Preview

This site is based on an original graphic design
by Courtney DUFF 2002

Theme 2002 “Mountains - Magic & Mystery”

The theme this year has again been inspired from the United Nations declaration that 2002 will be the Year of the Mountains.

As our community, Deloraine, is picturesquely snuggled on the banks of the generally placid, wandering Meander River in the foothills of the mighty Western Tiers Mountain Range, this is particularly inspiring for us. The Meander Valley basin is traditionally very rich in agriculture and forestry, but has over more recent times become increasingly important as a stepping stone to the open-air type of exhilarating adventure experiences. Nature trekking, looking for magnificent lakes and waterfalls, fantastic scenery, abundant wildlife, investigating caves, challenging inland lake fishing, etc. have added to the charms of this friendly multi cultured community.

This mountain backdrop fits snugly into the International theme and will acts as an inspiration for exhibitors regardless of the many and varied mediums used within the field of art and craft.

I know the theme of “Mountains - Magic and Mystery” will be reflected in the designs of the products produced. The imagination and creative skills of the artists coupled with the huge variety in colours available will add much magic and mystery to the Tasmanian Craft Fair.

Festival Magic

Working closely to the Theme for 2002, an innovative program has been developed between the five local schools and the Tasmanian Craft Fair.

An artistic director Susan Mitchell, under the guidance of coordinator Jane Johnson, will develop a 15-minute performance from each school. Each segment will encompass aspects of performing arts and magic. Master magician Jeff Hayes will instruct the students in the magic aspect.

Over fifty hours of tuition will be devoted to the participating school children as we introduce them, and hopefully members of the public, into the world of entertainment through the performing arts.

The schools involved - Deloraine High, Deloraine Primary, Our Lady of Mercy Deloraine, Meander Primary and Mole Creek Primary - each will have around 15 students involved in diverse performances that will be given in Rotary Pavilion over the four days of the Fair.

Entertainment

Additional entertainment will be available to patrons this year - again through performing artists. The traditional use of bands and singing groups has been scaled back to make way for an increase in individual busker style entertainment. These performers will be spread throughout the Fair venues, with particular emphasis at bus stops. Our free shuttle bus service often has queues waiting for the next coach and these purpose placed buskers will help make time pass more quickly. Buskers will be representing many skills from music, singing, acrobats, story telling, and poets to very upmarket body sculptures.

Saturday Special

We have a very special appearance of the magical RAAF Band, which will give two sterling performances on Saturday, November 2nd. This exceptional group of air force musicians will march and perform at the Community Complex and at the Deloraine Show Grounds giving up to three hours of exhilarating entertainment as only big bands can. More specific details to follow.

Fashion Parades

As has been past practice, the Fashion Parades will be held twice daily in the excellent and comfortable facilities at Rotary Pavilion. Modelled by some of Deloraine's talented volunteers, Fair exhibitors will display their hand made, individually designed originals. All displayed garments and accessories will be available for purchase en site and arrangements may be made for commissioned items to be prepared.

The Fashion Parade is a must see and offers fantastic visual entertainment whilst offering an educational opportunity to learn more about art and craft in high fashion. During the 30-minute demonstrations, have a seat to rest the weary feet ready for another onslaught on the waiting stalls.

Tasmanian Exhibition

The Tasmanian Exhibition has been developed, improved and extended since inception in 1997. The desire is to present to the viewing public an invitational showcase of acclaimed Tasmanian working artists of excellence.

Originally, the Exhibition was curated by the renowned Sydney based Jenie Thomas of Crafts Arts International, but is now under the direction of Nancy Kowalski, a Rotary Club of Deloraine member and owner of Artifakt Gallery. Patrons of the Tasmanian Craft Fair - whether members of the general public or commercial art/craft dealers - all have the opportunity to experience work from some of Tasmania’s most outstanding artists. The invitation to artists to participate is on a revolving basis, which allows for a variety of mediums to be viewed, styles and fashions to be constantly changed, innovations and design to be tested.

Working Demonstrations

As the Tasmanian Craft Fair by definition is unique as a "working fair" all exhibitors are expected to demonstrate their skills and interact with the public. To this end some mediums are not suitable to be housed in a closed environment with other exhibitors. Therefore several groups have banded together to collectively demonstrate at central points.

The Fairs POTTERS will have a demonstration area at the Community Complex where patrons can view artists at work and also have the opportunity to handle the wheel with clay, whilst under the watchful eye of qualified potters.

The WOOD TURNERS/ WORKERS will have a site established at Rotary Park where similar activities as those of the potters are planned.

Rotary Park - Outside Activities Centre

This area on the banks of the beautiful Meander River is being further developed as an activity area that has a particular appeal to the male patrons. Working stalls from timber and blacksmith artisans will lead the way; but do not overlook the area devoted to fishing pursuits.

The TRAPPERS HUT and the SETTLERS COTTAGE will again be on display at this venue. Built during 2001 as a part of Federation activities these authentic replicas reflect the living style of the day. They have been furnished with pieces from their period and create a special aura of past times. Outside the buildings activities will be staged to demonstrate skills of the period. The preparation of shingles for building purposes, the setting of snares for hunting and survival purposes, the creation of the damper in a bush oven for sustenance.

Fishing Options

In the man made pond within Rotary Park, we will again establish a put and take fishery. It will be stocked with 300 gram plus Brown and Rainbow Trout. Also stocked for capture will be a number of trophy sized Atlantic Salmon. The Deloraine and District Anglers Club will supervise this activity where licenses are not required, all equipment is supplied and landed fish are prepared and held in cold storage, until you are leaving the Fair. Instruction and assistance will be available for non anglers.

Tassie Tackle and Outdoor will provide a retail display and sales area where constructive advice on any aspect of fishing or boating can be found.

Timber Enthusiasts

The WOOD TURNERS/ WORKERS will have a site established at Rotary Park where similar activities as those of the potters are planned. (Mentioned above.)
The Shipwright's Point School of Wooden Boat Building will conduct a working display within Rotary Park precinct. The School's purpose is to preserve traditional boat building knowledge and skills and to pass them on to a new generation of students. The emphasis is on the use of Tasmania's unique boat building timbers such as Huon, Celery Top and King Billy Pine. Students at the School have built over 40 new wooden boats, ranging in size from 6 to 32 feet.

Complimenting the boat building will be a special demonstration by the Australian School of Fine Furniture. This relatively new instructional institution demonstrates the magnificent and exquisite results that can be obtained in furniture using the superb timbers available within Tasmania.