central craft newsletter · beautiful lou la dolls from the hello dolly [ members exhibition raised...

Central Craft Newsletter June 2012

Central Craft Newsletter C e n t r a l A u s t r a l i a n Te r r i t o r y C r a f t I n c .

June 2012 Newsletter

Inside this issue:

Membership information / Committee / Sponsors 2

Chairperson’s Report 3

From the Centre Coordinator 4

News and Updates 6-8

From the Business Coordinator 10

Regular groups 11

Upcoming workshops 2012 12

It’s that time of year again when the Precinct becomes positively alive with Beanie Festival Fever! Join us at Central Craft

during the 2012 Alice Springs Beanie Festival in a celebration of craft over 4 fun-filled days. With over 25 different workshops to choose from, including silk painting, inklette weaving or learning how to make hula hoop rugs. Or why not try your hand at making silk paper, embellishing fingerless gloves, or delight in crocheting a garden in stitches. There’s making knitted jewellery with beads and cords, painting wool

and of course all kinds of fabulous felting.


Central Australian Territory Craft Inc.

Central Craft Alice Springs Cultural Precinct 61 Larapinta Drive, Alice Springs NT 0870 PO Box 85, Alice Springs NT 0871 Phone: 08 8952 4417 Fax: 08 8953 5465 Email: [email protected] Website: www.centralcraft.org.au

Opening hours

Office Monday— Friday 9.30am—4.00pm Retail Outlet Monday—Friday 10am—4pm Saturday & Sunday 11am—3pm

Central Craft Membership Membership categories and fees for 2012 are: General Member $66 Student/Pensioner/Senior $44 Honorary Life Member free Family Membership up to 2 adults and 4 children under 18 $110 Group Membership - not for profit, charitable up to 20 people $110 21 to 40 people $140 over 41 people $160 Organisation/Business Membership – for profit up to 40 people $160 over 41 people $220 Benefits include:

access to workshop facilities and monthly newsletters

discounts on classes, workshops, materials, gallery hire ,library, annual members’ exhibi-tion, invitations

a voice for craft development in Central Australia Committee

Chairperson: Tara Leckey

Vice Chairperson: Tanya Hattingh

Secretary: Caroline Green

Treasurer: Donovan Hannis

Public Officer: Julie Millerick

Members: Regina Yurkonis

Staff

Centre Coordinator: Carmel Ryan

Business Coordinator: Jen Standish-White

Central Craft encourages members to be involved with all aspects of our operation and

your input is welcome at any time.

Newsletter compiled by Jen Standish-White

Sponsors We wish to acknowledge and thank our sponsors

The office of Robyn Lambley MLA, Member for Araluen

for printing of the Newsletters

The Alice Springs Airport

for display of the Alice Craft Acquisition Collection


From the Chair

In 1993 I walked into the Central Craft building for a job interview and immediately knew that I’d found my place in Alice Springs. I’d just completed my university studies and had ventured up to the NT from Victoria looking for work. Fortunately, I found it here as the new Projects Officer. I was very excited as it was my first real job and I still remember signing my first contract which came with a huge annual salary of $25,000! Taking up the reins from the experienced and knowledgeable hands of Barbara Butler was a daunting experience. I soon realised just how much I had to learn! Certainly if not for the guidance and patience of a wonderful and supportive committee, I doubt I would have lasted more than a few of months. After working at Central Craft for three years I relocated to Queensland where I worked for the Cairns Regional Gallery, Kick Arts Collective and Just Us Theatre Ensemble. In the preceding ten or so years, I’ve gone on to work with a number of remote community art centres and peak Aboriginal arts agencies in Darwin and Alice Springs. I returned to Alice Springs about four years ago and now work as an arts consultant on various projects around the NT. Not long after arriving back in Alice, I made my way back to Central Craft and got in-volved. In 2009, I worked with the corporation’s committee to develop a three year business plan and it was through that process that I re-connected with the unique, creative, inclusive, supportive, friendly and wonderful organisation that is Central Craft. I look forward to giving back some of the great support I received all those years ago and to working with Carmel, Jen, Tanya, Donovan, Caroline, Julie and Regina in the year ahead. Tara Leckey, Chairperson

