Markets return to Old Fire Station

Published 5:00am 10 July 2024

Words by Nadia Chapman

Moreton Bay Arts Council is gearing up for its second Arts and Crafters Market of the year on July 27 at the Old Fire Station Art Gallery.

The not-for-profit arts organisation runs three markets a year in Redcliffe, aiming to bring the community together and showcase artists from across the region.

Moreton Bay Arts Council President Janice Charlish says there’s plenty for visitors to look forward to.

“Our (markets) are only handmade, so we make sure that (items) need to be 75 percent handmade,” she says.

“It’s a secure market for people and it’s a good mix of art and craft. There’s professional demonstrations and an exhibition as well.

“We have a three-piece band – absolutely fabulous – people just get up and dance.”

Visitors can stroll around the art gallery, browse the handmade stalls, and even have a bite to eat.

This winter, Redcliffe Pottery Group will be selling soup that comes with a handmade bowl of your choice.

The markets first started in 2015 and have been running three times a year since then.

Janice says Moreton Bay Arts Council, which has been operating for 20 years, has more planned for the community.

“(I hope these markets bring) something that the locals can rely on, something that reminds them how talented our region is,” Janice explains.

“We want people to know that this is where they can come to get authentic craft and art anytime, if they want to keep coming here in between when we have the markets – with the shop and the gallery and the pottery group has their own shop too.”