Winter Solstice exhibition – that’s a wrap

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We enjoyed a bumper crowd for the launch of the Winter Solstice exhibition at Ballarat North Bowling Club on Friday 19 June.

The exhibition ran over the weekend of 20-21 June, and received a steady stream of visitors who made the most of the opportunity to sample the creations of the SHAC artists at their pop-up shop as well as the published works of 10 of the contributing writers. There was a healthy number of red dots in the exhibition itself, many going up during the launch.

Adding to the atmosphere were readings of their works by Kylie Supski, Laura Goodin, Frances Thompson, and Kirstyn McDermott.

It was also a joy to overhear the poets at Melissa Watts’ workshop on the Sunday exploring the works and bringing yet another view to them.

Feedback has been extremely positive, with writers and artists enjoying the challenge and exploration of the ekphrastic process, and visitors commenting on the blend of visual art and written responses. The turn-out at the launch was beyond expectation – thanks to everyone who came, either on the night to create such a fabulous vibe, or during the exhibition weekend.

A big thanks to SHAC, the Ballarat North Bowling Club (who ran out of wine glasses at the launch!), the City of Ballarat’s Creative Ballarat team for supporting this endeavour with a Creative Inspiration grant, Ballarat Arts Alive for auspicing the grant, and the writers who contributed work and assisted with promotion and staffing of the event.

The works have been captured in a catalogue, available through SHAC (https://www.shacballarat.org.au/). Keep an eye out during any of their future events.

Launch night drew one of SHAC’s largest audiences. Picture: SHAC
Part of the selection of books by contributing writers on sale during the exhibition. Pic: WOL
Part of the SHAC artists’ offerings in addition to the exhibition artworks. Pic: WOL

Solstice 26 ekphrasis writing workshop – bookings are now open

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As part of the Solstice 26 exhibition, we are pleased to be offering a workshop delving into ekphrasis – the ancient poetic technique of writing about another work of art (painting, sculpture, etc).

The workshop will be at the Ballarat North Bowling Club, 402 Gregory Street, Soldiers Hill, from 10am to 2pm on Sunday 21 June 2026. The workshop is limted to 15 participants.

Melissa Watts will take writers on their own poetic journey as they learn the elements of ekphrasis, how to emotionally connect with an artwork of their choice and then write and edit at least one poem. Melissa will teach poets how to look deeper into both works to build emotional resonance, to consider tone, pace, point of view, setting, symbolism and a range of other poetic devices that will honour the original artwork but also generate a new poem. Participants will be provided with comprehensive handouts to allow them to continue their poetry journey after the class has concluded.

Melissa’s classes are always designed with three things in mind:

1 – that participants feel safe and supported to learn new skills and push creative boundaries regardless of where they are on their own creative journey

2 – that participants create new work or progress their current work-in-progress

3 – that participants leave feeling empowered.  

Tickets are $15 and are now available – please see the booking site for further details and T&Cs: https://events.humanitix.com/solstice-writing-workshop-ekphrasis-in-the-gallery

Tea and coffee will be available but attendees are advised to bring their own snacks/lunch as there are limited eateries in the vicinity. There is a microwave and fridge.

Queries can be directed to the feedback section of this website, wordsoutloudballarat@gmail.com, or the contact details at the booking page.

The Solstice 26 exhibition involves Central Highlands writers responding to artworks produced by Soldiers Hill Artist Collective, and is supported by a Creative Ballarat Creative Inspiration grant.