One thing we know about this time of year is that it feels good to give back. Whether giving a present to a loved one, a compliment to an artist, or a helping hand to someone who needs it, the act of giving is what Christmas, and Adelaide premier design market, Bowerbird, is all about.
While showcasing small-scale, Australian designers and businesses is the heart of Bowerbird, giving back to the local community is its soul. Bowerbird proudly supports Catherine House, a specialist homelessness and recovery service helping women in South Australia. Together, both Bowerbird and Catherine House are hosting a very special event in the spirit of Christmas and giving back.
On the first day of Bowerbird (Friday 25 November), the two organisations will be hosting a ‘Meet the Maker’ experience. Here, you will be able to meet and learn from Bowerbird’s talented makers, as well as hear from women who have benefited from the unique Catherine House support service.
Proud owner and operator of Bowerbird, Peggy Byrne, says Catherine House has become the market’s chosen charity, because of its holistic approach including the use of art to bring happiness and purpose back into women’s lives.
“A representative from Catherine House and women who have experienced homelessness and the support of Catherine House will be sharing their experiences. It’s always amazing to hear from them, because the charity is not just about giving people a roof over their head and a meal. It’s so much more than that,” says Peggy.
“Catherine House cares about the individual by providing incredible support and opportunities. For women who have been out of the workforce for a while, Catherine House can give them an opportunity to learn skills again. They also have access to things like art classes. It’s all about treating individuals holistically, mind and soul.”
Tickets to the Meet the Maker experience include entry into the event, entry into Bowerbird, a gin cocktail, a shared cheese platter and a gift bag. What’s more, all ticket proceeds go directly to Catherine House.
“We are absolutely thrilled to have the support of Bowerbird for the second year in a row. Funds raised through this event will ensure we can continue to provide crisis accommodation and support service for women experiencing homelessness. With our current demand, we need this support more than ever,” added Catherine House’s Manager of Philanthropy and Engagement, Jaylee Cooper.
Bowerbird makers will also share their stories.
Sandra Gale of Sandra Gale Studio is a bright and fun illustrator who will be speaking on the day. Sandra will be joined by Rebecca Hayter of RJ Crosses Ceramics. Peggy says the two women celebrate womanhood and will bring an incredible positive energy to the event.
“Sandra’s artworks are very empowering and all about female power. They’re fun, bright illustrations and paintings, and also prints on T-shirts and mugs with positive messages on them,” she said.
“Rebecca has always been an incredibly positive person at the market. She’s amazing and loves focussing her ceramics on Christmas. In this day and age, to have someone with a passion for the holidays is lovely.
“Overall, Sandra and Rebecca are women who back women.”
Peggy says the Meet the Maker experience is just one way that the market is endeavouring to make a difference for Catherine House.
“I’m trying to make Bowerbird a more fulfilled and meaningful experience, rather than just transactional. People will be able to understand what it takes to make a product and meet the people – we’ve always had this philosophy,” says Peggy.
“I’m always trying to find new ways to help. Every time I see an opportunity, I ask ‘what can Bowerbird do?’”
Ahead of the Meet the Maker experience, Bowerbird designers have also donated products for a basket valued at over $2,000 to it’s the Beyond Our Wildest Dreams fundraising dinner on Monday 14 November. The basket is currently for sale via silent auction, with all funds supporting Catherine House.
The basket comprises artwork, ceramic pieces, jewellery, gin and wine, fashion accessories, and even a leather dog lead and chew toy! Also included are entry tickets to Bowerbird and some of their workshops. Bidding started at $500 and closes at 10pm on Monday.
If you are unable to attend the Meet the Maker event or bid on the basket, there are lots of ways you can help Catherine House at Bowerbird.
Notably, Catherine House volunteers will once again be manning the Bowerbird gift wrapping station. With a variety of gorgeous paper to choose from, the volunteers will wrap your newly purchased goodies for a $5 donation towards the wonderful work they do.
Catherine House donations can also be made through the Bowerbird website after you have purchased tickets.
Bowerbird will take place from 25 – 27 November at the Adelaide Showground. Friday 4pm-9pm, Saturday & Sunday 10am-5pm. Visit the Bowerbird website to secure your tickets.
The Meet the Maker event will take place within the Bowerbird market on Friday 25 November from 5:30pm – 6:30pm. To purchase tickets to the Meet the Maker experience (inclusive of entry to the Bowerbird market), click here.
More News
