Blacktown's Creative Wares on Sale
MEDIA RELEASE
Thursday, September 17, 2009
BLACKTOWN'S CREATIVE WARES ON SALE
Attention ceramicists, printmakers, knitters, painters and all creative types. Blacktown City Council is seeking applications from stallholders for the 2009 Arts Market to be held at Blacktown Arts Centre on Saturday 10 October from 10am - 3pm. Applications close
Friday 25 September 2009.
Coinciding with the annual Blacktown City Art Exhibition, the one-day outdoor Arts Market is a unique opportunity for the Blacktown City community to sell and buy locally made creative wares.
Self-taught sculptor Stephen Attufuah from Pendle Hill has applied to have a stall again this year after successfully showcasing and selling his metal sculptures at the 2008 Arts Market. He is also featured in the 2009 Blacktown City Art Exhibition and was awarded a Highly Commended for his sculpture the 'From Snowy River'.
Stephen, who migrated from Ghana in 1987, discovered his creative talent whilst learning a trade at TAFE. During a welding course, he began experimenting with discarded metal objects, welding them together to create new forms. Drawing inspiration from iconic Australian themes and his Ghanaian heritage, Stephen regularly creates sculptures of African and Australian motifs, figures and animals.
The Arts Market is a pilot project of Blacktown City Council and is being trialled as part of wider plans to provide on-going economic opportunities to local artists. Response to the event will help Council determine whether there is a need for regular arts market opportunities in the future.
In 2008, over 20 local and Western Sydney artists and creative-makers were selected to display and sell their works at the Arts Market. Products ranging from original etchings to African baskets and Aboriginal craft were all on sale.
The upcoming 2009 Arts Market will feature similar creative wares as well as live performances by local musicians. On the day, people will also get a chance to gain insight into the artist's mind with a free exhibition tour of the 2009 Blacktown City Art Exhibition starting at 11am featuring talks by the award-winning artists.
The 2009 Arts Market is shaping up to be another success, with many locals applying for stalls. Applications for stall-holders are due Friday 25 September. Successful applicants will be notified on Tuesday 29 September. To obtain an application please, contact Dayna Coyle on 98396203 or email dayna.coyle@blacktown.nsw.gov.au
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For artist interviews, enquiries and images contact Blacktown City Council on (02) 9839 6000.