Art market is a stepping stone to success

Renowned award winning photographer Christian Fletcher says the Dunsborough Art Market, held as part of the Dunsborough Art Festival over the March Long Weekend, can be a stepping stone to success.

Christian was one of the first participants in the Art Market, selling his photographs to locals and visitors to the region.

And he says it helped launch his career.

“It was really important to me because I didn’t have the money to lease a shop, and I didn’t know if I was going to be able to sell anything,” he said.

“But I earned $90 at my first Art Market.

“The Art Market is a cheap way to dip the toe in the water and see if you could make it as an artist.

“I highly recommend artists and craftspeople consider having a stall there.

“People can show what they do, without having to go to the expense of fitting out a shop.

“And it’s great for the community. People love a market.”

Organiser Jacquie Happ said the Festival Art Market was shaping up to be one of the best yet, with registrations already being received from across Western Australia.

“We only feature handmade work, including some by sculptors who exhibit in the Festival’s Sculpture by the Bay over the Long Weekend,” Mrs Happ said.

“Registration only costs $50.

“We have thousands of people who attend the Arts Festival, and check out the Arts Market.

“It’s an excellent, cheap marketing tool, a wonderful way for artists and craftspeople to become more known, and at the same time sell some of their work.”

The Dunsborough Arts Festival is managed solely by volunteers and includes Sculptures by the Bay across the March Long Weekend, concerts on the Saturday and Sunday nights, and Fireworks over the Bay, presented by local identity Dianne Laurance.

Mrs Happ said the origins of the festival stemmed from the annual Art Market, held to promote the local arts community.

“We are lucky that Christian has gone on from being a stall holder at our early markets to become a major supporter of the Dunsborough Arts Festival, hosting the Small Sculptures Exhibition at his Gallery again this year, and sponsoring one of the major prizes at Sculptures by the Bay,” she said.

The Art Market will be held on Sunday, March 2 from 8am to 2pm on the Dunsborough foreshore.

Stall registrations close on Saturday, February 15.

Registration forms are available at dunsboroughprogress.com.au/events/art-festival-sculpture-by-the-bay/dunsborough-arts-festival-art-market

Enquiries also can be forwarded to dafmarkets@gmail.com