The Sustainable Couture group started in 2009 and this will be their 5th collection, including their very successful debut at last year’s Castlemaine Festival. The group of eight local tex-tile artists / designers —Franca Frederiksen , Philomena Hali, Carmel Ryan, Nicky Schonkala, Julie Millerick, Sarah Hill, Jane Lloyd & Kathy Frank who have designed their collections from recycled fabrics and materials. The Parade to open their exhibition has grown in popularity with well over 250 attending last year. Usually held in Central Craft’s studio, there has been a move to bigger premises and this year the Central Australian Aviation Museum, (still on the Araluen precinct) will play host to the 2012 Aviation inspired "Runway Collection". This not to be missed event "takes off” at 6. 30pm on the eve of the Beanie Festival, Thursday June 21 Following the parade, garments will go on sale at Central Craft in the June Marriott Gallery, and continue until 6 July. Tickets are on sale at Central Craft, the Aviation Museum, Dymocks, and TravelBaggers for $5. Drinks & Nibbles will be available at the opening following the Parade and everyone is welcome to attend. For more details T: Central Craft on 89524417 or Franca Frederiksen on 0418 897 143


From the Centre Coordinator

I am writing this report on the Queens Birthday long weekend . While half of the town is in the

grips of Finke fever, this traditionally has always been my few days with the house to myself and

a revving up of my machines ( of the sewing type of course ) It's either when I start my wearable art entry or

when I am trying to finish my collection of up cycled garments. This year is no exception, although I am not enter-

ing the WAA’s, the latter is certainly on the agenda. Every room in the house seems to have remnants of material

and thread , visible signs of deconstruct, little piles waiting for the reconstruct! Hopefully it will all come together

by the eve of the Beanie Festival when Sustainable Couture 2012 takes off (see article page ..... ) This year we are

moving the parade out of the Central Craft studio to a bigger venue at the Aviation Museum , in the Araluen Pre-

cinct, followed by the exhibition sale in the June Marriott

Gallery.. please come along and let yourself be inspired.

You can master some of the techniques the sustainable couture designers( all CC members ) use, by enrolling in

our Beanie Festival workshops over the weekend of June 22 - 25.Dyeing, crochet, printing, beading, weaving,

something for everyone. There's no better time to get crafty than during the beanie festival. The atmosphere is

amazing, you’ll not only learn new skills , you’ll also meet new people from all over the country and share more

than a yarn or two! Book now, as places are limited and you don't want to miss out!

Speaking of the Wearable Arts, if you have ever considered putting in an entry, and I would thoroughly

recommend it! Just a reminder that applications close very soon, so download your entry form now, from the Red

Hot Arts website or visit the Wearable Art Awards Facebook page , where there are plenty of images and video

clips of past performances to inspire you. The actual awards night is on at Araluen on August 25 and the Youth

Show is on Sunday 26 August ........so remember also to save those dates.

Looking to keep your teenagers entertained in the upcoming school holidays? We are offering some free beading

and felting workshops on Saturday June 30 and Sunday July 1 ..........30 spaces available, so book early.

Just a reminder too that the Quilting Clubs spectacular Christmas exhibition is in its final days. Christmas in

June??? Yes they are crackers! but you can actually appreciate all these wonderful festive quilts and handcrafted

items more, when you're not in the midst of the mania that often accompanies the festive season. The next sale

exhibition in the June Marriott Gallery will be the Sustainable Couture which runs until July.

A big welcome to all our new members who have recently joined and also a huge thank you to those members

who continue to volunteer their services in our shop and around the studio. We are desperately seeking

volunteers to assist in the retail shop, so please contact me if you are able to help out with this.

