2020
Capel Makers Trail
DUE TO COVID-19 THE 2020 EVENT BECAME THE CAPEL MAKERS VIRTUAL TRAIL
The Event
"Keeping the Trail Alive"
The Capel Makers Trail played the role of connector in 2019 bringing artists, makers, and the community together. Traditional skills are seeing a resurgence, with a strong interest from our younger community.
“There is a focus on regional art and craft. Plenty of interest was generated for local artists and makers from the inaugural event held in the Shire of Capel in 2019. Everyone was so looking forward to this year’s event” says Trail Coordinator Tracie Walsh, “that is until COVID-19 hit”!
After hearing the disappointment of the many artists and makers involved, the Capel Makers Trail Committee decided they needed to go with the momentum and expectations of this year’s event and keep the Capel Makers Trail Alive! says, Trail Coordinator Tracie Walsh.
It was clear the event needed to run in 2020, but how? Within days, the ‘Virtual Capel Makers Trail’ was realised.
Follow the Virtual Trail below which ran successfully over the weekend of 23-24 May 2020.
Saturday 23rd May
Capel, 10am
Young maker Ruth Strong talks about her love of knitting and how she created her successful brand “Knitfits”.
Peppermint Grove Beach, 12pm
Visit with Liz Bint of “Artwaves” fame. Learn how to master the art of fluid art on wooden boards about hear about her love of the ocean environment. We also see Liz in action in her studio!
Peppermint Grove Beach, 2pm
Artist Rachel Wyder will share her latest creative passion allowing us to step into her shoes as an apprentice Blacksmith. At her home forge we will learn the tools of the trade being passed down to her from Brian Golding an experienced Boyanup Foundation Blacksmith. You can find more videos on our Facebook page.
Stirling Estate, 4pm
A tour and talk of Helen Seiver’s garden and workshop. Learn about her sculptures and love of found objects. Get hands on and crochet wire.
Sunday 24th May
Boyanup, 10am
We meet the blokes from the Capel Men’s Shed at the South West Rail and Heritage Centre. Learn how making and being involved in personal and community projects is at the centre of their philosophy for mental health and wellbeing. See more wonderful projects from the Men's Shed on our Facebook page.
Boyanup, 12pm
A talk with Betty Saunders will kindle your creative desire. Her creativity reflects her passions. Witness the making of fused glass pieces and recycled glass work at her eclectic home studio.
Dalyellup, 2pm
A Mosaic Journey with Tanya Passmore. Learn to confidently repurpose crockery, glass, jewellery, and semiprecious stones into works of art. Get hands on mosaicking a chair.
Capel, 4pm
A tour and talk with Jen Thomson of Ishmalu handcrafts. Learn about the traditional skills and stories behind her scarves and felted vessels. Get hands-on felting flowers.
Thank you to all 2020 Virtual Trail Makers
We know that many of these traditional skills will be lost if we do not share them and encourage young people to make and participate.
The Virtual Trail was able to share the best that is handmade with the community in the hope that these creative traditions will be passed on and kept alive!
Over the weekend we saw that Artists and makers are doing more than that during these times. In fact, they are thriving!
Remember we have many clips of our Capel Shire Makers sharing their work and studios on our Facebook page where you can see more of each Maker.