From Barooga to Yarroweyah, the day offered a rare behind-the-scenes look into the working studios of some of the area’s most talented makers.
The trail began in Barooga, where ‘Tin and Mud’ took centre stage.
Visitors were treated to the earthy beauty of Tracy McClusky’s pottery, alongside Lyn Mountney’s intricate dry flower arrangements - a beautifully complementary display of texture and tone.
Nearby, Vintage Wood N’ That saw Sandi and Rob Hamilton welcoming guests to explore their range of art and crafted pieces made from recycled wood.
The studio doubled as the official lunch stop on the trail, continuing its tradition of generous support for local events.
Also in Barooga, Pam Hook displayed her intricate patchwork, drawing admiration from quilters and crafters alike.
Mel Hamilton’s textiles and bows were well admired and added a splash of colour and texture.
Artist Christine rounded out the Barooga leg with her expressive artwork, adding yet another layer of creativity to the day’s offerings.
The trail then led into Cobram, where the Cobram Lions Art Exhibition took place at Killara House, Cobram Showgrounds. This display showcased a wide array of local artists and their diverse work.
At Expressive Art Creations, Fiona Hackett wowed visitors with her eclectic mix of mosaics, paintings, pottery, and even welding.
Sharing the space were Cherilyn Taig, who not only showcased stunning mosaics but also gave a pottery wheel-throwing demonstration and drew a fascinated crowd, and Karen Wolf whose vinyl purses and bags offered a stylish, handcrafted touch.
Over at Kranky Birds, creativity soared with Debbie Longshaw’s wide-ranging display. From resin and soaps to jams, relish, quilts, paintings, mosaics, and more.
The final stop was Yarroweyah, where the Textile Hub at the Memorial Hall on Murray Valley Highway brought the day to a warm and textured close.
Visitors explored works by the Cobram Quilters, Spinners and Weavers, local knitters and crocheters, and the ever-creative VAL (Very Active Ladies) - known for their sewing and card-making skills.
For a $20 ticket, attendees received a detailed trail map and were welcomed with morning and afternoon tea, plus lunch at Vintage Wood N’ That.
The event wasn’t just about admiring art - it was about connecting with the people behind the pieces, witnessing live demonstrations, and sharing stories over a cuppa.
From tactile textiles to bold mosaics, from recycled woodwork to delicate florals, the Artist Open Studio Trail proved a resounding success that will hopefully grow in the future with more visitors attending and purchasing tickets.
Local art lovers, mark your calendars — this is one event you won’t want to miss in 2026.
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Tocumwal Lions Club held its last street stall for the year on Friday, and thank the community for its support of the fundraiser.
The club also thanks Anthony March of March's IGA for his generous donation of the raffle hampers throughout the year.
Gary Morrison from Ballarat was the lucky winner of the hamper last week.
Friday’s street stall and raffle was in support of the Tocumwal Railway Heritage Museum which is a project of the Club.
The museum is open each Saturday from 10am to 3pm. Entry fees are $5 per adult, and children are free.
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The Tocumwal Swimming Pool Committee are holding its AGM at 7pm on Thursday at the Terminus Hotel dining room.
New faces are welcome to join in and have their say to help shape the future of our local pool.
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If you have something of interest for inclusion in the ‘Tocumwal Tells’ column, please send an email to leonie.smith1725@gmail.com or call on 0432 261 296.
