Offshore Arts
For thirty thousand years, the indigenous Guringai people have been creating art, weaving their Dreamtime stories, and performing music along the shores of Broken Bay and Pittwater. Their ancient stories are etched on rock platforms and lyre birds dance and sing their songs, while the spotted gum trees whisper their secrets throughout the National Park.
Since European settlement began 200 years ago when freed convict Andrew Thompson built his house on the island and named it Scotland Island after his homeland, many artists, writers, film-makers and musicians have been drawn to live in this secluded paradise.
All draw deeply from its energy and beauty. Many find inspiration, others are healed and some find family. Individually, some have created nationally acclaimed artworks, while others create for the pure joy of self-expression.
Offshore Arts Pittwater, previously called Island H’Arts, is a group of island and offshore artists who organise exhibitions and other art events.
Previous events
Watermarks open studio
September - , 2009
This weekend walkabout event brought thousands of people to Scotland Island and the Western Foreshores to visit 16 artists’ studios and view the work of 40 artists, including celebrated printmakers, painters, iconographers, writers, sculptors, performing artists and filmmakers. A group exhibition was also held at Tarrangaua, the idyllic home of writer Susan Duncan.
To learn more about the event and to see links to the individual artists and their studios, visit www.watermarks.net.au.
Other exhibitions
The offshore artists exhibit together on a regular basis. They have exhibited in the Scotland Island Community Hall or the Fire Shed on a number of occasions, including at all the Scotland Island Festivals.