It is an absolute joy and delight to curate Artfulmind Pop-up Gallery/Shop and present the exquisite work of more than a dozen fine makers and artists. It is also a privilege, to create vibrant spaces for visitors that offer the kind of enriching, uplifting aesthetic experience known to give the brain a beautiful boost. The next series of four pop-ups begins Sunday 26 April at Huskisson Artisans Market.
An Ode To Joy
Curating and presenting Artfulmind Pop-up Gallery/Shop requires a principle to guide every aspect: the choice of the dozen or more diverse makers and artists invited to participate; the selection of works from each of them; the complex, creative challenge of formulating a visually cohesive display from the 200+ selected items.
This time, the focus is firmly on joy—joy emanating from a myriad points in the whole collective, creative endeavour.
There is the joy of the artist being completely and utterly in the present moment, observing and capturing the subjects of drawings, paintings, sculptures, epitomised in Judy Panucci’s series of 24 watercolour sketches of her dog, Billie, a border collie.
Each and every one of these delightful, postcard size sketches is an ode to Judy’s joy, and testament to her artistic skill in capturing Billie’s energy and character—positively radiating unfettered exuberance. They are all available to purchase at Artfulmind Gallery/Shop ($60 each).
“Border collies exude joy in movement, work, sticks and being agile and alert in their world. Billie has a morning sea task of retrieving her herd of shorn sticks from the waves. She flings herself from rocks and surges into the turmoil of sea, salt and wind to bring her girls safely to shore. Billie’s drive, concentration and joy in this task are palpable.
“During May 2024, I drew Billie each day in watercolour, aiming to capture that quintessential border collie energy. These are my snapshot talismans against loss. A continuation of my practice to be in the moment and simultaneously recall and record.” Judy Panucci, 2026
The aesthetic qualities of vibrant colour, pattern and texture in hand made items may be an immediately obvious source of joy. Before this, however, there is the joy of the maker in handling materials, bringing something unique into being, giving form to thought, idea, experience—all of which is embodied in the made object.
This round of Artfulmind Gallery/Shop pop-ups also has a focus on functional art and craft—useable pottery, incense holders, scarves, jewellery, unique bags, tea towels, stunning vases, hand painted trays, and more. You find these alongside art works and some delightful devotional items, such as Irish prayer bowls, and Julie Paterson’s series of ‘Equanimity Trees’, created specially for Artfulmind Gallery/Shop.
Picasso said, “Even the most commonplace object is a vehicle for my thoughts.” Imagine what a unique, carefully hand-crafted object offers as transport for the mind.
Beautiful Bargains
I warmly invite you to come to one of the Artfulmind Gallery/Shop pop-ups and show your support for our regional makers and artists.
Of course, sales are a much appreciated form of support but so is showing interest by simply taking time to visit the gallery and browse, whether or not you buy. Makers are always deeply appreciative of interest in their creative practice. There is always something fascinating to discover about their methods and techniques, and you may be amazed at the amount of time involved in creating these unique items.
I can absolutely guarantee, whatever the price on the item, it is an absolute bargain because the prices do not come anywhere close to reflecting the true cost of the labour, materials and processes—for example, the kiln firings needed for ceramics—that are involved in hand making. Each and every purchase comes with a huge amount of passion and generosity of spirit thrown in.
Arts Muster x Artfulmind Collaboration
When Artfulmind Pop-up Gallery/Shop launched late last year—to provide more opportunities for skilled, dedicated makers and artists to show and sell their wonderful work—Arts Muster founder, Samantha Tannous, and I were delighted and gratified by the strength of positive response and sales.
Our shared commitment to this voluntary project continues with three more series of pop-ups planned for this year, each time launching at Huskisson Artisans Market—Sundays 26 April, 30 August, 29 November 2026—presenting an edited range of works. The following three Saturdays Artfulmind Gallery/Shop pop-ups in my Erowal Bay studio—a free standing building where the full range of selected works is available to browse and buy.
Artfulmind Gallery/Shop, Erowal Bay
Saturdays 02, 09 and 16 May 2026 / 11am-4pm + By appointment
Meet the Makers 2-4pm each Saturday
Email natalie@mcdonaghdesign.com for full street address
Making Space for Makers
You may have read my article Making Space for Makers (October 2025) about the ever-shrinking opportunities for makers and artists to show and sell their work, which makes artist-led initiatives such as Huskisson Artisans Market and Artfulmind Gallery/Shop, a necessity in the creative arts eco-system, and becoming more so.
As I write, the Australian Design Centre (ADC) in Sydney and its extraordinary far-reaching work supporting makers is coming to an end after 62 years, due to cuts in government funding.
Three makers new to Artfulmind Pop-up Gallery/Shop are among the many who have lost a valuable outlet at ADC: Jo Victoria, creator of exquisite ceramics; Julie Paterson, a textile design whizz and artist; Liane Wilcher, whose MyFlateMate range of self-assembly 3D models of woofs and wild critters are guaranteed to delight. Come and see for yourself.
A joyful note to close
Having successfully launched Artfulmind Pop-up Gallery/Shop, there is joy in hearing the surprise and delight of makers when they receive a phone call out of the blue from a fellow maker, offering an opportunity to show and sell their wonderful work.
