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NOW OPEN
Comprehensive Workshop & Gallery for the Artisan in us all!
Click Here to see construction progress pics!
Artisans Retreat is on 5 acres with magnificent views over the luscious green dairy country of the Manning River Valley.
This idyllic location is near Taree on the North East Coast of New South Wales, Australia.
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Peter & Christine Calabria 702 Tinonee Road, Mondrook, NSW 2430 Australia Phone: (02) 6553 1199 Email: crafty@artisansretreat.com Click here to download a Brochure Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader |
The Concept
Artisans Retreat is a place for people to come to admire, purchase, or try their hand at creating functional and artistic pieces using both traditional and modern materials and techniques. Come and have a "crafty holiday" and go home with the masterpiece you make.
The setting, facilities and focus are conducive to Artisan pursuits (the making of things) rather than just fine art.
The entire property is designated a smoke free area.
What is there?
Artisans Retreat comprises a comprehensive workshop, gallery and home for the owners, Peter & Christine Calabria and Peter's mum, Anne.
The People
Peter Calabria
Peter was a Manning Valley resident and director of Sunne Printing for almost thirty years. His formative years, on a farm in Griffith, nurtured his talent for creating useful items from the materials at hand and creating more efficient systems for completing farm tasks. These skills were to become invaluable in his career in the graphic arts industry. While often using his skills to create products and build things, he didn't get the chance to take up woodturning until more recent years. His desire to create "functional art" has led to pieces, while perhaps a little away from the "norm", are made to be used on a regular basis.
Peter enjoys bringing together different skills and materials and is not afraid to venture into uncharted waters.
Christine Calabria
Tasmanian born and bred, Peter's wife, Christine, has the artist's eye. Her appreciation of artistic pursuits was developed through watching her mother creating magnificent floral arrangements, decorating cakes and, in later years, painting exquisite porcelain plates. Her own art and craft endeavours over the years have included, mixed media and photo collage, pencil drawing, photography (both taking and developing) metal shim embossing, leather work, decoupage, paper tole and counted cross stitch. Recent additions include glass slumping and fusing, silk painting, woodcarving, candle making, soap making and creative picture framing. Her experience as a schoolteacher and skills in the art field, as well as a great eye for colour, make her an invaluable member of the team.
Anne Calabria
Peter's mum, Anne, has also been a "hands-on" creator all her life. From tailored clothes to soft furnishings, to decorating on a budget with whatever was to hand, she is a master at creating "something priceless from nothing."
Anne's special talent is her brilliant Italian style cooking.
The Facilities
Gallery
The Gallery displays and sells work from artisans, local and from elsewhere. The materials used and the methods employed vary greatly, with the predominant theme being Unusual and Unique pieces and styles.
There is, for example:
Wood - turned, carved and traditional woodwork;
Glass - kiln formed and leadlight;
Fabric - counted cross stitch, embroidery, patchwork;
Metal - cutlery sculpture;
Paper Tole
and many more interesting pieces
Artisans Gallery will be open Thursday to Monday 10:00a.m. to 4:00p.m.
HOWEVER - During January 2008, Artisans Retreat is open EVERY DAY - 9am to 5pm
Workshop
The workshop will initially contain facilities for:
Woodturning and other woodworking activities;
Glass fusing and slumping;
Screen-printing;
Counted cross-stitch;
Patchwork.
Facilities for other crafts will continue to be introduced .
Courses
Artisans Retreat conducts introductory courses in various skills. Participants will create and keep their own works.
There is a strong emphasis on the correct & safe handling of materials, the safe use of all equipment, as well as protection from dusts, irritants, etc.
The courses are structured for local and visiting participants and "Master Classes" with visiting artisans are envisaged. Many more skills will catered for as time progresses.
Accommodation
Artisans Retreat is not a B & B, however there is accommodation available in the home for people wishing to stay onsite to attend courses in artisan's skills.
Guests will stay as part of the family during that time.
There are many great B&B's and other accommodation in the surrounding area within easy reach of Artisans Retreat. Just ask us for a recommendation.
If you feel you create unusual pieces and want exposure in this great place, or you are looking for that different piece for your own use or someone special, email here with your details and description of your talents or requirements.
Peter & Christine Calabria
702 Tinonee Road, Mondrook, NSW 2430 Australia
Phone: (02) 6553 1199
Email: crafty@artisansretreat.com