Welcome to our latest member update. As we move into a busy and creative stretch of the year, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved, through workshops, exhibitions, festivals, and volunteering. From Parrtjima and Beanie Festival preparations to exhibitions and member events, we’re looking forward to another vibrant season at Central Craft and hope to see many of you involved along the way.
Important Dates
April 10–19 | Parrtjima – A Festival in Light
Both of our ArtShips will be on hire throughout Parrtjima – A Festival in Light, celebrating art, culture and storytelling.
*Hiring out our ArtShips is a great income generator for the studio, so please keep us in mind for any events/opportunities you may be involved with.
Parrtjima Website
April 11 | Top Half Folk Festival – Decoration Making Workshop
Join us for a hands-on workshop creating decorations for the upcoming festival. All welcome.
April 12 | Watercolours with Henry Smith
A new watercolour workshop series begins with Henry Smith.
April 18 | Annual General Meeting
Our AGM will be held at Central Craft, starting at 10:00am.
If you are interested in joining the Board and having a direct influence on the direction of this wonderful organisation, we strongly encourage you to nominate.
Nomination Form
May 9-23 | Kiana Thompson Exhibition
A solo exhibition showcasing new work by Kiana Thompson.
June 19-22 | Beanie Festival
One of our biggest events of the year returns, and we’ll be busy both behind the scenes and on the floor.
June | Tapatjatjaka Art Exhibition (TBC)
An exhibition showcasing a variety artworks by artists from Titjikala.
October | Members Exhibition
A much-loved annual exhibition celebrating the creativity of our members.
November | A Bush Xmas
Our end-of-year celebration returns, more details coming soon.
Get Involved
There are always plenty of ways to be part of our vibrant creative community:
Workshop Facilitator, Expressions of Interest Open
We’re seeking facilitators for Beanie Festival workshops, school holiday programs, and general workshops throughout the year.
Expression of Interest Form
Volunteer in the Shop
Support our makers, meet visitors, and help keep our retail space running smoothly.
Sell Your Makes
Members are welcome to sell their handmade work through the shop.
Monthly Ceramics Working Bee
The Ceramics Working Bee has recommended for 2026 and runs on the first Saturday of each month.
Beanie Festival Volunteers Needed
Lend a hand during one of our busiest and most exciting events.
Workshops & Events
Wheel Works with Mark Cole
Two groups have just completed a six-week introduction to wheel throwing, with sessions held on Sundays and Thursdays. Offering different days made the course more accessible, and the response was overwhelmingly positive.
✨ Stay tuned for the next round, expected to begin in early May.
Jules and Lisa held our first Collection Display for 2026. It was a great walk down memory lane for those who came along to enjoy the nostalgia.
We are updating the Gallery hiring form to include this variation,
Exhibitions- Commercial or non-commercial solo or group shows by artists presenting their own work with sales permitted.
Collections Displays- Non-commercial displays of privately held, vintage, or themed collections. Items are presented for public viewing only, with no implication of authorship or sale.
Watercolours with Henry Smith
Commencing 12 April, this workshop series explores watercolour techniques inspired by Central Australia.
📞 Book directly with Henry on 0488 732 483.
More information
Top Half Folk Festival Decoration Workshop | May 11, 10am
A free workshop open to both members and non-members who would like to contribute to creating decorations for the Top Half Folk Festival, held at Ross River from 1- 4 May.
Alice Springs Folk Club Website
Top Half Folk Festival Market Stall Call out for any members who would like to run a stall on behalf of Central Craft during the festival. This includes a free ticket to festival and an opportunity to showcase and sell our members ware. Contact Tahlia if you are interested.
Studio News & Updates
Studio 6 is available for lease.
Application Form
Shout Outs
A huge thank you to all the facilitators who delivered our recent school holiday program. The feedback has been incredibly positive, and the program was a great success.
Facilitators:
Margy Alexander, Sarah Rendina, Jude Mapleson, Deb Clarke, Tess Spilioti
Assistant Facilitators:
Eliza Dennison, Aysha Solczaniuk
We appreciate the skill, care, and energy you all bring to our programs.
Thank you
As I wrap up this edition of the newsletter, I just want to say how great the first three months in my new role have been. It’s certainly been flat out, but incredibly rewarding. Thank you to everyone for your support, patience, and understanding while I’m still learning the ropes. It means a lot. I’m really looking forward to what’s ahead and continuing to work alongside such a supportive and creative community.
Cheers
Tahlia Rutherford
Central Craft is a place for creativity, rest, and connection, and we thank you all for helping maintain that spirit.
Warm regards,
Central Craft Team
As always please send any concerns or enquiries to centralcraftboard@gmail.com