Speaking of volunteers we were all thrilled at the news of member Emmy Van Marseveen’s Life Membership,

Emmy has certainly been a stalwart around Central Craft over many years !

Hopefully I will see many of you at Central Craft on the weekend of June 22nd to 25th during the Beanie Festival

Workshops, until then , take care, don those Beanies and stay warm!

Cheers Carmel


News and updates….

Bindi mob attended a series of printing workshops with tutors from Batchelor Institute at Central Craft during the months of March—May. Fabrics printed will be featured at the ‘All things print’ Student Exhibition

A very warm welcome to our new members who joined in May:

Lisa Brigham, Clare Fuller, Tamahlia Lee Chevalier, Bill and Anj Palmer, Marg Johnson, Robyn Gepp,

Hugh Brocklebank, Sharon Follett and Davina Edwards.

And a thank you to those who members who renewed their membership:

Mel Robson, Tapatjatjaka Arts, Patsy Morton, Leigh Childs, Ros Minchin, Laramba Women CDEP,

Sue Raggatt and the Sustainable Couture Group.


News and updates…

Central Craft was delighted to host a Biggest Morning Tea on behalf of the Cancer Council on the 9 May. The U3A group treated guests of all ages to a table full of delicious cakes and other tasty treats. Donations from the tea, our Mother’s Day Raffle and a % of sales from Carmel Ryan’s beautiful Lou La dolls from the ‘Hello Dolly’ members exhibition raised $166.00 for this worthy cause.

Our sincere appreciation to outgoing Central Craft Committee members

Chairperson Deb Smith, Deputy Chairperson Faye Alexander and Committee Member Emmy van Maarseveen.

We thank them for their vision and guidance and the many volunteer hours they have given whilst serving on the Committee;

and hope that after a well-deserved rest they may consider to put up their hands again to stand on the Committee.


News and updates…. As part of the 2012 National Volunteer Week, Central Craft extended a very warm

welcome to all its volunteers to attend a ‘Volunteers—Everyone Counts’ Thank You lunch on the 22nd May. For those volunteers who were able to join us, we were delighted to acknowledge and thank them for their dedication and unstinting support over the past year. Donovan Hannis presented each volunteer with a Certificate of Appreciation ( please note, the others are in the post) and our very much loved Emmy van Maarseveen was awarded Life Membership to Central Craft in grateful recognition of her valuable

and selfless contribution over many years to Central Craft. From Left: Ursula Burmeister, Regina Yurkonis, Rhonda Schembri, Jen Standish-White,

Tanya Hattingh, Bronwyn Beesley, Emmy van Maarseveen, Donovan Hannis, Mavis Wright, Virginia Garner, Caroline Green, Tara Leckey and Carmel Ryan. Below: Volunteers enjoying the luncheon and having a laugh as they played ‘pass the parcel’

A group of 14 young women from the Sandover Group School had fun at a jewellery workshop under the cheerful tutorage of Caroline Searle on the 19th May at Central Craft studio. The young women were in town from Ti Tree and Hart’s Range to attend Big hART’s production ‘Namatjira’ at Araluen Art Centre Theatre.

Above: Emmy receiving her Life membership


News and updates…. Encaustic Painting Workshop with acclaimed US Tutor Judy Edwards

Central Craft was a hub of activity on the 19th May with a full studio captivated by acclaimed US tutor Judy Edwards delivering her workshop on encaustic (hot wax) painting. This medium was introduced by the ancient Greeks and is often used by contemporary masters to create exquisite, luminous painting effects. The studio was filled with the aroma of melted wax and there seemed to be much banter and laughter by the par-ticipants as they experimented and applied their new found knowledge to create a diverse selection of art works. We thank Judy for sharing her knowledge and skills with our members.

