Artists from around the region have thrown open their doors this weekend to invite the community in to learn about their craft.
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The 11th annual Arts Trail in Queanbeyan-Palerang began on Saturday and continues on Sunday with more than 30 venues open to the public featuring more than 45 artists.
The event is co-ordinated by the Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council and cultural director Georgina Perri said people were encouraged to create their own trail from their own interests.
"We encourage you to take the whole weekend to meet the artists, explore the studios and workshops, watch demonstrations, and perhaps add a piece to your own private collection," Ms Perri said.
Some of Canberra's most well-known artists and craftspeople actually call Queanbeyan-Palerang home, including award-winning glass artists Matt Curtis and Harriet Schwarzrock of Curtis Glass Art Studio.
Ms Schwarzrock and Mr Curtis met in Sydney in the glass art scene before eventually moving their young family to Queanbeyan.
They now both work out of their home studio where Mr Curtis creates "structured, architectural" works while Ms Schwarzrock's designs are more "organic". Both artists have had their work featured internationally.
Ms Schwarzrock said in addition to the cheaper land prices Queanbeyan was the perfect location for them to set up a studio.
"There is a strong arts community in the Canberra region, particularly for glass," she said.
"It's got an international reputation and we're really fortunate that we've got colleagues that are exhibiting internationally."
She added it was pleasing to see the arts being steadily more supported and embraced by both government and the community.
"I feel the Queanbeyan-Palerang council is very supportive of the arts and I think Georgina Perri has really encouraged the community to see the value in the arts," she said.
"I think there is a strong scene [in Queanbeyan] and I think with the amalgamation, there's so much creative energy all the way out to Braidwood and Captains Flat.
"I think there's a lot going on and it's being celebrated a bit more now."
The Queanbeyan-Palerang Arts Trail continues Sunday with studios open across the region. Further details are available on the council's website.
