Meet the local makers who will be at the NMA’s Museum Market Day this weekend
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This weekend, makers and artisans will descend on the National Museum of Australia’s Gandel Atrium to host a hive of gorgeous handmade and thoughtfully designed goodies – just in time for Mother’s Day.
Across this Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 May, The Museum Market Day will play host to more than 40 local and regional makers, whose stalls will feature everything from candles to clothing to jewellery, ceramics and spirits.
Of course, these stalls are in addition to the myriad beloved brands at the Museum Shop, including ELK, Tjanpi Desert Weavers, Robert Gordon, Trevor Dickinson, Leif, F!NK, Dinosaur Designs and much more.
One might say it’s the perfect time to snap up a gift before Mother’s Day the following weekend…
Regardless of who you’re buying for, or what you’re searching for, you’ll find something to love at the Market, with live music and food and drinks stalls, coffee and more to enjoy as you browse.
Here’s just a small selection of the local stalls you can look forward to. Excited already? Us too.
Lucian Candles
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One of Canberra’s most beloved homegrown candle makers, Lucian Candles’ little pots of scented joy are, well, kind of a must as winter descends.
With hand-blended scents like ‘O-live, Laugh, Love’, ‘Mulberry and Sandalwood’, ‘French Pear’ and the very appropriately named ‘Sweater Weather’, your home will be oh so cosy.
Bop Dotz
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Specialising in stunning, earth-toned minimalist ceramics perfect for special occasions and the everyday, Bop Dotz is another Canberra-made favourite, their elegant bowls and pleasingly textured mugs adorning a multitude of stylish homes across the city.
Looking for something wearable? Bop Dotz also has a curated range of jewellery.
La Source
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Stunning, colourful prints of Australian flora and fauna are La Source’s speciality, with large format framed prints, fans, postcards, tote bags and other gorgeous homewares on offer on Market Day.
Whether you’re in the market for a piece of art to bring a space to life or a colourful gift to brighten someone’s day, there’s something for every taste – keep a lookout for their signature city prints!
Blackburn Studios
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Stunning ceramics in unique formats and colours? Yes, please. Blackburn Studios offers an elegant twist on ceramic jewellery and a visually stunning range of homewares hand-painted in a range of delicious glazes.
Whether your taste runs to deep teal statement earrings or a delicate speckled serving platter, make sure to peruse creator Lucy Ings’ entire range.
Gillies Bros Distillery
Gillies Bros Distillery’s range of gin and whisky might be made a stone’s throw from Canberra in the Yass Valley, but Distiller David Gillies was actually inspired by American distilling traditions to create his signature range of moonshine, whisky and gin.
Intrigued? Make sure to stop by and sample one of the Canberra region’s newest distilleries.
Trade the Mark
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Joyful, colourful and intricate might be three words that spring to mind when seeing Trade The Mark’s range of ceramics for the first time.
Ceramicist Christina Mclean has brought a playful creativity to her range of earrings, vases, incense holders, plates, mugs and more, with all of the above expected at her Market Day stall.
Artomobile
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Got an automobile enthusiast in your life? Bringing the humble car to life on the page, Artomobile specialises in stunning renders of all cars with a special focus on classic and collectable cars. Gift sorted.
Focus Folding
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Utilising the ancient Japanese art of origami, Focus Folding’s delicate jewellery is a sight to behold. Crafting the smallest of artworks in a riot of colour, marvel at the intricate papercraft of these lightweight, hypoallergenic and handmade gems – a welcome addition to any jewellery box.
And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Get along to Museum Market Day for plenty more gorgeous local wares! What’s more, Friends of the Museum receive 20% discount on purchases at the Museum Shop. 20% discount includes instore purchases from 4–5 May 2024 only (excludes alcohol and gift vouchers).
THE ESSENTIALS
What: The Museum Market Day
When: Saturday 4 May from 9 am – 3 pm and Sunday 5 May from 9 am – 3 pm
Where: Gandel Atrium, just inside the entrance of the National Museum of Australia, Lawson Crescent, Acton
Cost: Free
Website: nma.gov.au/whats-on/market-day
