Meet the makers of Fitzroy and Collingwood

This weekend artists and craftsmen alike will open their doors for Meet the Makers. The event has been installed to get people walking around a local network of studio spaces and galleries, transforming Fitzroy and Collingwood into a junction of ideas, art and conversation.

On a day- to-day basis art consultant Bernadette Alibrando walks everywhere, and through the habit has discovered some incredible artists on foot. For the past seven years she has hosted walking art tours around Melbourne to share the hidden skills of her creative community with others.

Inspired by the people she has met here and the endless programs, events and open studios she came across when she used to live in New York, Bernadette has curated this not-for-profit three day program in which she will introduce her fellow inner-north artists to the public. “It’s about slowing down and seeing something new,” says Alibrando. “Every event is quite unique as there are so many diverse, devoted people who make up this area.”

From enjoying a beer and a burger in the artist-run space Upstairs at the Napier to chatting with the Jacky Winter group about illustration, or polishing shoes with Double Monk and meeting street artist Rone in his studio, the program Alibrando has put together definitely celebrates this diversity. Although most of the events are free it is encouraged that you make the conscious effort to RSVP. Space in the artist’s studio is limited, but no doubt they’ll try and welcome as many people with creative curiosity in as possible.

“All the people that are involved in this are friendly, warm people. What comes through in their art is their honesty, genuine interest and hard work, that’s what’s really lovely to see.” See it for yourself this week 21-24 March.

Full program online at meetthemakers.net.au