COAL CREEK Art and Culture Coal Creek

Coal Creek, a time capsule of South Gippsland’s heritage is now synonymous with all things art. Each year Coal Creek sees a creative lineup of artistic talent showcasing works in the gallery and auditorium, as well as performing at the rotunda and the pavilion.

This season, a number of artists are showcasing their work at the Park with carefully curated exhibitions being scheduled for the rest of the year. In Autumn, see exhibitions, Felted Dreams and Out of the Box in the gallery spaces until Monday 31 March. Rebecca Matthews Felted Dreams: Unveiling the Australian Landscape, is a colourful and vibrant expression of dry needle felting. A traditional technique that evokes tactile texture through the matting of fibres is used to capture the uniqueness of Australian landscapes.

Out of the Box: Loch, is on at the same time and is a compilation of contrasting works from artists who exhibited from the ArtCubes during their stay in Loch. This collaborative exhibition sees works from the following local artists: Jo Quirk, Hollie Nair, Kathleen Quinert, Paul Robinson and Lauren Tausend.

From Friday 11 April to Monday 26 May, another two fresh and exciting exhibitions are gracing the Coal Creek gallery. The second edition of Out of the Box is sharing the works from the Toora Artists Network. Bringing together local artists from Toora and surrounding areas, the overarching theme is the Toora Bird Hide which each artist has used to draw inspiration.

Prepare to be taken back in time with Spin the Yarn. Experience the incredible artisan skill of the Coal Creek Spinners group. This group uses traditional techniques to create intricate textiles from handspun yarn. An intricate practice that not only reflects and preserves the heritage of Coal Creek but also adds a contemporary flare to this history.

In addition to the creative exhibits, Coal Creek hosts an abundance of both Australian and international performers. So far this year, we’ve seen local acts including DJ Dreaded Sax, Golden Fleece and Nick Carver light up the Park with good vibes and even better tunes at Summer Session. GRAMMYnominated singer, songwriter and musician Tyler Childers also had the Park singing along to his country sound in a sold-out show in February as part of his Australian National Tour.

With that being said, Coal Creek is still very much an iconic destination steeped in the rich history of South Gippsland. Celebrated through live heritage days and immersive tours, the Park offers a unique insight into life of the 19th century. The authentic heritage buildings and infrastructure inspires visitors of all ages and offers a glimpse into the past while celebrating the present.

Keep an eye out for upcoming workshops and events at: visitsouthgippsland.com.au