Ever wanted a stickybeak into the creative spaces of Canberra’s finest makers and creators?
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This weekend, 35+ studios and organisations are opening their doors for a rare look inside.
Taking place on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 November, the 2024 Craft + Design Canberra Open Studios are once again taking place to help art lovers get up and close with makers and creators.
That’s right – the creative minds of Canberra’s practising makers are inviting the public to experience their creative processes first-hand, watch live demonstrations, and explore the spaces where inspiration takes shape.
Offering a unique opportunity for the public to engage directly with local artists, craftspeople, and designers in their private studios, it’s a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse of Canberra’s dynamic (and beloved) art scene.
But you’ll need to plan your visit – from artists working in wood and textiles to ceramics, glass, and printmaking, there are studios open all over Canberra. Make sure to check out the Craft + Design website for the full details and to use their interactive trail map!
And in good news for those already dreading Christmas shopping, the Open Studios Weekend will also see the chance to take home exceptional, one-of-a-kind pieces at significantly reduced prices.
Selling stock directly to the public, you’ll find beautiful, handcrafted pieces just in time for the holiday season – and you know that your hard-earned money will be going directly to the maker.
Want to know where you can go? Here are some of the makers you can meet, divided by region.
NORTHSIDE
• Akie Haga + Valerie Kirk – O’Connor
• Monique Van Nieuwland – O’Connor
• Bev Hogg + Kaye Pemberton – Hackett (Saturday only)
• Anne Masters – Watson
• Blackburn Studio | Lucy Ings – Watson
• Cathy Franzi + Chris Harford – Watson
• Maricelle Olivier | Everything Flows Studio – Watson
• River’s Edge Ceramics | Sue Peachy – Watson
• Judy Witherdin – Kaleen
• Kirandeep Grewal – Casey
• Kirstin Guenther – MacGregor
• Sally Black – Holt
• Strathnairn Arts Centre Collective – Holt
• Brenda Runnegar – Hawker
• Jo Townsend – Weetangera
• Julie Ryder – Weetangera
• Sarit Cohen – Macquarie (Saturday only)
SOUTHSIDE
• Deep Blue Ceramics | Amy Beggs-French – Weston
• Alice Van Meurs | Kayannie Denigan | Jenni Kemarre Martinello – Waramanga (Saturday only)
• Lelde Vitols – Chifley
• Lex Sorrentino – Oxley
• Robert Schwartz + Rose-Mary Faulkner – Queanbeyan West
• Curtis and Schwarzrock Studio – Crestwood
• Atelier 818 | Lisa Cahill – Fyshwick
• Koitoya Design/Make/Teach | Hiroshi Yamaguchi – Fyshwick
• Detailed Wood | Ben Laffan – Fyshwick
• Sanctuary Canberra | Tania Vrancic, Sara Hogwood, Joanne Gittoes – Narrabundah
• Hearth Studio | Teffany Thiedeman + Ochre Bodhi – Yarralumla (Saturday only)
OPEN ORGANISATIONS
• Australian National Capital Artists – Dickson (Saturday only)
• Australian National Capital Artists – Mitchell (Sunday only)
• Canberra Spinners and Weavers Inc. – Chifley (Saturday only)
• Canberra Region Feltmakers – Kambah
• Thor’s Hammer – Griffith (Saturday only)
• M16 Artspace – Griffith (Saturday only)
Go on, you know you want too.
THE ESSENTIALS
What: Craft + Design Canberra Open Studios.
Where: Various locations.
When: Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 November
Web: craftanddesigncanberrafestival.org
Feature image: EDITION x Sarrita King 2024 . Photographer by Elena Caldaci. Model Cindy Rostron.
