Arts market has it all

WORLD-famous artists have showcased their talents on the Swan Hill Town Hall stage – now it’s time for locals to shine in the spotlight.

Surrounded by restored Art Deco from 1935, local artists will show off their wares and produce at the fourth Winter Arts Market on Sunday.

There will be a fusion of art, workshops, food and live music under one roof from noon until 3pm.

Swan Hill Town Hall marketing officer Sharon Brinkman said the venue made it an attractive location for stallholders.

“It’s a different experience for them, other than being out in the winter cold,” she said.

“There are more and more stallholders around, so it’s great to give them access to different things.

“The stalls, workshops, food and music create a festival atmosphere – rain, hail or shine.”

Ms Brinkman said this instalment of the market featured varied stalls, from artworks and handcrafts to garden sculptures and locally made honey.

Mully’s Place will be a melting pot of mouth-watering choices, with pulled-pork sliders, meatball subs and desert boxes, African food, nachos, loaded fries, chicken nuggets and chips.

There will be tables and chairs outside on Beveridge Street, and with the maximum temperature forecast to reach a mostly sunny 19 degrees, it will be the place to be.

The town hall bar will also be open to purchase alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

Live music will add extra spark, with Sophie Kelly beginning as the doors open. Paul Rovere will perform from 1.30pm.

Stallholders confirmed as of Thursday included Shepo Whey, Made by Madison, Crafty Chikas, Kristen Cowland, DK Honey, Ellis Arts, Wiimpatja Nhuungku Designs, MandyV Acrylic & Resin Art, Nanna’s Kitchen, Hannah’s Bakes, Jenni’s Treasures, Alilyn Handcrafts, Pegs Shed, Matakupaat Arts and Hyde and Seek.

The town hall lighting crew will also demonstrate the stage lighting that’s put countless spotlights on touring artists.

Ms Brinkman said the venue also served as an unofficial open house for locals and visitors to explore the elegant venue.

Workshops and demonstrations are scheduled during the event.

Frankie O will take wannabe artists through making iconic images of Swan Hill, such as the Giant Murray Cod.

They will be displayed at Mully’s Place from August 12-15.

Session times are grouped by age, with 5 to 11-year-olds from noon to 12.45pm, 10 to 15-year-olds from 1pm to 1.45pm, and open age from 2pm to 2.45pm.

Swan Hill Floral Art Group will add some colour to the day upstairs on the mezzanine level. There will be sessions at 12.15pm (large one-off floral piece), 1.15pm (floral wreath using garden materials), 2.15pm (how to make your floral arrangement pop featuring five flowers) and 2.45pm (mechanics behind floral arrangements in containers).

Entry to the market is free.