Penelope Price first visited Uzbekistan in 2002, she marvelled at the jewels of Islamic architecture, the astonishing range of art and crafts, and the warmth of Uzbek hospitality. Since then she has travelled frequently to Uzbekistan.

Penelope says "There is nothing I enjoy more than sitting on a rooftop with a pot of green tea under a blue, blue sky gazing over turquoise domes. Listening to the tales of artisans whose families have been ceramists, weavers, embroiderers, woodblock printers, metal workers and wood carvers for generations has broadened my knowledge of these Uzbek traditions as well as my collection.

Uzbek Journeys specializes in tours to Uzbekistan, focusing on its remarkable historical, cultural and architectural legacy. The website is also a repository of articles and links about Uzbek arts, crafts and society, with occasional nods to other Central Asian countries.

For more information visit www.uzbekjourneys.com

Context Art Forum 2012 is offering 28 wonderful workshops in textiles, sculpture, painting, and drawing 2-day, 4-day, and 6-day workshops are available. With tutors of the calibre of Suzanne Archer, Michael Winters, Graham Marchant, Tracy Luff, Wim de Vos and many others this promises to be a feast of creative energy in the mountains in April 2012.

For more information visit www.tafta.org.au

Expressions of interest are sought from the Artists of the Blue Mountains to exhibit artworks. Schools and Community groups are encouraged to participate. Artstreet will run from the 11th to the 25th of June. Applications close May 28 2011

In support of 'Art Street' Nolan on Lovel will curate an exhibition of selected entries to exhibit in their gallery Sept 22-Sept 25 with an opening on Saturday September 24

Works will be for sale with the commission payable to NOL being donated to Winter Magic to raise funds for 'Art Street' 2012

For more information visit www.wintermagic.com.au

or contact Amelia Hope, Arts Director artstreet@wintermagic.com.au

Preparations are well underway for the 2011 bentART exhibition which is held over the long weekend in June at The Wentworth Falls School of Arts and encourages entries from across Australia.

Nolan on Lovel is pleased to sponsor the painting prize for the 2011 exhibition

For more information and entry forms visit www.bentart.com.au

Congratulations to Megan Jones whose work 'Darwinian Cycle' has been chosen for the Exhibiton of Finalists in the 2011 Sulman Prize at the AGNSW.

Congratulations to Ingrid Haydon whose large charcoal drawing 'The Shed' has been chosen for the Exhibiton of Finalists in the Adelaide Perry Prize for Drawing.

The winner will be announced at the official opening on Friday February 25th at 7p.m.

Exhibition continues 28 February - 26th March

For further details contact (02) 9704 5693 or AdelaidePerryGallery@pic.nsw.edu.au

Anne Penmann Sweet manages to make oil tankers look ethereal, mysterious, and beautiful, even when they seem to be rusting into the water.

She has had three sell-out shows in London, the last one taking place in October 2010.

Anne recently returned to live and work in the Blue Mountains. Whilst continuing to exhibit in London, the London Art Fair this month, her work can be seen in Australia at Nolan on Lovel Gallery.

Blue Mountains Writer's House 'Varuna' celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2011. This haven of creativity was gifted as a writers retreat by Mr Michael Dark. The large Katoomba house was built by his parents - Australian writer Eleanor Dark and her husband Dr Eric Dark. Five writers are housed at Varuna throughout the year while an ever increasing number of programs are offered to writers all over the country.

In honour of its 20th anniversary John Ellison was commissioned to do a painting of the house and garden. This week he unveiled his painting of the Varuna House. It now hangs above the fireplace in the main lounge.

In May Varuna will host the Blue Mountains program of the Sydney Writers' Festival.

To keep up with events at Varuna visit their website at www.varuna.com.au