Discover Canberra’s best-kept secret, Strathnairn Arts, at its annual Open Day this weekend!

Sitting on a picturesque 23-acre block on Canberra’s outskirts with uninterrupted views of the Brindabella Ranges, Strathnairn Arts has been home to a variety of world-renowned artists since it’s transformation from a working homestead to an arts facility in the 1970s.

With over 20 artist studios, a working foundry, ceramics studio, three galleries, a shop and cafe, this gem of a place is only 20 minutes from the centre of town and a magical place to visit – and there’s no better time than their Open Day this Sunday 22 October.

Art

Open Studios

Meet the artists who call Strathnairn Arts home and get a rare glimpse into their private working spaces. 10 am to 4 pm.

Bronze casting

Watch renowned sculptor Alex Kosmas lead a group of students through the basics of bronze casting. 10 am to 2 pm in the Foundry.

Pottery demos

Look on as ceramic artists showcase their skills on a wheel. 10 am to 2 pm on the porch of the Ceramics Studio.

Wood Firing Group

Meet Strathnairn’s Wood Firing Group and see work fresh out of the Groundhog Kiln! 10 am to 2 pm, outside the Kiln Shed.

Studio Holder’s exhibition

See works from renowned studio artists on display in the Woolshed Gallery, 10 am to 4 pm.

Village Hall exhibition

The Homestead Galleries will be showcasing work from the many talented artists who use the Village Hall as a place to meet and make work each week in a group exhibition titled, Community. 10 am to 4 pm.

Carboot art sales

Browse the boots of artists filled with goods handmade locally in Canberra. Woolshed Carpark, 10 am to 2 pm.

Entertainment

Black Mountain String Band

Old-time string band comprising of fiddles, banjo, double-bass and voices. 11 am to 11. 45 am and 12.15 to 1 pm, behind the Homestead.

Mr Tim

Canberra’s favourite children’s performer. 10.30 am to 11.15 am and 12.30 to 1.15 pm, in front of the Homestead.

Games

Ginninderry have lent giant Jenga, corn hole and chess for the day! 10 am to 4 pm, in front of the Homestead.

Facepainting

It’s not a fete without a facepaint! $10 per person. 10 am to 4 pm, in front of the Homestead.

Craft

Make a paper flower or have a go on a pottery wheel! Free. 10 am to 2 pm, on the porch of the Ceramics Studios.

Scavenger hunt

Get the kids on the lookout for some of Strathnairn’s unique features. 10 am to 4 pm, collect the activity sheet from the Welcome desk.

Food

Soup & Bowl

Pick a bowl handmade at Strathnairn then fill it with your choice of soup! $30 per bowl. 11 am to 1.30 pm, from Village Hall.

Café Stepping Stone

Treat yourself to lunch or a coffee from the amazing team at Café Stepping Stone – there’ll be special treats just for Open Day! 8.30 am to 3.30 pm in the Homestead.

Sausage Sizzle

Grab a sausage sanga from Ginninderra Rotary Club. $3.50 per sausage. 10 am to 2 pm, behind the Homestead.

Kids’ Café

Get the kids sorted with a treat token which includes a sausage, drink, popcorn, fairy floss and icey-pole! $12 per token. 10 am to 2 pm, from the booth outside the front of the Homestead.

Bar

Thanks to our friends at Capital Brewery, there’s Alc-Less beer to keep you cool (or softies and wine if you’re otherwise inclined). 10 am to 4 pm.

The details

What: Strathnairn Arts Open Day
When: 10 am to 4 pm, Sunday 22 October
Where: 90 Stockdill Drive, Holt
Web: strathnairn.com.au/open-day