The 2020 DESIGN Canberra festival is on from 9 to 29 November. Photo: Supplied.
In our beautiful city, many people don’t realise that we have acclaimed makers, artists and designers who could choose to live anywhere in the world but instead choose to live, work and make here in Canberra. And every November, DESIGN Canberra’s popular Open Studios program gives the public an opportunity to meet these talented makers in person and buy direct.
After a tough year, DESIGN Canberra has expanded opportunities for artists to sell their work, forge marketplace connections, develop new work and build visibility for their craft. The 2020 festival is on from 9 to 29 November and the home.byholly team say they are proud to be a platinum sponsor of the festival once again.
“It’s such a privilege to visit beautiful art studios to see these truly creative environments and learn more about the amazing artists who work in our suburbs, and make Canberra such a wonderful place to live,” says home.byholly’s Holly Komorowski.
The team at home.byholly, who love to promote good design and our beautiful city, were recently invited for a sneak peek of some of the beautiful studios featured in this year’s DESIGN Canberra festival.
With an early preview, Holly has some recommendations to share.
“With just a few weeks to go, it’s time to start thinking about your personal festival schedule. I recommend the popular open studios program as a great place to start,” Holly says.
The team at home.byholly, were recently invited for a sneak peek of some of the beautiful studios featured in this year’s DESIGN Canberra. Photo: Supplied.
On Saturday 14 November, ceramic lovers will get their fix at the hugely popular studio of Bev Hogg.
“Be prepared to be patient,” Holly warns, “This is the most popular of all the studios but worth the wait. Bev’s colourful disposable cups and ceramic birds fill many beautiful Canberra homes and gardens.”
Nearby, the amazing Annie Trevillian will open her studio full of brightly coloured textiles including beautiful linen tea towels with distinctly Canberra references to magpies, the Shine Dome and more.
“Over at ANCA, don’t miss the workshop of Canberra’s most international designer, Tom Skeehan. His sleek and contemporary furniture is stunning, with a story to tell,” Holly said.
Also at ANCA is Lymesmith, an award-winning design practice. Lymesmith creates artworks for the built environment and deeply understands how colour can transform a space.
Round off your creative Saturday with a visit to the beautiful studios of textile designer Julie Ryder and ceramic artist Josephine Townsend. These two talented artists live around the corner from each other, and it’s a wonderful opportunity to collect beautiful homewares from handprinted tea towels, tablecloths to tableware, jewellery and garden pots.
DESIGN Canberra’s middle weekend features work by artists in Canberra’s beautiful inner north suburb of O’Connor. Valerie Kirk weaves spectacular textured tapestries which hang in the Australian National University and other collections. Her charming studio in the backyard of a Tocumwal Cottage in O’Connor will have work for sale and a display of her drawings and other textiles. Nearby, fellow textiles artist Sharon Peoples’ beautiful garden studio provides her with endless inspiration for her hand and machine embroidery which is held in national collections. Sharon will share some of her creative process in demonstrations to visitors to her studio.
The final weekend of the DESIGN Canberra festival will feature some of Canberra’s favourite designers. Glass artist Lisa Cahill makes beautiful sculptures and art installations from her light-filled Fyshwick studio and will have homewares, jewellery and artworks available for sale. The transformation of the iconic old Tip Top Bakery factory in Griffith by Thor’s Hammer has been an enormous success for the many people who love this timber recycling and furniture-making operation. Expanding to include a gallery space, tours and demonstrations, Thor’s studio is a rare opportunity to appreciate traditional joinery techniques, the ins and outs of timber recycling and using natural oils to finish furniture.
Holly has one more for your list to round out the festival.
“Last, but certainly not least, make sure you visit the Waramanga fashion studio of Alice van Meurs EDITION label. Alice’s contemporary garments are sustainable, wearable and beautiful.”
For more information visit DESIGN Canberra and home.byholly.
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