With major local events such as the Deloraine Craft Fair unable to go ahead in person due to COVID-19 restrictions, Arts Deloraine is getting ready to launch the Windows on the Arts in Deloraine exhibition.

Local artist Margaret Tabor said running the event is a big boost for the area.

"Deloraine is well known for being an artistic and creative community, and this is an opportunity to showcase that," she said.

"WOAD is an annual event, usually held on the craft fair long weekend, but that's obviously different this year because it can't go ahead".

"We've missed a year here and there, but it's usually an annual event, and we're delighted that this can go ahead given everything that has been cancelled in 2020".

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Artist Bruce McNicol said it has been a difficult year for the Meander Valley artistic community.

"We've had so many artists in the area excited by the opportunity to showcase in WOAD because events have virtually all been cancelled," he said.

"We're absolutely delighted to say there are 40 artists involved with the project this year, and 30 shops making space in their windows for displays".

Designated shops will be marked on footpaths with stickers, and posters at each roundabout on Emu Bay Road directing visitors to the exhibition.

"This year we also have a new feature, the WOAD Less Travelled, with what we're calling people's COVID time creations," Ms Tabor said.

The WOAD Less Travelled Exhibition will be held at the Deloraine Creative Studios, with artists, craftspeople and members of the people showcasing items created during the COVID-19 shutdown.

"Volunteers will be manning the gallery, and they can take sales or expressions of interests from people," Mr McNicol said.

"There'll be a lot to see and do - some people are making teddy bears, woollen rugs, artworks and ceramics."

One of the artists featured at the WOAD Less Travelled exhibition is ceramicist Chris Wright, showcasing a piece he created titled "Cloud Dreamer".

"I love using clay as a material, and how it gets transformed. It can cause a lot of frustration, but creates something beautiful," he said.

"My piece is a way of dealing with the grief I feel about the damage humans are causing to the environment.

"It's about human potential - about destruction and that sadness, but also working through fears and creating hope for our future potential. I'm turning it into something positive by using clay, and I want to create conversation about our behaviour and what we can change."

The WOAD exhibition runs from October 28 - November 4, the WOAD Less Travelled October 29 - November 4.

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