Photo’s from top left clockwise: 1. New member Bill Palmer with Judy Edwards, Betty Wilson and Ineke van den Hout. 2. Sue Raggatt showing her first work. 3. Another one of Sue’s exquisite works of art 4. Sue Raggatt (left) and Mandy Webb (right) talking to a visitor to the Precinct about the workshop 5. Ineke’s fabulous work of encaustic art 6. From back left: Pat McCrossin, Judy Edwards, Sue Raggatt(obscured), Bill Palmer, Betty Wilson, Ineke van den Hout and Caroline Green.


News and updates… The Alice Springs Quilting Club

celebrated Christmas early with a colourful and beautifully crafted

exhibition of hand quilts in the June Marriott Gallery.

Exhibition runs to 17th June.

The U3A Group who meet regularly after lunch on a Wednesday at Central Craft are seen here (below) helping Barb McIlvain prepare some skeins of wool for her ‘Painted Wool’ Workshop to be held at Central Craft on Sunday 24th June at 9.30am—11.30am during the Beanie Festival. Barb provides participants with plain knitted wool which is then painted in colours and sequences using permanent dyes in lovely bright or muted colours.

The wool is then unraveled and rolled into skeins ready to be knitted into your own unique design. Barb supplies $25.00 kits for this workshop which includes 200 grams of wool, either 4 or 8 ply, skeined and ready for dyeing. The workshop costs $35.00 and as the class size is limited to only 8 participants and with places filling fast, contact Central Craft to secure a place now.


From the Business Coordinator On the 29th May at the AGM, Central Craft farewelled Deb Smith, Faye Alexander and Emmy van Maarseveen from our Committee and in turn welcomed Tara Leckey, Julie Millerick and Tanya Hattingh to join with ongoing committee members Donovan Hannis, Caroline Green and Regina Yurkonis. This small group of dedicated volunteers are responsible for keeping Central Craft committed to fulfilling its vision and purpose as set out in the Constitution. In many ways they are the ‘brains trust’ of the organisation and as such set the strategic plan to ensure Central Craft continues to nurture and promote craft and design practise for all Central Australians. Although disappointingly, there were only 11 members present at the AGM, the staff and Executive were able to look back on the achievements of 2011 to reflect on how best to manage the organisation into the future. As food for thought, I would like to share part of Treasurer Donovan Hannis’s report from the AGM: ‘We recently were treated to a wonderful example of how grants can be used to fulfill our mission and help the bottom line. Central Craft received a relatively small grant of $500 to mark International Women’s Day by plan-ning the “Anmatjere Women” exhibit in the June Marriott Gallery. This showcased the art of Aboriginal women, and brought diverse communities together during the show’s opening. Central Craft received nearly $2,000 in commission from the sale of artwork at that exhibit. The message I took from this experience is that, while the amount of the grant was small, it was like a seed that bore abundant fruit. Each project we fund with a grant can lead to traffic through our gift shop, commissions from our gallery, workshops and new memberships. Unfortunately, all too often, we let the tail wag the dog. We hear about the opening of a new grant round of some sort, and scramble to put together a program to match the grant parameters. That leaves the Business Coordina-tor in the impossible position of trying to guess the artistic visions and aspirations of Central Craft’s members. The process should work the other way around. I would offer that we artists at Craft Central should do more to initiate the grant process. Surely we all have a dream project to share or a need that keeps us from our artistic visions. If we each try to identify those things now and take some initial steps in documenting them, they will be ready when the grant rounds come. I will try to help initiate this process, because I feel it would be good if we had a few ideas sitting on the shelf for those days when our Business Coordinator learns money is available and the application deadline is fast approaching.’ With that in mind, if you have any ‘dream projects’ you would like to share, please do get in touch with me. In closing, this past month, we were delighted to honour and thank our volunteers during National Volunteer

Week. Along with the Committee, Central Craft relies heavily on our volunteers, who in 2011 committed 1 500

volunteer hours to the organisation; most of which was in the retail outlet and as gallery sitters. This is by no

means a small feat and without such dedication Central Craft would not be able to deliver the retail and gallery

services that it does.

