Join us at our boutique artisans markets to browse more than 20 stalls of handmade items, including textiles, ceramics, wall art, sculpture, clothing, jewellery, stationery, homewares and so much more. Browse the stalls, meet the makers and enjoy the sweet sounds of harp music from local musicians.
We will be in the Huskisson Community Centre main hall and annexe from 10am till 3pm on Sunday 25 August.
Here is a little sample of what you will see from our stall holders, who come from the local Jervis Bay area as well as the Shoalhaven, Illawarra and Southern Tablelands.
Textiles
The softness of hand spun wool and the organic beauty of eco-dyed clothing, the cosiness of a new beanie and the drape of a flowing scarf.
I must admit, textiles are my favourite of all materials – no surprises given I am a textile and fibre artist – and we are so lucky to have a handful of textile and fibre makers coming to these markets.
Our local Wool Road Spinners and Weavers will be there, demonstrating their prowess with the spinning wheel and knitting needles while displaying beautiful wares for sale. If you have family or friends in the northern hemisphere, these are the ideal Christmas gifts with plenty of time for the international post! Artists include Maureen Speer, Denise Stevens, Irene Winsloe and Adele Smith.
For hand-dyed silk and wool scarves and natural clothing, make sure you find Robyn Eaves, Elizabeth Warren-Boulton and Rennie D’Souza who will be selling unique and stylish additions to your wardrobe.
Luxurious hand-dyed silk scarves, clockwise from left: Maureen Speer, Elizabeth Warren-Boulton, Rennie D’Souza
Jewellery and accessories
Local jewellery designers Idle Moment (we love her silver earrings), By Isabella Grace (incorporating freshwater pearls) and Roslyn Mueller (intricately woven seed beads) are among the wearable art creators coming along.
Speaking of wearable art, Fiona from Chiatanya Designs will be selling her handmade brooches, including my favourites featuring Japanese indigo fabrics embellished with stitch, as well as her dainty hand-sewn purses.
Delicate handmade jewellery, clockwise from left: By Isabella Grace, Idle Moments by Rosie Harris, Roslyn Mueller
Basketry and sculpture
Weaver and designer Corinne Payne from Buribun Art will present her jewellery and dilly bags, among other work. I was lucky enough to buy one of Corinne’s dilly bags at the Blak Markets in Huskisson earlier this year. It hangs on the wall of my office where I can appreciate its subtly variegated colour and finely coiled shape while I work.
Ceramic works will be on display from local artists including Ineke Brown and Tobi Craig as well as abstract sculptures in wood and copper by Leith Brandt – who will also be showing some of her intricately embroidered upcycled clothing.
Dilly bags by Buribun Art
Wall art
Whether you like acrylics, watercolour, collage, nature and animals or abstract, there will be wall art that speaks to you!
Mother/daughter creative duo Karen & Barbara jointly and individually create abstract canvases incorporating collage. I met their pair when they held an exhibition at the local gallery (sadly now closed) and admired their shared aesthetic.
Local friends, Marea and Michelle both grew up here in Huskisson and developed their skills in painting – one in acrylics and the other in watercolour, both choosing local coastal animals as their subjects!
Wall art clockwise from top left: Michelle Stewart, Marea Sweeney, Karen Cunningham and Barbara Haynes
Art meets stationery
Amelia, aka Little Fledgling, is a very talented young artist who sells her incredible bird art on greeting cards and other merchandise – you can read about her in this article on Jervis Bay Weekend magazine.
Native birds by Little Fledgling
Toys, quilts, aprons and more
Hand-sewn items have more character and style than their mass-produced cousins. There will be some gems among the stalls.
We look forward to seeing you at the artisans markets!