November offers an absolute feast of opportunities for anyone who enjoys art or anyone looking for a great day out. I can’t believe I live in an area so well served by creativity, inspiration and sheer goodwill.

The Northern Illawarra Art Trail (NIAT) will see 20 studios open so that the public can cruise around our beautiful region, enjoying our scenery and cafe culture, while taking a look at the work of more than 20 local artists as they practise their craft.

Studios will be open from 10am-3pm on November 19 and 20. Entry is free. For more details, head to niarttrail.com which provides maps and summaries of artists’ work and style.

Even more great news for art-lovers: Clifton School of Arts will host a wonderful exhibition called Travelling on in November. This is a group show by members of the Illawarra Association for the Visual Arts (IAVA). Viewers can expect paintings, sculpture, drawings, prints and mixed media works.

IAVA is a professional artists’ group, providing members with group exhibitions, social networking and professional mentoring. It is a not-for-profit organisation, supporting and promoting art and artists from the Illawarra. Visit www.iavacontempart.org for more details.

IAVA President Melissa Ritchie says: “We love exhibiting at Clifton School of Arts. The building has a rich artistic legacy that goes beyond bricks and mortar. As a group, telling our stories through our art and exhibited within those walls, we feel connected to that legacy.”

IAVA member Pilar Helmers says: “When you visit an exhibition, you’re not just engaging with the experience for yourself. You’re also validating and uplifting artists by simply turning up. I’m proud to be showing with this group.”

Travelling on will be staged from November 21 to December 2, 10am-4pm. The opening event is Friday, November 25. Entry is free.

It doesn’t get much better than what the artists of the Northern Illawarra have on offer, to my way of thinking. Come and enjoy.

Visit www.niarttrail.com