Artists and artisans share the joy of what they do

“We are just sharing a love of what we do,” said Robin Marshall, one of a group of local artisans and artisan makers behind a successful pop-up exhibition over the weekend.

Robin and friends Giuliana Hannelly and Jennifer Lacey met 15 years ago while teaching at what was formerly known at the MET School.

Robin, a hospitality teacher, has long had a side hustle selling preserves under the name ‘Just Homegrown,’ Giuliana also sells a line of Italian bakery treats, and Jennifer, an experienced art teacher, is know for her abstract art and prints. Together the three friends had long thought about holding some kind of exhibition and initially planned one for March.

“We always talked about doing a pop-up somewhere and we were going to do it up the main street just before COVID hit and that put the Kibosh on that,” said Giuliana.

But with school holidays in full swing and tourism picking up in Orange the trio decided to push ahead with the idea. Inviting local artists Wanda Driscoll and Robert Keen to join them, the group got an exhibition up and running at the CWA Hall in Robertson Park — all in the space of a week!

“It was a lot of work! We pulled it together in six days and luckily the CWA were very accommodating,” said Giuliana.

“And I think the five of us have been a nice little combination, we’ve just had a lovely time, and a good couple of days.”

“Yes, there’s been good energy,” said Robin. “And I think that's also been noticed by the people. For us, it is less about commercial interests and more about sharing the love of what we do, what brings joy to our lives and share it with other people.”

The response from visitors and locals alike was fantastic, with a steady stream of people passing through the exhibition and even returning for multiple visits.

“We've had lots of conversations with people who've been interested and said this is great and we’re so glad you've done this and hope you'll do it again,” said Giuliana.

“People have been really appreciative,” said Robin. “We've had people come back two times, three times, they've gone away and they’ve come back and got some more. They really appreciated the fact that what we have is — in their words — 'quality' and 100 per cent local!

“I think COVID has really rammed home to a lot of people who haven't thought about it before the importance of supporting local businesses, state businesses, Australian businesses. I think people are definitely thinking about their decisions a bit more and I think that's a good thing.”

The success of the weekend has the group planning for a future pop-up events and they believe that there is plenty of room for other local artists and artisans to do the same.

“Another pop up down the street is only going to add to what there is for people to do, so bring it on!” said Giuliana.

“We’ve already had other artisans approach us,” said Robin. I got text messages last night from people who were wanting to know if they could exhibit et cetera.”

The only problem others looking to do the same might encounter is finding a suitable venue.

“It would be great if commercial premises owners were a little bit more open to this sort of thing. We really ran in to brick walls and it was very hard to get to premises owners and to get cooperation with short term leases — That was really frustrating when you see how many empty shops there are.”

“And it is not about making money for us,” said Giuliana. “This is like a labour of love for me and not a retirement plan by any means. It is just about covering costs, giving people somewhere to go and to share our passions.”

Keep an eye out for another pop-up exhibition next school holidays.