by Past District Governor GEOFF  McLENNAN.
Tasmanian Craft Fair Director.

19TH TASMANIAN CRAFT FAIR - 1999.

This major Tasmanian event, presented by the Rotary Club of Deloraine, leads us from the chills of winter through the joys of spring. The fair is one of the primary motives for Tasmanians to get out and about and prepare in good time for the coming Christmas rush. And it's open for business from October 29th to November 1st inclusive in 1999.

The traditional mediums are again well represented including wood; wool; ceramics; enamel; glass; paper; leather; textiles, metal and more. Remember that the fair is a working event where patrons have the opportunity to meet the maker at work. This means a chance to discuss all aspects of the creative processes. The opportunity to interact is extended in our WIN TV DEMONSTRATION AREA where a roster of crafts people will discuss and demonstrate all the intriguing ins and outs of their individual expertise without the distraction of continual interruptions, which occur at the stall sites. It also frequently wakens in patrons an interest in craft activities, and provides an avenue of inquiry to learn an art or craft for themselves.

Gallery owners and retail tourist operators have been quick to voice their appreciation of the quality and diversity of the goods on offer. The fact that the individual artists make all products through their own creativity and design using Australian materials is significant. No imported products are permissible. The Tasmanian Craft Fair is really a celebration of Tasmanian (predominantly) style showcasing the sleek furnishings from Tasmanian timbers, alongside colourful ceramics and glassware, the best of classic wool fashions, superb leather work and jewellery, gourmet pantry items, cheeses, wines and liqueurs, exquisite gift items from emerging and established artisans.

The TASMANIAN EXHIBITION will again be a central feature at the Community Complex. A very special Tasmanian collection of outstanding pieces chosen because of their quality, innovation and difference. The pieces in this ‘by invitation only’ exhibition are for sale and the joint curators are Jenny Thomas and Ken Lockwood from Craft Arts International Magazine based in Sydney, assisted by Rotarian Nancy Kowalski from Artifakt, Deloraine.

Our inaugural FASHION PARADE was so successful last year that we have decided to continue it. The show will be presented twice daily in Rotary Pavilion and consists of styles made by exhibitors at the Fair. The original one off garment designs will be augmented with accessories and jewellery items, all of which are for sale on site.

Our GUEST ARTISTS this year will be from districts surrounding Maringrida, in the Northern Territory. These indigenous Australians will bring a new dimension of art and craft to the Fair and add considerably to the wide range encompassed in the theme. At this point the make up of the group is uncertain, but the possibility of a weaver is high and should produce a spectacular display of handcrafts.

Our GUEST NATION will also be from the far north. The Darwin Division of Territory Crafts has expressed great interest in having a representative team visit the Fair. The proposal is to ask "Craft Mark" holders of which there are 5 in the N.T. to be active participants.

The VISION and goal of the T. C. F. committee it to have Deloraine recognized as a significant and influential centre in the field of arts, crafts and culture. In addition to the TCF the community has for years hosted youth and adult drama festivals. Community workshops produced YARNS - an Artwork in Silk; a sculpture now recognized as having national purport. To build on these established events we are to embark on a massive project to have Deloraine become noted for its sculptures. These will be outdoor, free standing creations of significance, that will compliment the acquisition of smaller, indoor pieces. In large numbers, these will not only stop local traffic, but also provide yet another reason for people to call and stay in Deloraine.

The public's comfort has not been forgotten in the 12 months of planning that goes into each Fair.  All stalls and working exhibits are under cover in 12 Deloraine auditoriums with the St Luke's free shuttle bus service running continuously between these venues.  To keep traffic congestion to a minimum, ample parking is provided at several locations on the bus route. To supplement the cottage industry stalls, food outlets are scattered around the venues with many of them run by local organizations. Parents with very young children will once again appreciate the facilities offered by the Nursing Mothers Association at the main auditorium.

St Marks Anglican Church is among the venues, but the beautiful cream stucco building with its eye catching spire is not a trading venue - it offers a massed display by local gardeners and floral artists with the added touch of background organ music.

Deloraine is a town with an historic atmosphere, equidistant between Launceston and Devonport. It has as a backdrop the majestic Western Tiers while the community is centred on the banks of the beautiful Meander River. This makes the town an ideal setting for the event, which has earned its recognition as the Craft Capital of Australia. During the year even away from the hectic pace of the Fair, local craft people are conducting successful workshops for interested parties in a large range of disciplines.

As well as the 12 halls and pavilions, six local galleries are listed as taking part in the Fair this year. These include the studio of world recognized water colourist, Tony Smibert, the historic Bluestone, workshop of miniaturist Les Woolcott, Deloraine Artifakt Gallery, Gallery 9, Bowerbank Mill Gallery, Bushy’s Leadlight Gallery and Deloraine Antiques.

The entrance fees for the TCF will be held yet again at the reasonable rates of Adults $7 and children $2.  Concessions for larger groups do apply.

Interstate Travel Agents should contact TASMANIAN TEMPTATIONS on FREE CALL 1800 309 011. For local accommodation and tour packages contact GATEWAY TASMANIA TRAVEL CENTRE on FREE CALL 1800 651 827. For any matters concerning The Tasmanian Craft Fair, contact the Fair Director Geoff McLennan, telephone and fax on 03 6362 2621; mobile 0419 390 775 or email Geoff.McLennan@tassie.net.au