Creators share early Craft Fair memories
Tony Smibert of Deloraine was one of the first artists to show their work in the early years of the Tasmanian Craft Fair.
Tony Smibert, Neil Hoffman, Helmut Schwabe, Hugh and Mary McLachlan were among the artists showing their work in the early days of the Tasmanian Craft Fair.
At the recent 40th Anniversary Craft Fair they came together in a joint exhibition, showing recent work in paintings, ceramics, sculpture and jewellery.
‘It’s a unique event in the southern hemisphere, in that it runs across the whole town of Deloraine and a small group of Rotarians make it happen,’ Deloraine artist Tony Smibert said.
‘We four exhibited in the early days of the craft fair and our careers grew from that time. I know the craft fair was an important part of my career development.’
The work of ceramicist Neil Hoffman has not been seen at the Tasmanian Craft Fair for 20 years.
‘Forty years of craft fairs is a good innings. It’s a commendable effort by Deloraine.
‘The craft fair has been significant for my practice.’
More photos from the 2021 Tasmanian Craft Fair will be in the December Gazette.
