13/9/2020 Progress photos and appreciation posted on Facebook!
"Over the past two days, NEA volunteers Tanya, Michaela and Marshall have been sanding back the floorboards in one of the rooms at our new Carrier St location and boy oh boy what a difference it makes! Thank you to the team for what was a mammoth undertaking and we hope that your bones aren't too weary today
Getting there folks....
Keep watching this space!

More reviews... this time from Trip Advisor ......

Watch and view the creations of local artists
An amazing array of all forms of art by local artists - on show and for sale. Staffed by volunteers. This really complements the Street Art scene in Benalla
Bruce and Chris M , Benalla Australia, January 2018 '

What an artistic treat
Benalla is so lucky to have such a committed and thriving artistic community. North East Artisans have developed a concept of a support network in material terms ie a huge building full of active studios, a gallery and shop as well as a cafe. They also run workshops open to the public. Brilliant. Congratulations to you all.  
Lynden N , Ballarat, January 2018  '

Amazing volunteer run community Gallery/art space
Apparently it's the biggest building in Benalla that even locals walk past not realising what lies behind the façade. Over 2 levels there is a labyrinth of rooms filled with local art - a showroom where you can buy quality handmade items by local Artisans, an exhibition Gallery, heaps of artists studios that you're free to explore, oh and a cafe that makes in my opinion the best coffee and genuine chai in the area. It's worth more than a quick look, I get completely immersed whenever I visit, usually staying for hours exploring and chatting to all of the volunteers. It's clear that this is a labour of love and Benalla is lucky to have a place like this which is focused on the community. Thanks NEA!
Blondie December 2017

Amazing local artists
I love popping in at least once a month to see what is new, always good for gifts that are just that little bit more interesting    
lm00re,  July 2017  

Worth a quick look
Called in as driving through the town looking to do some shopping,the gallery is right on the main street and easy to find.  It has several rooms with lots of different art and craft work on display and sale from a large number of local artists.  We did not buy anything but that was mainly as the only thing that we really liked were some pieces of furniture and as we could not get it home we had to leave it.  There is also a coffee/snack bar inside so handy if you need a quick bite or drink.
scubacol11   Rotherham, United Kingdom February 2017

As NEA moves to its new location we are in the middle of making some changes to NEA;s information on Google Maps. People 'in the know' about Google Maps often add reviews.  Reading a number of 'testimonials' in the reviews column for NEA , it seemed worthwhile to share them for posterity.  They provide another way of reflecting back on where we have been as we shape a new future.  There are 24 reviews, lots of 5 stars, and  a number of very supportive testimonials,.    

"An amazing art and craft gallery selling all locally produced items. Really good coffee, cakes, chai tea is available from Thursday to Saturday."  Annie

"Amazing place. Very talented local artists and a huge variety of arts and crafts " Heather

"Fantastic art space displaying and selling local artists works. Also great classes to learn various forms of art."  Annette

"Local artists and artisans under one roof. Gallery shop, studio spaces and events. Red Road cafe had nice coffee and yummy treats. Definitely worth a visit!" Ruth

"So much to see. Excellent art and great workshops." Sally

"Great artworks with an amazing amount of insight. Coffee is fantastic and the staff are incredibly friendly." Jack

"Self funded independent arts cooperation. Check out the gallery, exhibition space, and upstairs visual art studios. No charge. Painting; work in progress by Frank Burgers." Frank

"Fantastic place to view and purchase a diverse range of local art including paintings, mosaics, pottery, jewellery, crafts, textiles etc. Publicly accessible artists studios. A unique space which includes a small cafe. Entirely run by volunteers."  Asio

"North East Artisans is always my first stop when searching for a gift. And I always try to make time to stop at the Red Road Cafe for a drink and a chat. I've attended a few workshops too and learned some new skills. It's always a friendly welcoming atmosphere." Star Goo

"Great coffee and wonderful array of local artisans work for sake" Kristine

"What a fantastic place that even many locals walk past. Focal in and be amazed by the variety of different kinds of artwork that is on display for sale. I've bought many an unusual gift here". Beverley D

"It is simply a cut above anything else that I have seen. Marvellous work". Jeffrey 

"Great coffee and home made goods" Lorraine

"Great range of arts and crafts, good for gift hunting." Lance 

"Awesome Art" Cheryl 
 
Thanks to the visitors and friends of NEA who contributed these testimonials.  They are really p[easing to read through!  
​

Delightful interview with Tim, Ruth, Maddie and Erin at the Lost Trades Festival in Bendigo in March 2020.  An appealing ABC Education production, 

"Toys have been around for thousands of years. What do you think toys were made from a thousand years ago?

