Check out the region’s best textile artists at Creative Fibre

Brightly coloured printed fabric at Old Bus Depot Markets Theme Event, Creative FibreWell known Canberra-based textile designer, Julie Ryder, says when she moved to the national capital in 1999, there wasn’t really a huge community of textile artists, but she firmly believes there’s now a new generation of people who are now realising that you can support yourself through creative endeavours in the national capital.

“Canberra really does nurture the creative arts. People with a love of design and textiles are being supported through Craft ACT, Megalo Print Studio & Gallery, the ANU School of Textiles, and the Braddon precinct. The advent of online and communities like ETSY also means Canberra artists can flourish beyond their own region,” said Canberra-based textile artist, Julie Ryder.

Julie says she loves nothing more than exhibiting her commercial line of products at the Old Bus Depot Markets’ Creative Fibre theme day.

“The markets are a fabulous platform for Canberra textile artists to start developing products, and to test the market. Myself and other local textile artists also love the direct feedback from clients, and connecting with real people who love your product and make it all worthwhile,” said Julie.

Our popular theme day, Creative Fibre, allows visitors to immerse themselves in creativity with some of the region’s most talented textile artists showcasing and selling their work.

“Creative Fibre is one of our most popular theme days. It’s an opportunity to engage with the region’s textile artists – people who design, print on fabric, weave, make baskets, knit, hand dye fabric – learn about the processes involved, and take home original works,” said Old Bus Depot Markets’ Director, Diane Hinds.

This year’s Creative Fibre event will highlight well known artists, such as Julie Ryder who will be selling her highly sought after printed scarves, tea towels and socks.  Anna Sutherland from Maddison Jane in Braddon will be there with her cushions, bolsters and lamp shades, Lynne Britten will showcase her textile dyes and fabric paints, and Polly Crowden will have handmade and screen printed bamboo ladies leggings, amongst others.

The ACT Textile Art Association will also be there to talk to the public about how their association can support textile artists further.

Creative Fibre will be open Sunday 12 July from 10am to 4pm. Entry is free.