a day in the groves, the olive groves

We spent a day in the groves: olive groves alive with activity and surrounded by mountain vistas. A day filled with music, artesian stalls, workshops, demonstrations and culinary delights. Over five weeks the Scenic Rim celebrates the arts with a series of open studios and cultural trails throughout its region.

Last Sunday mum and I enjoyed a scenic drive to the Lost World Valley area of the rim to the 'Arts in the Olives Festival'. The festival entrance and artesian stalls were nestled in amongst the olive trees and a bridge across the picturesque creek seamlessly combined the two sections of the festival. Plenty of space along the creek or in amongst the olive trees to lay out our picnic rug and enjoy a momentary pause lunching, sketching, photography before further engaging in the various activities on offer.

Betty from Mt Tamborine in front of her stall at
"Arts in the Olives Festival"

Driving throughout the Scenic Rim is beautiful and well signed. This coming weekend 18th & 19th May artists in the Eagle Heights & Mount Tamborine area will open their studios including the studio of Betty Bull and Margaret Smit specialists with felting, millinery, silk flower making and textile design.

 On the following weekend 25th and 26th May artists in the Boonah & Aratula area will open their studios including the studio of Textile and Mixed Media artist Ali George. Ali's studio is located at 169 Niebling Rd, Tarome (near Aratula) and will feature artworks by Ali and artists-in-residence Chris Jones, Sue George & Mel Forrest. You can also see the Queensland launch of Studio Art Quilt Associates International touring exhibition "This is a Quilt" featuring the works of 43 artist and art quilters.