Slice of Australiana at Kallista festival

THE Sunnyside artists' colony in Kallista was a haven for some of Australia's most well-known creative people - and this proud history will soon be celebrated with its very own festival.

The inaugural Sunnysiders Festival will be held this Friday and Saturday at various venues throughout Kallista.

The likes of poet CJ Dennis, painter Tom Roberts, illustrators Hal Guy and David Low and sculptor Web Gilbert worked in the area between 1910 and 1930.

Their work and legacies will be acknowledged with a variety of events, including a historical display by the Monbulk Historical Society, poetry workshops and performances by students from the Kallista Primary School choir.

It culminates with an evening of poetry, yarns, music, supper and more.

Festival convener Maria Bohan said the concept for the festival was about celebrating all that Sunnyside represents - a place of "much creativity and great fun" - with jokes, music, stories and laughter.

"Dennis's tram was one of several that were sited in the paddocks of Sunnyside Farm, the weekender of Garry and Roberta Roberts," she said.

"These trams were used by a number of writers and artists who spent time in what soon became known as the artists' colony."

Ms Bohan, who has lived in the area for more than 20 years, said Kallista was still a place heavily populated by artists, writers and musicians.

"You can tell just by looking at people's gardens that there is a lot of talent here," she said.

An eight-page booklet on the history of the area will be distributed at the festival, as the event was also about education, Ms Bohen said.

The contribution of women would also be acknowledged with the stories of Roberta Roberts as well as Aeneas Gunn - author of We of the Never Never - being shared.

A full program of events is available online. Booking are required for events - some are free and others paid for.

There will be some tickets available at the door.

Details: sunnysiders.org.au.