MACKAY is home to some incredible creative talent across every discipline including painting, pottery, wood-turning, jewellery making, drawing and more.
The stunning colours, shapes and forms of their original wares were on display at the Christmas Arts and Craft Fair hosted by the Mackay Art Society on Saturday and Sunday.

Freda Hollier working on a pencil sketch at the Christmas Arts and Crafts Fair held at the Mackay Art Society, Beaconsfield, Sunday November 22, 2020. To get in touch, phone 0437 479 489 or email artsociety101@gmail.com Picture: Heidi Petith
Mackay Art Society president Sharee McDonald said the fair was an opportunity for local and surrounding artists to sell their “top-quality” goods before Christmas.

Artworks on display at the Christmas Arts and Crafts Fair held at the Mackay Art Society, Beaconsfield, Sunday November 22, 2020. Picture: Heidi Petith
“It’s an easy going and relaxed atmosphere,” Ms McDonald said.

Mackay artist Rose Ware with her favourite scroll saw piece at the Christmas Arts and Crafts Fair held at the Mackay Art Society, Beaconsfield, Sunday November 22, 2020. To get in touch, phone Scroll Sawing by Rose on 4942 4704. Picture: Heidi Petith
Mackay artist Rosie Ware said she started learning the art of scroll sawing with the Mackay Woodturners after her husband passed away seven years ago.
“My husband was a member … they wanted me to learn something,” Mrs Ware said.
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East Mackay artist Marion Rolleston with two of her handpainted watercolour pieces at the Christmas Arts and Crafts Fair held at the Mackay Art Society, Beaconsfield, Sunday November 22, 2020. To get in touch, phone 0412 497 863 or email mrolles2008@hotmail.com Picture: Heidi Petith
East Mackay artist Marion Rolleston had a range of watercolour paintings for sale including intricately painted tea sets, cards and magnets.

Artists Michael and Julia Ibbotson with their unique pieces at the Christmas Arts and Crafts Fair held at the Mackay Art Society, Beaconsfield, Sunday November 22, 2020. To get in touch, phone 0422 399 073. Picture: Heidi Petith
For the little more out there, husband and wife artists Michael and Julia Ibbotson paint objects found on the beach like coconuts with bright neon glow-in-the-dark designs.
“Coconuts can have faces and they’re all different,” Mr Ibbotson said, pointing to a coconut that shared a resemblance to a puffer fish.

Artworks on display at the Christmas Arts and Crafts Fair held at the Mackay Art Society, Beaconsfield, Sunday November 22, 2020. Picture: Heidi Petith
The pair said they were inspired after meeting artist Marrissa Moore who painted glow-in-the-dark art pieces for her family home’s skirting boards so the children could see at night.

Toys made by two Mackay wood-turners in their 90s on display at the Christmas Arts and Crafts Fair held at the Mackay Art Society, Beaconsfield, Sunday November 22, 2020. To get in touch, phone the Beaconsfield Road Men’s Shed on 4942 3321 or head down to the shed on Beaconsfield Rd from 8am-noon on Mondays and Wednesdays. Picture: Heidi Petith
And for those who appreciate tried and tested old-fashioned wooden toys, there was a range of vehicles to delight any young child including trucks created by two Mackay wood-turners in their 90s.

Just one of the many toys made by the Beaconsfield Road Men’s Shed wood-turners on display at the Christmas Arts and Crafts Fair held at the Mackay Art Society, Beaconsfield, Sunday November 22, 2020. To get in touch, phone the Beaconsfield Road Men’s Shed on 4942 3321 or head down to the shed on Beaconsfield Rd from 8am-noon on Mondays and Wednesdays Picture: Heidi Petith
There was also live painting demonstrations including by Mackay artist Susan Riley Gee who was creating a large seascape from acrylics.
Mrs Gee is part of the Artist Collective that teaches art on Hamilton Island five times each year.

Artist Susan Riley Gee working on a large acrylic seascape at the Christmas Arts and Crafts Fair held at the Mackay Art Society, Beaconsfield, Sunday November 22, 2020. To get in touch, phone 0409 474 291. Picture: Heidi Petith
To fair will run until 4pm Sunday November 22 at the Mackay Art Society building in Snow Wright Crt in Andergrove. For more information, phone 0409 474 291.

Clare Chapman with one of Diane Steenkamp’s handcrafted necklaces and Liza De Waal sporting her apron at the Christmas Arts and Crafts Fair held at the Mackay Art Society, Beaconsfield, Sunday November 22, 2020. To get in touch, phone 0412 922 372 or email 2di4art@gmail.com Picture: Heidi Petith
You can also head down to the Mackay Art Society at Snow Wright Court, Andergrove from 9am to 3pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays as well as 5pm to 8pm on Wednesdays.
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Costs are $5 for members and $10 for non-members which includes use of the easels.

A painting by Monika Ciesielski on display at the Christmas Arts and Crafts Fair held at the Mackay Art Society, Beaconsfield, Sunday November 22, 2020. To get in touch, phone 0448 060 461. Picture: Heidi Petith
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2020-11-22 03:45:00