We meet a family of toymakers at the Lost Trades Fair in Bendigo. Tim shows us how he makes his toy swords and castles. His daughters tell us about the jobs they do to help make the toys. What are some of the tools they use to make their toys?

What are Tim’s toys made from? What other materials are toys made out of today?

How do you use your imagination when you play?"

Access the ABC education web page with video link:   https://education.abc.net.au/home#!/media/3645112/making-sustainable-toys-with-recycled-materials  (accessed 23 August 2020)

​Have you spotted our NEA signs at our new location? As you may know, NEA has vacated it's location in the old SEC building on Bridge St. We look forward to welcoming you all to 28B & C Carrier St once restrictions have lifted! There are many more announcements to come and exciting things in store so watch this space ➡️🔲

We'd like to take this chance to thank Benalla Furniture Removals & Storage for donating their time, muscles and truck to help us with the move, Courtney from Ray White Benalla for her professionalism in organising our new lease, and of course all of our volunteers and members who helped us with the move. Thank you all for your patience, understanding and ongoing support as we've navigated this unprecedented time 😁

 We’re excited to announce that we have found a new home for NEA at 28 B and C Carrier Street! 

These are uncertain times as we handle coronavirus restrictions. We’re grateful to be able to fulfil our role as a vibrant part of the Benalla community. 

The new premises will change the look and feel of NEA. We’re looking forward to opening and seeing how our new home operates to serve our members and the artistic community of Benalla and surrounds.  

Do you have any practical and exciting ideas for how NEA operates? Everything we achieve is through the strength of our volunteers and members. We encourage you to take an active role in NEA. Get involved, share your ideas, contribute your skills and help this moment of change in NEA’s history be a foundation for its growth.

Interested in learning more about the premises or getting involved?  Please contact us through the contact page and we will touch base with you. 


NEA Management Committee. 

NE. Artisans Inc A0090960Y
122 Bridge St Benalla, Victoria 3672
www.northeastartisans.org  
www.facebook.com/NE.Artisans

Dear Artists, Artisans, Volunteers and Members,
 
Recently we asked for your feedback about NEA’s next steps and whether we should stay at our current premises. Thank you for the well-considered responses we received.

The overwhelming majority of the feedback confirmed our previous decision to vacate the current premises. Taking this into consideration, the North East Artisans Management Committee has voted to depart the premises located at 122-124 Bridge Street East, Benalla.
 
We have not made this decision lightly but with the best intentions for the interests of our artists, artisans, members, volunteers and the wider communities that make up NEA.
 
It is with gratitude that we depart our Bridge Street location. It has served us well over many years. A working group is actively seeking a new home for our creative community.

The organisation known as North East Artisans (NEA) will continue!
 
While our location may change, our organisation continues to grow and thrive. We attribute this to the passion and commitment of our members. We are excited and optimistic about the next stage of NEA’s development, in a new place that will suit our changing needs.
 
We need our volunteers more than ever. We need leaders to guide us through this period of change. We need admin support, customer service skills, marketing and many hands that will shape our organisation moving forward. This is a time to create, strategise, plan and build an even brighter future. We look forward to seeing the contributions you can make.

We will continue to keep you updated with all forthcoming information.

Yours with a deep appreciation,


NEA Management Committee.

Benalla Yarnbombers are happy to announce that the Council have approved our application to run the Benalla Rugged Up yarn bombing event in August.  We have only a couple of minor logistical plans to complete and then we are all set to go ahead.  Our plans for this year are slightly altered from previous years (and our initial thoughts before COVID-19 issues).  But we are well advanced in preparing the materials for bollards, seat backs and bike racks.  We still need to look at what level of coverage we can manage for the trees and perhaps the pergola posts.
 
If you do have any materials for use this year, please give me a call to discuss pick up or delivery.  As I mentioned in a previous update we decided that we could not ask outlets around town to act as drop off points.  And as we do not have anywhere for construction activities, can only use completed items this year – just completed strips (narrow and wide), beanies or bollard covers.
 
Finally, we do not have the out of town volunteers for the installation activity.  If anyone is able to assist with this activity on the afternoons of 1st and/or 2nd August, please let me know.  Because of the distancing restrictions, we may need to look at rostering, so please let me know when and for how long you can help.
 
Thank you for your support in previous years and this year, and we look forward to seeing a bright display around town during August.
 
Joy
Benalla Yarn Bombers
0417 065 351

The good news – we are still hoping that Benalla Rugged Up 2020 will go ahead, with some adjustments.  We need to keep in mind the restrictions that may still be in place.  Certainly maintaining physical distancing will be necessary.  But we think that the town will need the brightening far more this year.
 
