy," Kirsten said.
With a wide variety of art mediums and practices represented, from painting to ceramics, wood work, steel art, print making and mosaic, the two day event running from 10.30am to 4.30pm each day drew the crowds in a weekend full of High Country activities.
"With glorious weather and so many things happening in town on Saturday, the pace picked up as the weekend progressed, with each studio reporting an average visitation of between 100 to 200 over the weekend," said Most founder Wendy Jagger.
Wendy attributes the strong visitation to the efforts of both the MOST planning team and participating artists to spread the word.
"Visitors could easily find the studios by following the vibrant signs, using the interactive map or the comprehensive brochure.
"The overall response was amazing, with visitors commending the event on its professionalism and accessibility, with so much to see and do showcasing such a variety of art and talent.
"People loved the vibe and found it to be an inspirational and joyous experience.
"There is something about the intimacy of inviting people into one’s private creative space.
"Visitors commented about how connecting it was to be allowed to do that.
"And what a breath of fresh air after the separation induced by Covid.
"We've had the MOST wonderful weekend," said Wendy.
Home to four participating MOST artists, the Mansfield Arts Collective Studios welcomed more than 300 visitors through the doors over the long weekend, with all artists reporting multiple sales.
"Arts Mansfield is delighted with the visitation to MOST this year," said Felicity Hayward, Arts Mansfield committee member and Mansfield Arts Collective Studios co-ordinator.
"Feedback from visitors was extremely positive, with some even talking about their plans to visit next year," said Felicity.
"We kept a tally of postcodes of visitors and were pleasantly surprised by a good mix of Mansfield and Benalla locals as well as people from further afield across Victoria.
"We're all exhausted, but already planning for next year's event to be bigger and better again."
