Central Craft celebrates 50 years of Craft and design in Central Australia

In 1973 the first meeting of the Craft Association of Central Australia was held with 32 members. This organisation has evolved over the years into, what is now Central Craft with a membership of over 400. On Sunday 27 August from 10.00 am in its studio at the Araluen Cultural Precinct, Central Craft is holding a commemorative morning tea to kick start a year of celebrations and events to mark its 50^th anniversary. Members and supporters and invited to come along and share some of Central Crafts rich history, celebrate the contribution of those involved.
 

Karen Montey, convenor of the 50^th anniversary working group said that:

“The Central Craft archives have revealed a rich and fascinating history of development and an ongoing commitment to the promotion of craft and design. We are excited to share many of these stories.”
 
Central Craft has journeyed through the years of continuous development, in many locations including Hessian House, the old bottle shop, Diorama Village and have been located at the Araluen Arts Precinct since 1984.
 
“There were plenty of hurdles and battles to be overcome, but with committed staff and volunteers, work never stopped on building the organisation, offering workshops, demonstrations, films, talks, field trips, residencies, and plenty of professional visitors. ”Joan O’Reilly, 50^th anniversary working group
 
“We also began the Alice Craft Acquisition back in 1975. This national, juried and judged exhibition showcased some of the finest craftspeople, designers and creators in Australia. Judges were brought in to select works to go into a collection, which numbers around 300 pieces. As part of our celebrations, many of these pieces will be exhibited in a curated retrospective at the Araluen Galleries in 2024.” Faye Alexander, 50^th anniversary working group.
Central Craft continues to work to offer people the chance to join groups, attend classes, participate in community projects, develop as craft makers and tutors, sell their works in our retail outlet and exhibit in the June Marriott Gallery. Over 5,000 artist visits are made to our studio each year, we run around 200 workshops and more than 15,000 visitors to our gallery and craft retail outlet.  

There is more history to talk about at morning tea, where you will also be able to view the exhibition ‘The last HOO-RAH!’ The last collection of artworks by the Late Bronwyn Beesley. Before her death in 2019 Bronwyn was instrumental in the development of Central Craft over approximately 30 years.

WHEN: Sunday 27 August 10.00 to 12.00

WHERE: Central Craft studio, Araluen Cultural Precinct.

R.S.V.P for catering: admin@centralcraft.org.au