Artists were out in force as Albany’s Designer Dirt creatives celebrated the start of the 2026 Southern Art + Craft Trail with a social get together and open evening.

About 120 people enjoyed drinks and nibbles provided by Albany’s Butter catering as the home and garden gallery showcased the artists displaying their work at the venue throughout the trail.

Attendees on September 26 were able to browse through the collections and enjoy a drink by the fire pit.

Owner and artist Jane Michael said the event had been a success and gave the business the chance to parade its wares in both the trail and as summer approaches.

“It was a really good event, and an excellent way of reminding people we are here,” she said.

The trail’s first week had been quiet, she said, but during this second week it got busy.

“I think the weather didn’t help that first week but last weekend it really exploded,” she said.

“This is a great time of year for us.”