The Market

On a cool Sunday morning I made my way to the Market, a relatively new opportunity for Tasmanian makers of art and craft to tout their wares. Housed within the Masonic Temple, opposite St David's Park Hobart, the 10am start had already attracted a number of families, couples and tourists.

I was greeted by the aroma of freshly made coffee and a market scene more reminiscent of regional Tasmania than Hobart.

All the 20 or so stalls were note worthy, but stand outs for me included the Miellerie Honey stall. I was transported back to my childhood with one taste of this pure unprocessed Tasmanian honey. I went for the Tea Tree, almost finished as we keep eating it out of the jar, but there are others to choose from.

I bought cards from little twig and was delighted by the charming dolls made by Pinnigan. Clothing design was well represented with classic dresses by Sarah Elliott, original armlings and necklinks by Nadine Kessler and gorgeous kids clothing by Speckled Frog.

This is a great market for locals and visitors with prices from $3 onwards. The space is warm and inviting and as I circulated throughout the stalls I noticed that people were happy to hang around, grab a coffee and have a chat. With a selection of intriguing, whimsical and cleverly designed pieces these stallholders present an optimistic outlook for Tasmanian art, craft and design. They also provide a much sort after opportunity for the public to buy locally produced work directly from the makers.

It is refreshing to see a market with an emphasis and commitment to presenting high quality art and craft made by Tasmanian artists. In fact, this is the aim of the coordinators and artists, Rebecca Roth, Holly Webber & Shannon Robertson (Whatever Heather). '...to highlight the abundance of talent in the region whilst joining forces with the already renowned and aspiring artists of Tasmania to create a high integrity arts event'.

This monthly event is a gem to find, and if the balance and high standard of work continues, will be a must for Christmas shopping and trips with interstate and overseas visitors. Held on the first Sunday of the month from 10am-3pm it is well worth heading down to the Market. Check out the what's on offer at http://www.themarkethobart.blogspot.com/