The Canberra Craft & Quilt Fair

Column: Bit Parts | Date Published: Tuesday, 31 July 12 | Author: Ashley Thomson | 9 months, 3 weeks ago

WHAT: Australia's Most Popular Craft Event
WHEN: Thu-Sun August 9-12
WHERE: Exhibition Park In Canberra

The biggest craft event in the Southern Hemisphere returns to Canberra. The event showcases the latest in craft products from both international and local suppliers, numerous classes and workshops as well as inspiration from the fair’s special guests. The four-day event will feature a mix of works including the 2012 Annual Exhibition by Canberra Quilters Inc, with close to 200 quilts on show. Visitors will also be treated to works by Australian artist, Cheryl Bridgart, who has swapped paint brush for sewing machine. The Fair will also showcase a selection of wearable artworks, with artists interpreting the theme ‘The Fairest of Them All’. For more information visit www.craftfair.com.au. Open daily 10am-4.30pm. $9-$14 (children under five free).

	Canberra’s Poncho Circus: WHAT: New Show: Underground WHEN: Fri Aug 10 – Sun Aug 12 WHERE: QL2 Theatre, Gorman House Poncho Circus is a group of skilled young performers formed from members of Canberra’s very own Warehouse Circus and they’re currently working towards the performance of their debut theatre show, Underground. The piece aims to show off the wide variety of skills this home grown circus has to offer. “Underground is a chance for us to enter the performing world with a bang,” says Jake Silvestro, artistic director. The show follows the stories of ten characters and their interactions with each other and circus in a world where circus is a punishable offense, like Morris dancing should be now. “It sounds kind of grim but in reality there’s a lot more comedy than you’d think... and mystery too.” $10-$18 door or email ponchocircus@gmail.com for pre-booking info.

	Multi-Arts Festival Callout!: WHAT: art, not apart WHEN: Due Mon Aug 27 (for Sat Oct 27) WHERE: NewActon Space! We all need space. Space to create, space to think, space to be. art, not apart is a multi-arts festival offering beautiful spaces to artists from all backgrounds. Becca, the curator, can help artists and groups integrate their ideas for the use of space into this day without divisions. Each group receives a table, umbrella and some chairs; there’s no commission on art sales, and everyone is encouraged to make things on the day. Some writers are offering lucky-dip poetry, a street crew is painting a car, and a sculptor will finalise his UFO. There’ll be short films, dance, suitcase markets and a carefully woven stage of music. And a paste-up competition. And more than fits into this little website: newacton.com.au/ana. Clasp a coffee with Becca and talk about your own space. Taking submissions now! Email becca@newacton.com.au to get your foot in the door.

	Wyrd Sisters: The Play: WHAT: Terry Pratchett Onstage WHEN: Tue Aug 14 – Sat Aug 25 WHERE: Tuggeranong Arts Centre Terry Pratchett’s novels have sold over 70 million copies. Make sure you remember that because he won’t in a few years. Ha. Dementia. No, it’s a very serious condition and it’s sad to know his mind is going. Very black. Anyway, Pratchett writes fantasy that challenges and amuses in equal measure. It makes for great play adaptations. Wyrd Sisters is based on the first in the ‘witches’ series and is a twist on Shakespeare’s Macbeth .This time the witches are the good guys! The Tuggeranong Arts Centre Women’s Theatre Forum (WTF) is a community group dedicated to older women in theatre so get along to what promises to be a charming incarnation of a Pratchett classic. Yes, it’s really called WTF. To make a booking phone (02) 6293 1443. All shows at 7.30pm. $25/$30.

	cuBasic Music Production Workshop: WHAT: Budget Cubase Classes WHEN: Fri Aug 24-Fri Nov 2 WHERE: Kendall Lane Theatre, NewActon cuBasic, a non-profit NewActon and MusicACT initiative, will offer six music production lessons in a comfortable, relaxed environment to help you gain a better understanding of the Cubase production software platform. Their aim is to help you go from complete novice to finishing your first track after six lessons over 12 weeks, and meanwhile to foster local electronic music in the ACT. Every ticket will also buy you a free drink at the Diamont hotel after each session to help get the social aspect of these sessions moving. And because Cubase isn’t the cheapest software, cuBasic have organised with Better Music in Philip to cut $200 off the retail price to help the student on their way to honing their musical talent. Each session is $25 or $125 if you pay for all sessions upfront. For MusicACT members, the ticket cost is $15 for each session or $75 if you pay for all sessions upfront. Email cubasic@musicact.com.au for more info or head to http://www.musicact.com.au/content/cubasic to sign up.

	Bone Idol 2: WHAT: Talent Show On Crack WHEN: Fri Aug 17 WHERE: Canberra Contemporary Art Space, Gorman House If you were in it last year, now is the time to come back stronger and stranger. If you weren’t, now’s your chance! Bone Idol is inspired by the highs and lows of talent shows, bringing this ubiquitous contest style to performance art. This is a chance for you to get out there and show something completely original. The risk of losing your dignity is compensated by the possibility of winning the highly sought after Bone Idol trophy and a dazzling prize of $500. Performers will also get free entry/drinks for the night and a full four minutes. All funds go to helping CCAS stage exhibitions and performance events throughout the year. Only one rule: contestants are allowed to use only as many props as they can carry. Applications due Wednesday August 15. Visit www.ccas.com.au or call (02) 6247 0188 for more info. Bone Idol is calling you! 7pm. $10.