From manufacturing to mental health, Regional Victoria's art spaces are galleries have a wide range of works to explore this October.
As the weather heats up, the arts scenes across regional Victoria are embracing both the traditional and non-traditional gallery settings. As always, works are being displayed inside the white walls of contemporary art galleries, but there are also exhibitions taking place between vines and on trails.
Experience the best of art across October at these exhibitions.
Art in the Vines
Renowned curator Malcolm Thomson makes it a half-dozen years leading Art in the Vines. Featuring 26 renowned local and national artists, Art in the Vines is a stroll through sculpture against a stunning backdrop. Artists include Zeke, Andrew Kasper, Anthony Vanderzweep, Anton Hasell, Brigit Heller, Darren McGinn, Mela Cooke, Angela MacDougall, Matt Hill, Lynne Edey, Simon Normand, Ralf Driessen and Horvik Israelian. Works can be viewed through the Hanging Rock Winery website.
Hanging Rock Winery
19 Oct – 30 April 2025
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Bellarine Arts Trail
Make room for the first weekend in November because it’s going to be a busy time. More than 90 artists and 45 venues, open studios, artist demonstrations and exhibition spaces will make way for the Bellarine Arts Trail throughout Barwon Heads, Ocean Grove, Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale. Also, the Taste of the Trail opening exhibition will be hosted by the Barwon Heads Arts Hub from October 19. The Bellarine Arts Trail map will be made available in October.
Across the Bellarine
2 & 3 Nov
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Bec Hill: Unveiling Perspectives (Embracing Neurodiversity)
“Neurodiversity is the future of innovation and progress” – author and activist Steve Silberman. Artist Bec Hill invites the viewer to dive headfirst into the complexities of neurodiverse experiences as they seek to live in a world for neurotypical individuals. Bec does this by the portrayal of animals in an unconventional manner. It is hoped by doing so, a dialogue will be opened that will lead to greater understanding and celebration.
The F Project, Warrnambool
9 – 27 October
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JXSH MVIR: Forever I Live
Gunditjmara, Yorta Yorta and Barkindji artist Josh Muir was a Ballarat-born artist who shined bright before passing away at the age of thirty in 2022. Holding his debut exhibition in 2013, he developed a reputation for working in themes of mental health and cultural identity. In 2015, he created a self-portrait titled Forever I Live, adorned with a scribbled-down crown. In 2017, he designed the ‘Dreamtime at the ’G’ jumper for the Richmond Football Club.
Art Gallery of Ballarat
26 Oct – 2 Feb
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Daylesford Rotary Art Show
More than 200 local and regional artists will have their works displayed across six categories at the popular Melbourne Cup weekend event. As well as showcasing the region’s talent, 25% of the sale price of each painting sold during the exhibition will be donated to Rotary community projects. The Blooms the Chemist is a separate section of the exhibition, one that is open to all secondary school students.
Stanbridge Hall & Church, Daylesford
31 Oct – 5 Nov
Assembled Lines
One man’s spare parts are another man’s playground. Objects that were the foundation for tooling and forging raw materials into production parts are behind Robbie Rowlands’ ‘found objects’ Assembled Lines exhibition. His tool of choice is the angle grinder, with equipment sourced from Geelong. Coinciding with the exhibition is Kaitlyn Church’s Fordtown. On October 7, 2016, after nine decades, the last engine rolled off the Ford Geelong assembly line. This is the expanded documentary project exploring that and the after effect.
Platform Arts, Geelong
12 Oct – 30 Nov
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I Think Future, I Think Past
In a conversation with Andrea Lissoni, artist Peggy Ahwesh uttered the words ‘I Think Future, I Think Past’. And so it became that artists Sophia Al-Maria, Peggy Ahwesh, Daniel Boyd, Jessie French and Jemima Wyman explored the idea of thinking through the past and future simultaneously. Across sculpture and moving image, technologies used include new algae polymers, computer-generated imagery, CRT televisions, high-definition video and found digital source material.
View Street, Bendigo
until 10 Nov
Surf Coast Community Arts Calendar Competition
There is something about a calendar with pleasing pictures that can boost your mood. When your birthday month has the best picture, it’s even better. The Surf Coast Community Arts Calendar Competition is a way for Surf Coast Shire artists to have their work hanging on a wall, reminding people of important and special dates while giving them an uplifting kick. 13 winners will be chosen, with the cover reserved for People’s Choice.
Anglesea Art Space, Anglesea
12 – 26 October
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All this and more is brightening our regional arts circuit this October.
Stay up to date with what’s happening within the region’s art scene here.
