Kyneton will bolster its reputation as a hub for creators with a new exhibition expected to regularly showcase the wares of artisans in the Macedon Ranges.
While the town may have farewelled the popular Lost Trades Fair earlier this year, Drummond furniture designer and woodwork instructor Phoebe Everill aims to introduce the new platform for creatives, inspired by the talent emerging at her own School for Wood.
“This is about developing a network of makers,” she said.
“It’s something that I have wanted to do for quite some time. I know how important it is for people to exhibit work and have a space to sell from. At the moment that’s something that’s missing. There’s also a point at which we all, as makers, need to know where we fit in the world.
“This exhibition is about getting people together and congratulating each other on our achievements and potentially starting some more business for those creators.”
Phoebe said people could expect to an “eclectic range of pieces” from production works to high-end furniture that might have taken six months or more to create. Some of her own famous chairs and works will also feature.
The initial exhibition will showcase 20 students from the Drummond School of Wood with about 30 major pieces as well as smaller items. Other makers in different fields will also feature.
Operating since 2013, the school has fostered the talent of all who comes through its doors and provides a workshop for people time to use hand tools and connect with natural materials.
For Kyneton student Emily Dellios, it was a way to discover a creative side she never knew she had.
“Until a few years ago I never thought I had a creative bone in my body… The skills I have learnt and the environment here has been magnificent. It feels like the perfect fit, I’m really passionate about that I’m creating here,” she said.
“I’ve gone from being a complete hack to being someone who actually appreciates fine furniture and really proud of the work that I am able to turn around. It’s so satisfying to be able to make something from a beautiful piece of timber.”
Refining her style of simple design with beautiful joinery, Emily has created a range of coffee tables, hallway tables and adaptable or multi-functional pieces that will be on show.
“This will be the first real opportunity I will have to showcase my work,” she said.
“There are a lot of things that are sitting in my workshop that are yet to see the light of day but they are going to be put on show. It will be really interesting to see peoples’ reaction to my work. It’s such a great opportunity. When we are operating on a small scale it’s hard to get work into a gallery or to try and sell it as well.”
The exhibition will be held at The Old Auction House at 52-56 Mollison Street, Kyneton, opening on Friday, December 6 at 6.30pm and will remain until December 23.