If any member would like a copy of the 2011 Annual Report, please do let me know.

Jen

HAVE SOME NEWS YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE?

Members are most welcome to contribute articles, photos, stories to the

Central Craft Newsletter. Please phone the office on 8952 4417

or email [email protected] to give your suggestion or submit information.


News and updates…

Regular groups meeting at Central Craft in 2012

WATERCOLOUR GROUP

meets each Monday 10am – 1pm

( e xcept school holidays)

FACILITATOR: Jude Mapleson

FEE: $1 members; $3 non members

includes tea & coffee.

A get-together for like-minded people to sketch, paint, work

together and inspire each other.

No tuition given.

LACE and SPINNING GROUP meets on the 2nd ( 1 0am—3pm ) & 4th ( 1pm—3pm ) Saturday of

month for anyone to come and join in. FACILITATOR: Virginia Garner

U3A GROUP

meets each Wednesday 1.30pm – 3.30pm.

Like-minded people bring together their crafts and ideas.

SEWING GROUP

meets alternate Wednesday nights 6pm—9pm

at Central Craft Studios.

Bring something you are working on and need help

with — or just your sewing questions.

FACILITATOR: Emmy van Maarseveen

FEE: Free for members; $12 for non members.

Entry via eastern studio door from Memorial Ave

UP LATE: Thursday nights at Central Craft . ( Cancelled for the July school holidays )

An open studio on Thursday nights from 6.00 pm—9.00pm for artists to come and work together with

FACILITATORS Mel Robson and Caroline Green. Bring your supplies and make use of the studio

facilities including the dye lab, clay studio and potters wheels, fabric printing tables, spinning wheels,

looms….. Members free. Non-members $5.00.

THE CENTRAL AUSTRALIAN GEM AND MINERAL CLUB

meet every Tuesday night from 7.30pm—9.00pm in their clubrooms at Central Craft.

Learn how to facet stones and garnets, cut opals, and try other techniques to enhance stones. For more information phone 8952 9299 during business hours

FIBRE FRIENDLY FRIDAYS

Meet each Friday from 9.30am—4.00pm All fibre artists welcome.

Come and have a cuppa and finish off those UFO’ s .

FACILITATOR: Regina Yurkonis.

Fee: Members free & $5 for non-members


Upcoming Workshops in 2012

Central Craft ‘Beanie Festival’ Workshops 22nd—25th June 2012

FRIDAY 22 JUNE

1.00pm – 3.00pm

Fun with Silk Paper with Kathy Frank

Beading, Basic Jewellery Making with Caroline Searle

Garden in Stitches - Crochet with Donovan Hannis

A Pod, A Nest, A Bowl - felting with Regina Yurkonis

Felted Silk Flower Embellishment with Margie Goodluck 3.30pm – 5.30pm

Embellished Fingerless Gloves with Mary Burns

Stencil Felting with Regina Yurkonis

Nuno-felted Wool, Silk & Lace Scarf with Margie Goodluck

Make 5 Pairs of Earrings!! with Paula Ann

Felted Pocket Necklace with Kathy Frank

Beading, Beaded Critters with Caroline Searle

SATURDAY 23 JUNE

9.30am – 11.30am

Dyeing Silk Naturally with Margie Goodluck


Introducing Inklette Weaving with Gay Epstein

Textile Printing, Decorate a Bag with Sarah Hill

Felted Embellishments with Kathy Frank 12.30pm – 2.30pm

Designer Silk Scarves with Philomena Hali

Garden in Stitches, Crochet with Donovan Hannis

Knitted Jewellery using Beads & Fibre with Barb McIlvain


Beading French Flowers with Caroline Searle

Hula Hoop Rug, fabric weaving with Margie Goodluck 3.00pm – 5.00pm

Knitting Jewellery using Beads & Fibre with Barb McIlvain

Needle Felted Art Beret with Regina Yurkonis

Beading for Beginners, for all ages! With Paula Ann

Nuno- felted Wool, Silk & Lace Scarf with Margie Goodluck

Twisted Wire Jewellery with Caroline Searle

I’m Feeling Lucky! A mystery workshop with ??????

