Art Words is a new transmediation project between Stanthorpe Art Gallery and Stanthorpe Writers Group as a regular monthly exhibition.

Each month, local writers use a specific piece of artwork unearthed from the vaults of the Stanthorpe Gallery as stimuli to craft a 100 – 300 word response. All submitted pieces will be displayed with the artwork at the Gallery during the subsequent month.

The Junior Writers Group, specifically aimed for those aged between 10 and 18 is lead by flash fiction author, Annie Evett. Annie is an internationally recognised flash fiction author, speaker and workshop facilitator, who holds a blue card and is a registered teacher.

Monthly meetings held at the Art Gallery will involve hands on storytelling and writing activities with the aim to improve skills and confidence in wordsmithing. Stanthorpe Gallery Director, Mary Findlay is excited about the prospect of fostering young talent in the area with the view of bridging the gap between the arts.

The Open Stanthorpe Writers Group members, who meet monthly on a different day also have the opportunity to edit and hone their pieces over the following two weeks at home before submitting it for feedback, editing and possible display and publishing opportunities.  

Given the arts are intrinsically entwined, so it comes as no surprise to see writers busy gaining inspiration and honing their craft within galleries. Annie says that young people naturally connect thoughts, words, and images long before they master the skill of writing and is thrilled to be part of their writing journey.

Annie and Mary believe that art elicits a variety of responses from viewers and are looking for different ways for visitors to interact with the displays.

By the end of each year, it is envisaged that the groups have enough material to collate and publish into an annual Anthology.

Art Words is open to residents of the Granite Belt with submissions handled on Submittable.

Reminders on meetings will be posted on the Stanthorpe Writers Group facebook page.

The Stanthorpe Junior Writers Group will generally meet on the last Friday of each month at The Stanthorpe Art Gallery from 4 till 5 pm, enquiries can be directed to Mary Findlay at the Gallery. (gallerydirector@srag.org.au) The adult group meets on the first Wednesday of the month. Please contact Jess Andreatta on 0457 361 696 for venue details.