Portarlington is fortunate to have a wealth of creative people who work away in sheds, workshops, or a studio. Many of those who paint, can display their works at local venues, those that sing, recite poetry, write also find an avenue for their energy.

Those who work with wood, make mosaics, jewellery and pottery, etc, are relatively unknown, and this page will provide a brief biography of artists.

Bellyrine Bellydancers is a dance group catering for woman of all ages who want to experience a new and fun way of exercise, as well as having even more fun dressing up, and if they are really brave -performing.
Originally based on the Bellarine (hence the play on words for the name of the group), when the interest for classes became larger, they relocated to Geelong central. With many students still based on the Bellarine the group regularly performs at local fetes, festivals, nursing homes as well as local restaurants and private functions.
The colour, costumes, music and the obvious enjoyment from the dancers always inspires the audience to get up and dance with them. Classes cater for all levels and the movements of the dance are particularly good for the female body. Write to 400 Pakington St. , Newtown, or Phone 5223 3535

Billy Butterfly.
Adrian Shaw was given the nickname of Billy Butterfly by the local schoolchildren. He was employed at the time as a bus driver on the Portarlington run, and it was said he often used to break out in song to keep the children amused.
Music is in his blood. He first started playing at the age of 7 on the ukulele. One of the first songs he sang was "two little girls in blue"
However, it was later in life than Adrian established Shaw's Music Centre in Colac. Not only did he sell musical instruments, he also became the local piano tuner.
Since relocating to Portarlington in the 1970s, Adrian has been sharing his love of music with members of the community. He has performed at many local events including the Senior Citizens, Ann Nichol House, entertaining locals and visitors down the Main Street of Portarlington, the Port Fairy Folk Festival, and the Bunyip Festival.

Delyce England
Palette by the Sea is a home based folk and decorative art studio. When Delyce relocated to the Bellarine (from Melbourne ) in 1999, she continued her art lessons, teaching local students a variety of styles and techniques.
Having taught at local community centres on the Bellarine she now bases her lessons from home. Delyce is a member of several art societies and regularly travels interstate and overseas to teach various aspects of decorative art.
Her motto is that every one can paint - some just take a bit longer than others"

Christine Middleton. Celebrant/Harpist
With her creative writing, public speaking and musicianship skills, Chris can assist you with organising a ceremony for that special occasion.
It can be a naming ceremony, renewal of vows, commitment ceremony, memorial service, boat launching, pet ceremony, or celebrating your move into a new home or office.
The style can be formal or informal, personal or intimate, and set the mood in the venue of your choice. Whether it is a unique location such as a private home or garden, beach, or park setting, or a boat, Chris, a trained Celebrant and experienced Harpist, can entertain the guests with her soothing melodies, and personal touch. To complete the moment, ask Chris to assist you with a catering package. A personal amplifier system is also available. Please contact: info@portarlingtontourism.com.au for more information.

Jan Vetma
Jan is a self taught artist who resides in Portarlington.
Living in such a picturesque area as Portarlington the surrounds evoke her emotions and provide spiritual nourishment and creative inspiration that she likes to share in her paintings. Jan is fascinated with the watercolour medium in which she mostly paints, but she also enjoys using and experimenting with other mediums.
Jan's work has been displayed in Australia and overseas, and she has entered various art shows.

Jane Thompson Fabric Design and painting
Jane has created her own range of unique designs on fabric-which are all screen printed. Sometimes with hand painted and tye dyed backgrounds.
Jane is also a painter. Abstract and contemporary. Lately she has been practicing decorative art to learn about new techniques for Trompe Loeils and Murals, as well as surface textures like marbling, ragging, and sponging. Recently, Jane completed a "Pirate Ship Mural" with another artist at "The Cottage by the Sea". It covers the four walls of the dining room. Her love of colours has extended to studying interior design and decorating.
She has also began to run art classes, and in the summer will bring these outdoors to those who are interested. Phone Jane on 5257 1207 for more information.

Jenny Macaulay
Jenny has always enjoyed drawing but has developed a special liking for watercolours since joining an art group guided by Melbourne artist Gordon Townsend. Jenny has lived in Portarlington for the past few years but currently works full time in Melbourne .
She is looking forward to retirement when she can devote more time to her painting. She sells her work through a local café and occasional art shows. As well as painting, Jenny is looking forward to spending more time on her poetry and song writing in the near future.
Jenny is a member of the Port Arts Network which is a local group who encourage community members to express and expose their existing talent and/or develop new artistic interests.

Kaye Clancy
After studying Fine Arts at RMIT in the nineties majoring in Ceramics, I moved to the Geelong region where I work from my studio which is situated in Scotchmans Road on the Bellarine Peninsula.
The studio from which I work is tucked away at the bottom of the garden, far away from the home. Nothing else seems to matter when I am working. I am inspired by the things around me: birds, flowers, seaside and the farm animals around where we live.

Susanne Johns
I began a four year course in painting 30 years ago, studying with Robert Hollingworth who opened the original Fine Art School in Geelong.  I like to work in different mediums, oil, pastel, watercolour, acrylic, inks and my subjects change because I like variety. I have lived in Portarlington since 1970 and my paintings are inspired by what I see around me, landscape, seascape people or animals, but I do have a leaning towards painting flowers. It’s “the doing” I enjoy-sometimes pleased with the outcome, sometimes not.

Julie Morison
I am originally from Shepparton, and now residing at St Leonard’s. I have been painting for the past 15 years commencing with the technique of Folk Art, through which I gained confidence and then was challenged by myself and others. In Shepparton I was employed in an art shop where I taught Folk Art. I performed some workshops with visiting artists from Melbourne and Geelong and there furthered my skills in drawing and the use of watercolours. I am still being challenged with my painting, especially through my involvement with Attitudes Art Group (Portarlington) and friends.