The summer exodus from Sydney, Wollongong and Canberra means big business for artists and galleries on the South Coast, with leading creative ventures reporting promising signs for 2014.
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Just a stone's throw from the idyllic waters of Mossy Point and Broulee Beach, jeweller Lizette Richards and visual artist Miranda Keeling welcome holidaymakers and locals browsing works at the Mossy Point ARTery co-operative gallery.
Their creations make up part of the gallery's eclectic collection, along with pieces by photographer and furniture maker Paul Ware, paintings by Greta Allen and award-winning works by painter and etcher Frances Luke.
"It has been very busy over Christmas and in the days since," Ms Richards said.
"There have been lots of Canberra people and people from everywhere actually coming through as they arrive at the beach. It's great to see a lot of people making time to visit the gallery."
The Pacific Street space, about 20-minutes drive from Batemans Bay, regularly features works by other professional and local artists.
"We tend to all have something a bit different in places up and down the coast so we always know where to send people if they are looking for something in particular," Ms Richards said.
"There's Ulladulla, there's Moruya and Narooma and we can tell our visitors that this person is here or there and what they might find or what creative things are happening up and down the coast."
The Carroll College teacher and Australian National University School of Art graduate displays handmade jewellery in silver and gold at the three-room gallery.
Ms Keeling said after more than 11 years, the ARTery was known for its leading collection of ceramics, visual works, candles, honey and giftwares.
"We tend to feed off people going to the beach and the café, which has been around for years and years. For locals and visitors the gallery is a popular part of the walk around Mossy Point and the area."
She said the costal views, iconic landscapes and wildlife had inspired dozens of artists to depict local settings.