With this in mind, we have taken the following decisions and steps:

• We have submitted the event application to council.  My conversations with the Event Co-ordinator indicate that there is a strong chance we will be able to go ahead as there is no large group gathering required.
• We will install over the weekend of 1-2 August (Saturday/Sunday).  We will work in pairs for this and are looking for local volunteers to help.  If you can help please let me know.
• We will focus first on bollards, seat backs, and bike racks, then move to cover as many trees as we are able to cover ourselves without the help of the out of town volunteers from previous years.  For these, bollard covers, beanies and long strips will be required.  
• We will not have collection points around town.  It is not practical to keep the bins sanitised.  Instead, if you have articles to contribute, please call me and I will arrange collection.  It would be preferable that the items are in bags that can be handed over with minimum handling.

 
If you have any questions, please give me a call or send an email.
 
Joy Shirley, for the organising group
0417 065 351

Deb Dodd drew upon this image in responding to a Day in a Week of My Life - Day 1 - B&W Challenge recently. If you would like to find out more about the processes Deb uses to complete cup stack wall hangings, check out this post from on her 'Deb Dodd Mosaics' site..    

​There are many other process oriented projects on the 'Deb Dodd Mosaics' Facebook page, a terrific resource for beginning mosaic artists looking for inspiration.

Last month, with the proviso that the decision would be reviewed, SCRAP's Peter Finney advised artists or budding artists to spend the extra time at home working on an entry for the SCRAP art show "so that if we do go ahead, you will be ready and not have to have a last-minute rush to get ready for this fabulous event which turns recycled materials into wonderful artworks "  Peter has now advised that SCRAP has been postponed to August 2021.

"On Monday 4 May 2020, the Swanpool Creative Recycled Arts Prize (SCRAP) Working Group had their regular meeting. In these times of social isolation, the group has been meeting via Zoom, an on-line tool that enables us all to call in from home using video-conferencing technology. 

Whilst preparations have been underway for this major arts event in Swanpool for several months, and based on advice from the Commonwealth Government, the working party has unanimously decided to postpone this year’s event until August 2021. This decision is also supported by a recent survey of many of the 80 volunteers who worked on the 2019 event, the majority of who also decided we should wait until the all-clear is given. This decision has not been taken lightly and will mean that local community groups will not receive a share of the profits this event would have generated this year.

But rest assured, SCRAP will be back in 2021 – the actual dates will be published after the next S&DCDA Committee Meeting. Thankyou for all the volunteers who have worked so hard so far to get our event to this stage. And thanks to the artists who have been busy at work creating WOW from Waste.

Stay safe, and we look forward to bringing SCRAP to North-East Victoria again in 2021.

​Peter Finney

"Since our last update on the Swanpool Creative Recycled Art Prize (SCRAP) in January this year, the world has changed enormously. We are currently in the amidst of a global pandemic that nobody could have imagined, so please do your bit to stay safe. Whilst I do normally work from home in Lima South, even I am getting cabin-fever during this lock-down. Plenty of time to plan for the future…

The threat of Covid-19 is all around us, and we ask that you remain diligent; stay home over Easter and socially isolate yourself. These are the things that we can all do to bring this virus under control so that our health system does not become over-whelmed and collapse under the strain.

The Swanpool Community, whilst isolated itself within regional North-East Victoria, is fully aware of what we all need to do to stay safe. And the SCRAP Working Group is putting the health and safety of volunteers and visitors to our annual are exhibition as the number one priority right now. 
​
Earlier this week we all met via Zoom, an on-line conference call tool that allows us to not only see each other on-line, but also talk through the possibility that we might need to cancel this year’s event, scheduled for August 1 - 19, with the Gala Opening Evening on Friday July 31. The working group has decided to continue with planning this event until we next meet in four weeks - so this is good news! 

AT THIS STAGE SCRAP 2020 IS GOING AHEAD FROM AUGUST 1 TO 19 2020 AS PLANNED

If you are an artist or budding artist, we encourage you to spend the extra time at home working on an entry, so that if we do go ahead, you will be ready and not have to have a last-minute rush to get ready for this fabulous event which turns recycled materials into wonderful artworks . Visit Swanpool and District Community Development Association's   website for entry details and online entry form, and keep your creative juices flowing.

We will review our decision as we get closer to August, depending on advice from our government and health authorities. We will however, not compromise the health and safety of our volunteers and visitors. 

We will also keep you informed each month now leading up SCRAP, and you can give use feedback via our Facebook Group ( https://www.facebook.com/groups/2474466172784350/ ) as well - we would love to hear from you.  

I will send out another update early in May - in the meantime, have a safe and relaxing Easter.

