Community art event to activate the Grafton Bridge Precinct.
A new community event has been launched to invite Grafton locals to explore the newly landscaped precinct between Grafton’s twin road bridges.
The brainchild of locally grown business Events Delivered, it’s a family-friendly opportunity do art at one of the walk-up workshops or join a guided tour of the street art and learn about the people behind the street art in what has become Grafton’s premier outdoor art gallery.
Event organiser Phil Nicholas said, “I was inspired by the proliferation of street art that adorns the bridge pylons and how it reminds me of culturally vibrant areas of major cities around the world. The precinct has become a draw card for visitors to the area and I know of artists who have travelled from Brisbane and Melbourne specifically to paint murals under Grafton’s bridges.”
“Above all,” said Mr Nicholas, “ArtJam is an excuse to enjoy the riverside precinct with good food and a cold drink. Bring the kids, take in the view and soak up the vibes dished out by our chillout DJs.”
Phil has been especially keen to work with local suppliers to help keep the money in town. He added, “People are going to love the Coopers caravan, and Clarence Catering will be selling their delicious house made pies and sausage rolls.”
Unlike an art market, ArtJam is about doing art and the event has been designed so that anyone, no matter their level of interest or skill, can participate. Workshops include lantern-making with Ikara Celebratory Events (lanterns lit at 8pm), pinch pots with Cass Palmer, paint pen designs with Jimmy Wags, colour smash acrylic painting with Susan Baker, analogue collage with Kerrie Bowles of Cowper Gallery, tape stencil art with Stu Murphy and palm pot making with Pamela Denise.
Other collaborators include Kade Valja, who will be running the guided tours, plus event partner Headspace Grafton, hosting a creative hub. The music bill consists of Tatiana Fenton performing a live set, alongside DJ sets from Edward Lovebot and Phillage Sounds.
While the event is free to attend, a patronage system is in place to support the event financially. Mr Nicholas explained, “Rather than put a fence around these events, I want everyone to be able to experience the vibe. That’s why I’m asking people who enjoy this type of event and who are able to, to buy a ticket. If enough patrons support ArtJam, I’ll be able to repeat these free events for the community.”
ArtJam runs from 4pm to 9pm on Saturday 27th February 2021 at McClymont Place, Grafton.
More info & tickets: https://www.eventsdelivered.com.au/artjam