Magic Makers
As the weather heats up in the Top End and the air thickens, it can only mean one thing. Well, okay, it means a lot of things, like the storms are a comin’ and the school holidays are almost here. It also means Christmas is just around the corner.
By Tierney Seccull
If you're on the hunt for unique and meaningful gifts for your loved ones this year, Tactile Arts is your one-stop shop. The hugely popular Craft Fairs have gone through a bit of a rebrand, and will be henceforth known as the Makers’ Markets, kicking off this month with the Tactile Arts Christmas Makers’ Market.
“Makers’ Market is a bit more premium, and we really wanted to share the quality of the goods that our members and the stallholders are producing,” Tactile Arts General Manager Aneka Truman says.
“Across Australia, ‘makers’ market’ tends to be more commonly used for craft markets these days, so we felt this elevated it a little bit and demonstrated the quality of the goods that are available.”
Also different to previous Christmas Craft Fairs is the brand-spanking new location at the Territory Netball Stadium in Marrara. Don’t worry – the new location still provides that much-appreciated indoor air-conditioned space – but it also provides loads of extra underground car parking and a huge space for stallholders.
This year, for a gold-coin donation, you can check out over 150 stalls for Christmas goodies, the two-day market giving you the chance to explore creative gifts on offer from Top End artisans. Take your pick from ceramics, jewellery, clothing and textiles, decorations, printmakers and painters, candles and soap, and more.
“We’ve got food trucks outside – including coffee! – and a variety of different craft workshops and demonstrations. Embroidery artist Cheryl Galpin is also holding an exhibition onsite, mixing it up from the Tactile Arts gallery where it would normally be held,” Truman says.
For those considering where to get unique Christmas gifts this year, there are many benefits as to why you should hit up your local arts market.
“The money goes back into the Territory – I think it’s so important to support local artists and the local community. Then there's the fact you’re getting something that’s unique, that’s handmade, that hasn’t been mass-produced – you’ve got an item that is special,” Truman says.
“Buying locally is good for sustainability, too, the quality is there.”
Bring your fam and friends, your purses and wallets and gold coins, and get into the festive spirit with some jolly talented Top Enders.
Tactile Arts Christmas Makers’ Market
WHEN SAT 11 & SUN 12 NOV | 9-4PM
AT TERRITORY NETBALL STADIUM, MARRARA
COST GOLD COIN
INFO tactilearts.org.au
Thumbnail: Janie Andrews
Header: Ekaterini Kouzionis
Inset: Samantha Maloney
