all about Christmas
Have yourself a very arty Christmas... At this time of the year, art and small-scale commerce go handin-hand in Canberra’s gallery shops, says HELEN MUSA...
Alexandra Freeman’s Polka Luka resin jewellery at the Front Café and Gallery.
BEAVER Galleries’ Christmas collection includes glass by Nicole Ayliffe, prints by Judy Horacek, mixed media boxes by David Innocente, jewellery by Felicity Peters and wraps and scarves by Liz Williamson. It’s open until 5pm on December 24 and re-opens on January 18.
‘Tis the season to be creative By Megan Haggan CREATIVE types are making their own decorations this Christmas, says Tara Dennis, interior decorator, TV presenter and face of Plush Sofas. “Christmas in Australia is synonymous with long sunny days, holidays by the beach and a sense of summer fun,” she says. “Channel the very essence of summer with a beach-inspired Christmas table.” Real or ceramic coral can add some colour, while glass fish bowls can be filled with white shells, dry sand or small pebbles, plus pearly white and silver baubles, and starfish and shells, Tara says. “Every Christmas table should flicker with the festive light of Christmas candles!” she adds. “Each family has their own traditions, and there is no right or wrong way to decorate your home – as long as it is done with the Christmas spirit at heart.”
PAINTBOX Fine Art in Lonsdale Street Braddon has “Small Wonder”, unusually (for Paintbox) small works from three regular Paintbox artists, Ray Barnett, Lorraine Lewitzka and Jan Weir and new artists Tony Giles and Datsun Tran daily until December 24, www. paintboxfineart.com UNTIL December 19, M16 Art space is celebrating Christmas with affordable art by contemporary artists Brett Bailey, Julie Bradley, Leah Bullen, Brenda Dabrook, Michelle Day, Nicky Dickson, Linzie Ellis, Lee Grant, Katherine Griffiths, Blaide Lallemand, Payal Mahajan, Timo Nest, Derek O’Connor, Gary Smith and Kensuke Todo.
Bauble centrepiece (above). Required: acrylic baubles, wire, pliers. To assemble: Measure and cut a length of wire, about 210cm. Shape one end to create a 90cm circle, then continue coiling the wire upwards to form a point. Using the pliers, bend the wire over at the lower end to form a hook, then begin to thread on the baubles. Once the base circle is full, hook the wire to form a closed loop, then continue threading the baubles all the way to the top.
DESIGNER Alexandra Freeman has a background in fine arts, art history and cultural studies, fine-tuned over eight years of working in rural China and South-East Asia. She’s exhibiting resin jewellery and some clothing under her label Polka Luka at the Front Café and Gallery in Lyneham shops until December 23. CANBERRA Glassworks is presenting “Limited Lines 2010”, glass, jewellery and limited-edition objects by leading artists from around Australia. It features works by Ruth Allen, Helen Aitken-Kuhnen, Nadege Descgenetez, Annette Blair, Jo Bone and Karen Cunningham. Runs until January 13.
White Christmas tree candle, $29.99 from dusk.
BUNGENDORE Woodworks has gifts handmade by Australian craftsmen from native timber, as well as “Jewellery for Blokes”– actually fine, hand-made tools for woodworkers. All until January 26. THE Canberra Potters’ Society Christmas Gift Fair has always been one of the best places to buy ceramics at this time of the year – you’ll have the satisfaction of supporting local artists. Watson Arts Centre, Aspinall Street, until December 24. ALLIANCE Française de Canberra staff were spouting revolutionary words (Le Beaujolais Nouveau est arrivé!) when they announced that the latest Beaujolais would be unveiled in their Turner premises. One hundred and fifty Canberrans enjoyed both the wine and a concert from Pat Jaune, who came from La Reunion Island.
Glass by Nicole Aycliffe and Kopernik pendants at Beaver Galleries. The Canberra Potters’ Society mosquito coil burner.
Star decoration hand-made from coiled recycled paper in Vietnam, $7.95 from Oxfam. Nostalgic Ornaments marzipan set, $47.95 from Villeroy and Boch. CityNews December 16-22 17