Craft, Care & Community
Looking for a one-of-a kind gift for mum made with real care and love? Look no further than the Mother’s Day Craft Fair! With over 60 stalls showcasing the work of Top End artists, designers and makers, the Mother’s Day Craft Fair transforms the Waterfront precinct into an arts and crafts paradise.
Thanks to COVID (silver linings!), the stalls now extend across the entire lawns, so you can make the most of wandering around on a beautiful day at the start of the Dry, while browsing the tropical creativity on display.
The gorgeous surrounds also serve as a fitting reminder of why the environment is such an important source of inspiration for local artists. Tactile Arts’ General Manager Tessa Duke explains that Top End makers are often inspired by nature.
“You can really see that the environment flows through into what they produce, whether that’s in the theme of a print or in the materials they use. Some of our artists use oyster shells for decoupage, while others create jewellery from beach glass or make artworks from discarded fishing nets.”
Some exciting goodies to keep your eye out for at this year’s fair include gift cards crafted from scratch – and when we say ‘from scratch’ we really mean it! Kathy Carter from Recycle Me Cards makes her own handcrafted paper out recycled paper, before adding leaves or other found objects to construct beautifully decorated cards that are more like gifts in their own right.
But if you’re after a larger present for mum, don’t worry! There’s plenty to choose from among the funky textiles, homewares, ceramics, paintings, prints and more.
But perhaps the best thing about the Mother’s Day Craft Fair remains the sense of community it cultivates.
“It’s that personal connection between stallholders and the public that matters,” explains Tess.
“And the ability for artists and makers to grow their creativity by having these events to exhibit their work at.”
So although you might think you’re just getting your Mother’s Day shopping done, rest assured you’re actually doing a whole lot more by being an important part of the Top End’s creative ecology. Now that’s a gift that keeps on giving!
Mother's Day Craft Fair
WHEN SAT 8 MAY | 9AM-3PM
AT DARWIN WATERFRONT
COST FREE
INFO tactilearts.org.au
Photos: Header & thumbnail – Salvation Jewellery
Middle – Aly de Groot