Peter Finney
President
Swanpool & District Community Development Association
Sunday April 12 2020

​Albury City Council is developing a Maker Space and Creative Industries Incubator at the old Pump House on Waterworks Road, Albury. and is seeking feedback from artists and craftspeople in the Albury-Wodonga Region. 

The facility will include a range of equipment and machinery to support art and craft making and production within a variety of contexts.  Albury City believes the PumpHouse will nurture the development of creative industries and provide a space not only for the creation of art but also for experimenting, learning and networking. 

A document is currently being developed to define how the PumpHouse will work including general management, access, staffing, programming and membership models etc.  

The Council would like to hear from artists and craftspeople - professional, hobby, emerging - to discover who's out there, what they need and how a facility like this can play a role in developing the cultural sector more broadly. 

The PumpHouse Artists and Craftspeople Survey is now available: 

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Albury_PumpHouse_Survey 

If you would like to discuss the PumpHouse in more detail, contact 

Maz McGann
Facilitator // Consultant // Adviser
Arts, Culture, Heritage and Community
Play Your Part
0438 807 973
mmcgann@internode.on.net

Hi. 

Not sure whether NEA has received this information.  We've been in touch
with Catherine about promoting our business and she was wondering whether there
are others from NEA who would also wish to.  

Regards,

Tim & Ruth Schloss

STOP PRESS!  'BUY FROM BENALLA' - NEW ONLINE MARKET PLACE COMING SOON

Council has been working hard behind the scenes to support local retailers. We have come up with a new concept for an online one stop Buy Local marketplace with deliveries straight to your customers door.

Thanks to local tech startup Issimo Markets, in partnership with Midland Freight, Regional Development Victoria and Startup Shakeup we are just about ready for it to become a reality. Benalla will trial the concept in this first to market initiative, before it's rolled out across NE Victoria.

What:

• Free for any Benalla based business to register
• You'll need the internet & a smart phone
• Simply take pics of your products (in decent lighting)
• Upload your most popular products and add more as you have time
• The silver lining is you'll have an online store with Benalla as the winner - rather than each of us trying to attract customers in a difficult time.
• Developed and managed by tech wizards so when this crisis is over, you can continue to trade in "clicks and bricks" and add more features if you'd like.

SUPPORT AVAILABLE
1. Register your Interest below
2. You'll  then receive a link from Issimo Markets with all the instructions for setting up your page - it's super easy
3. Free training, webinars and phone support is also available
4. Once we have 20 businesses loaded we'll launch and market the site to local residents via letterbox drops and social media plus good news media releases.
5. Businesses will be encouraged to cross promote via their marketing channelstoo #buyfrombenalla.
6. There will be a small delivery fee charged per transaction, which businesses can choose to either absorb or slightly increase your product prices to cover it.

Interested in finding out more?  Register your interest below.

*It will go live as soon as we have a minimum of 20 retailers on board - so the sooner we hear from you the better for everyone.

If you'd like to chat more contact Catherine Macmillan on 0418 916 180 .

#buyfrombenalla #togetherwearestronger #collaboration #community #buylocal

Interested in 'Buy from Benalla' online marketplace? 
​
catherine.macmillan@benalla.vic.gov.au  

(Added in 2016)

(Added in 2013)

What to do when coming to terms with being 'In Isolation' during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic? 

​Merv has revisited his YouTube Channel, sharing workshop ideas on Facebook and adding them to his YouTube library!   There are five new videos to date... Enjoy!

Here's Merv's latest addition - 'Mucking about in digital' - Merv describes '"....mucking around in digital with a new video editor. This is a test to see if I can get it downloaded to YouTube."

Click on  the poster image to go to the online exhibition!

​From NEA's Elaine Murphy, a new work, 'Spread the Love' and message 'Do the right thing, and please everybody, stay safe!'

Cathy Pianta's oil pastel 'A Life of Colour' recently won the category ‘Oils, acrylics and mixed media’ at the Rutherglen Tastes of Art Show.   'A Life of Colour’ recognises the work of Margaret Olley and her love of colour and flowers, in particular. 

"I love Margaret Olley as a subject and have done several portraits of her, one of which won this year’s Tatong Art Show  ‘Works on paper’ category.   Margaret was a wonderful Australian artist who took time to mentor and support emerging artists.  She had an eye and a love for colour.  I’ve used oil pastel for the three portraits I’ve done of Margaret as I am constantly amazed at the way they blend to create layers and layers of unique colours whilst being able to subtly blend to create intimate shades and shadows.  I thank Mervin Beamish for getting me hooked on pastels although I work with other media as well.  

I’d love to thank the sponsors of the Rutherglen Art Show as Australia needs all the support for the arts we can have."