Handmade Market and Expo weather-proofed for Chrissie

Do you love those eclectic one-offs you can only get at markets and fairs, but are worried about a wash-out from our current unsettled weather ruining your Christmas-buying plans?

Manager of Studio On Anson, Jo Ford, has the perfect answer – an outdoor-style market featuring dozens of unique local creatives, but held on the top floor of Orange Ex-Services Club.

The very first Handmade Boutique Markets & Expo – Central West is on next Saturday and Sunday, December 18-19, with Jo and Jed and their Boutique Market partner, Jo Schmich, focussing exclusively on locally-made arts and crafts.

This is in line with the philosophy of their store which has offered new and emerging artists and craftspeople the chance to get a start they may not get elsewhere.

“The basic principle of why we started Studio on Anson is that it was designed to support local artists and crafts for everything from fine-art to candle-makers and macrame – to provide a space for these people,” Jo explained.

“We want to do the same with the Expo with creators from as far afield as Lake Cargelligo, Parkes, Bathurst and Dubbo. We want to make it Orange’s unique Markets,” she said.

The Handmade Boutique Market & Expo is not just any market. Unique locally-produced one-offs will include hand-made soaps, candles, pottery, fine art, hand-spun wool, woodwork, jewellery, and even Tarot cards.

Jo said that the genius of holding the event at Orange Ex-Service’s Club is that weather no longer becomes a deciding factor, which our near-record recent rainfall has definitely made it for so many outdoor events recently.

“We’ve seen about 70 per cent of local outdoor markets cancelled due to weather... so often, on the day, they’ve had to cancel” she added.

“The added advantage of the markets being held inside the spacious function rooms of the Orange Ex-Services Club, is that weather will not affect the market weekend in any way.

“Rain, hail or shine our visitors can wander among the stalls without worrying about the rain, cold or heat, while they choose last-minute Christmas gifts at leisure.

“The Expo features locally-made and created products supporting our local artisans and suppliers of 100 per cent hand-made art, craft and food by Central West residents,” Jo said proudly.

“These markets are designed to allow the authenticity of hand-made wares and produce, and the talent of Central West artisans to shine,” she said.

“Each maker and supplier was selected via a strict selection process, which takes into consideration the making process, quality, presentation, styling, aesthetics, function, originality of the range, materials used, what is needed in the mix and the maker's personal passion for what they do and customer focus!”

With about 40 artists taking part in this first event, space will not be a problem, she said. The market is taking up almost the whole top floor of the Ex-Services Club.

“Being inside the Club, it will absolutely go ahead whatever the weather, and that’s the certainty that a lot of creatives need,” she said.

Come along to see, taste, try, buy and marvel for yourself at what the vibrant Central West artistic and creative community has to offer.

“Looking for something absolutely out-of-the-box for Christmas? Come along and see for yourself what the region has to offer,” Jo said.