This weekend sees the final few days of the inaugural DESIGN Canberra festival. Most of the events from the extensive program are in and around Civic, but one outer suburb has become an unlikely source of inspiration.
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Crace in Gungahlin was initially designed to promote resident health and wellbeing, and the area continues to be the subject of an extensive study by researchers from the University of Canberra.
Alongside this, the suburb became a source of inspiration for visual artists from the Australian National University School of Art.
About 30 artists, including undergraduates, postgraduates, staff and alumni, from the ANU School of Art participated in the 2014 Crace Field Study, and their final works have been combined into an exhibition.
"The artists have all been working out in Crace throughout the year responding the suburb," said John Reid, convener of the school's art field study program.
"So the artwork in the show is an actual response to artists seeking response from the suburbs of Crace."
John said he believed it was important to bring an event out to the suburbs.
"I think certainly in the context of DESIGN Canberra, almost everything's happening in the city centre. We made a point that there needs to be something that gets people out to the suburbs," he said.
"What we find is that people really relate to work that's been inspired by where they live."
The result is an exhibition across five venues in central Crace, with a wide range of mediums including ceramics, painting and an echidna made out of clothes pegs (pictured).
"We've got work in the yet-to-be-occupied vacant space which is the Goodwin apartment block for senior citizens," he said.
"And at the other end of the spectrum is Crace Early Learning Centre, where we've done the work knee-high for the kids."
The exhibition runs until November 30. Start at The Central by Goodwin on Abena Avenue, Crace, opposite The District Cafe and Bar. The gallery is open daily from 11am-6pm, and from there you can pick up a gallery guide which directs you to the other venues.
If you want more art in the suburbs, there are also a number of open studios on this Sunday, November 23, which all have free entry:
- Six Wiluna, 6 Wiluna St Fyshwick. Open 9am-11am
- Canberra Glassworks, Kingston. Open 10am-2pm
- Bev Hogg, 8 Brennan St, Hackett. Open 11am-1pm
- The Hayshed, 7 Beltana Road, Pialligo. Open 12pm-2pm.
Dashing 'round the lake
The big, jolly man in red has already arrived in shopping centres everywhere, and on December 7, masses of Santas will hit the pavement for the annual Santa Fun Run.
Participants can walk, run or roll around the 6-kilometre route, which starts at Westside Acton Park – new home of the shipping container village – and heads around Lake Burley Griffin.
The event raises funds for Variety – the Children's Charity, supporting Aussie kids who are sick, disadvantaged or have special needs.
Entry is $40 for adults, $25 for children, $110 for families and little elves under two years old are free. All entries include a free Santa suit with an Australian summer twist.
To register visit varietysantafunrun.com.au.
Putting the body in beach body
Turns out you don't need a beach to get the world's best beach body.
Canberra fitness model Alistair Morrell, who we spoke to back in early October, has taken out the title of Mr Beach Body at the Natural Olympia competition in San Diego.
Held on November 7, the event is considered the pinnacle in natural body sculpting, and the best of the best from around the world competed across multiple divisions.
Alistair also placed second in the Sports Model division and 5th place in Open Physique.
To market to market
If markets are your thing, have your trolley bag at the ready - you're spoilt for choice this weekend.
November 22
- Hustle&Scout and The Forage return for the second time at their Canberra airport location This time, the event will feature 55 independent Australian fashion designers and 30 of the region's street-food vendors, wineries, breweries and bakers, plus live music and a pop-up barber shop. 3-8pm. Hangar #47, 9-10 Point Cook Avenue, Canberra Airport. Gold coin donation entry for Movember. For more information visit hustleandscout.com.au.
- MODERN Market Hosted by Craft ACT: Craft and Design Centre, MODERN market features more than 30 stallholders selling local and national craft and design. Live music and signature "Post Modern" cocktail designed by Monster Kitchen and Bar. 2-8pm. Ground floor and level 8, Nishi Building and Hotel Hotel, New Acton. Free entry.
- Baby and Kids Market Stock up on pre-loved furniture, prams, toys, clothes, books and everything for babies and children. Entry $4 per person, under 12s free. 9am-12pm. Exhibition Park in Canberra.
- Gorman House Christmas Market Shop a range of gifts and stocking fillers including candles, skincare, handmade items and second-hand books. Live music and food available. Kids can also write a letter to Santa. 10am-4pm. Gorman House Markets, Braddon. Free entry.
November 23
- FASHION MARKET Shop vintage, retro, handmade and pre-loved fashion at the Three Sixty Fashion Market. 10am-3pm. Fitters Workshop, Kingston Foreshore. For more information visit threesixtyfm.com.
- Belconnen Christmas Market Browse and buy a wide range of jewellery, food and wine, art and clothing, plus Christmas puddings and mince pies at the Belconnen Arts Centre Christmas markets. 1-6pm. Belconnen Arts Centre. Free entry. For more information visit belconnenartscentre.com.au.
What's On
This weekend: BEST DRESSED FASHION SALE Shop stylish pre-loved, smart, dressy and special occasion fashion wear, including designer labels. All proceeds support Communities@Work's Social Programs. Saturday November 22, 9am-12pm. Tuggeranong Community Centre, Greenway. Entry $5.
Next weekend: BLUES PIANO NIGHT Four of Canberra's finest piano players from the jazz and blues communities will join forces again for the annual Blues Piano Night – Keys to the Kingdom of Blues. Program features Leo Joseph, John Black and Wayne Kelly and Ali Penney. Harmonie German Club, Narrabundah. Friday, November 28, 8pm. Free entry for members and guests.
