General News
29 November, 2024
Market to transform Newstead
Whether you are looking for some eye-catching handmade jewellery to complement a new outfit, captivating artwork to decorate your home, or making a start on your Christmas shopping, the Newstead Artist Market has something for every art enthusiast this weekend.
The Newstead Arts Hub will transform into a bustling showcase of various art forms courtesy of around 35 local artists across 30 stalls.
Visitors will also be treated to live music and a plethora of food and drink including coffee, candy and a sausage sizzle.
Newstead Arts hub coordinator Melissa O’Rourke said the market is an exciting way to promote talented locals.
“There is a range of craft, fine art and everything in between — the public will get to see the range of artists that we have here and get some great gifts for themselves or others,” she said.
“Sometimes artists don’t necessarily want an exhibition and a market is a great way of getting feedback while making a bit of money which can be difficult sometimes.
“We wanted to have [a market] here at Newstead because this is such a rich area for artists.
“It was actually artists who put forward the idea that they wanted a market locally for them to show their artwork and share it with the community.
“I’m excited to see everything all together, it’s going to be such an exciting way to see the whole arts hub activated with all these different works and artists.”
Sunday’s event aims to build on the successes of last year’s inaugural market which saw over 500 locals create a fun environment for all according to stallholder Saide Gray.
“I came to the artist market last year and I really enjoyed the buzz around it and it had so much wonderful stuff,” she said.
“Then I came to the De-Stash art market here where you bring all of your stuff that you want to pass on to a good home and that was also great fun.
“I find it nerve-wracking presenting publicly but I love meeting all the other artists and seeing what they are doing.
“I was involved at the arts hub committee for several years and it’s such a lovely space — I used to clean it just for fun because it’s always fun to be at the art hub.”
Fellow stallholder June Huxley agreed with Ms Gray and said she’s delighted to display her unique jewellery to the public.
“We do a lot of markets and I’m always looking for stuff that I can pull apart and remodel into something that is a wearable piece,” she said.
“If I find something, my brain starts to kick in and just because I’m retired doesn’t mean I stop.
“I get a lot of pleasure when I finish something and I look at it and think ‘wow, I made that’ and it’s great to see someone else get the same enjoyment.”
The Newstead Arts Market will be held this Sunday, December 1 from 10 am to 3 pm at the Newstead Arts Hub. Entry is free.
For more information, visit newsteadartshub.org