Dragonflies Abuzz

Tactile Arts’ Dragonfly Makers Market returns to create a buzz, as more than 80 local creatives gather on the lawns of the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT).

^{By Jenna Hoare}

SAIL ALONG TO meet incredibly talented Top End artisans, crafters and designers, selling their wares while the sea breeze fans your face. Blissful, right? 

Tactile Arts’ Retail Manager and Exhibition Coordinator Ekat Kouzionis is a ceramicist by trade, and also runs pottery workshops with the community arts organisation. She says the Makers Markets, formerly known as Craft Fairs, are a hit with artisans and shoppers alike. 

“We have grown within the last 12 months. More people want to be in our markets – we receive more and more applications every time!” 

Kouzionis, who also has a stall at the market, started her crafting journey after undertaking an eight-week pottery class seven years ago. 

“I just kept going from there, and I never thought I’d make a career out of it. I kept signing up for the next lot of classes and then one day someone asked, ‘can I buy a mug?’.”

This year’s Dry season Makers Market holds a mixture of local favourites and some new artists emerging on the scene.

“Helen Menzies Pottery will have her popular stall on display, and silversmith Francis Ricketts will be showcasing handmade jewellery. Hunnah James is a new artist to look out for, with her paperbark and watercolour works. She recently held her first solo exhibition with Tactile Arts,” says Kouzionis. 

“There will be live music, the Tactile Arts’ shop will be open, an exhibition featuring Cal Power’s work will be on display, and artists in residence will hold a mini exhibition in the studios.” 

Flit your way on over to the Dragonfly Makers Market, enjoy the sights and sounds of the Arafura Sea, and snag yourself some locally-made goodies. Not a bad way to spend a Dry season Sunday at all.

Tactile Arts' Dragonfly Makers Market 
WHEN SUN 21 JUL | 9AM-3PM 
AT MAGNT LAWNS 
COST FREE 
INFO tactilearts.org.au