New interactive makers market comes to Petone
Amakers market promises colour and creativity, interaction and inspiration.
But the reality can often be quite different. Wellington creative Dani Forde, 25, noticed a lack of enthusiasm and participation in Wellington’s art market scene, with stallholders on their phones or hiding behind tables, making them quiet, even ‘‘boring’’. ‘‘New Zealand’s markets don’t spark the same energy or bring the same crowds as Australian makers markets do, in cities that are a similar size to Wellington,’’ Forde said.
So taking matters into her own hands, Forde has single-handedly organised a new event, The Inspiration GardenMarket, in Petone this weekend.
Packed into the Petone Baptist Church, every artist – 22 with stalls and 14 others – will be providing demonstrations of their art form, with some even offering the chance for shoppers to try it themselves.
As well as watching artists at work, shoppers can buy their products too. Therewill be potters, painters with more than 10 different styles, including wax painting, book makers, embroiders, jewellerymakers, even one making leather goods.
The event aims to support and promote creativity, as well as help local artists and product designers thrive.
There will be artists from The Learning Connexion and The Hutt Art Centre in attendance, to create and engage the audience with their skills throughout the foyer and the main space.
There will be ‘‘creativity happening in every corner’’, as well as food and coffee, and places to sit and have a break.
Forde is no stranger to the art scene, or markets, having spent a year as the marketing manager for the Underground Market before it closed last year.
She was also the driving force behind temporary Vivian St popup store Cool Sh*t Happens, helping young local artists get off the ground, and at least two of them had gone on to open their own stores.
Now, she’s using those connections and skills to bring together artists passionate about not just selling their wares, but sharing their craft. After its debut this weekend, the next market is set to run on January 16.
‘‘Our community deserves to have large, regular market events that draw crowds because they are so full of life and energy.’’ Petone Baptist Church, 38 Buick St, Petone, this Saturday from 10am to 4pm.