SUNDAY 24 JUNE

9.30am – 11.30am


Painted Wool with Barb McIlvain

Fun with Silk Paper with Kathy Frank

Felted Bucket Handbag or Vessel with Margie Goodluck

Textile Printing , Decorate a Bag with Sarah Hill

Needle Felted Art Beret with Regina Yurkonis

12.30pm – 2.30pm

Basic Felt Making with Philomena Hali

Garden in Stitches , Crochet with Donovan Hannis

Make 5 Pairs of Earrings!! with Paula Ann

Twisted Wire Jewellery with Caroline Searle


Felted Bucket Handbag or Vessel with Margie Goodluck

3.00pm – 5.00pm

Garden in Stitches, Crochet with Donovan Hannis


Silk Painting for Beginners with Paula Ann

Beading, Beaded Critters with Caroline Searle

Hula Hoop Rug, fabric weaving with Margie Goodluck

MONDAY 25 JUNE

10.00am – 12.00 noon

Deconstruct – Reconstruct, with Philomena Hali


Knitting, with Cords & Beads with Barb McIlvain

Dyeing Silk Naturally with Margie Goodluck

Felted Embellishments with Kathy Frank Workshops cost $35.00 (incl GST) (Pay materials and kit fees directly to tutor at start of class. See workshop brochure for kit details) For enrolment forms go to: www.centralcraft.org.au To book your place in a class phone 08 8952 4417 or email: [email protected]

http://www.centralcraft.org.au

mailto:[email protected]


Upcoming Workshops in 2012

Central Craft School Holiday Program

30 June 'Kreative Kidz—Beaded Critters Workshop' 1.00pm—4.00pm Central Craft Studio Tutor: Beading Artist Caroline Searle. Participants will learn off-loom weaving to create dragonflies, fish, seahorses and other beaded creatures. Using a variety of bead sizes to meet different levels of skills, participants will be able to make a creature to take home with them. Cost: Free ( 15 places available) Ages: 12—15 years

1 July 'Kreative Kidz—Felted Balls Workshop' 1.00pm—4.00pm Central Craft Studio Tutor: Felt Artist Caroline Searle. Participants will create colourful felted balls in a variety of sizes using a basic wet felting technique using multi-coloured wool felted over polystyrene balls. The participants will be shown how this technique can be used to make fun objects like felt covered hand soaps, felted bead jewellery and other items of home made gifts. Cost: Free ( 15 places available) Ages: 12—15 years

These workshops funded through the Department of Children and Families, Office of Youth Affairs through its Youth Vibe Holiday Grants.

10 July and 12 July ‘ Ceramics Workshop’ 10.00am—12 noon Central Craft Studio Tutor: Ceramicist Lucy Stewart. Participants will learn to make basic pottery. Cost: Free Ages: 8 years upwards Places are limited so booking essential Tel: Lucy at Red HOT Arts on 8953 6111

These workshops supported by Red HOT Arts, the Alice Springs Town Council and Central Craft

Date TBA ‘Kids Jewellery Workshop’ Tutor: Shaun Leyland For more details contact Carmel on 8952 4417


Central Craft is

Thank you to the office of Robyn Lambley MLA, Member for Araluen

for printing the Newsletters and Annual Report

Alice Springs Airport for display of the ACA Collection


SURFACE MAIL POSTAGE PAID AUSTRALIA If undeliverable return to: Central Craft PO Box 85 Alice Springs 0871 Print Post approved PP545270/00007

central craft newsletter · beautiful lou la dolls from the hello dolly [ members exhibition raised...

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