Visitors to the Naracoorte Art Gallery will have a chance to see artists and makers in action with a new program this year. 

An artist or maker from the Naracoorte district and the wider Limestone Coast region will be featured each month with displays and demonstrations.  

Each artist is invited to display their work for sale and demonstrate their skills in the Bainger Gallery.  

The Maker of the Month programs forcus for the month of March has been Kaye Beauchamp.

Ms Beauchamp is a multi-talented artist and embroiderer skilled in a wide variety of crafts using textiles and mixed media. She makes books and book covers using these talents. 

Gallery secretary Lesley Cook said the program was designed to showcase and promote local artists and makers in the community.

“Many of those on the program would not have enough material for an individual exhibition but plenty for a small display,” she said.

“Others would not consider themselves artists, but rather makers.” 

Textile artist Jo Fife will be the Maker of the Month for April and has been a professional artist for 30 years and is a mixed media specialist.

At the Naracoorte Gallery she will demonstrate machine embroidery and jewellery making on three Sundays, April 3, 10 and 24 and in the gallery on Wednesday, April 20. 

In May, Anthea Brinkworth of Willalooka will showcase her silver smithing which she sells under the Willo Designs label in the gallery’s shop.

In June Naracoorte’s arts and cultural officer Jessie Lumb will be featured and then in July, eco warrior Bec Hill will bring her skills to the fore with a Christmas in July theme and make recycled items into decorations. 

Other artists featured later in the year are Anne Johnson from Penola with her origami cards, artist Dagny Strand, artisan blacksmith Bruce Kennewell and Charlie Furr who is a wood carver and resin worker. 

There is a spot left in November for a maker to be involved in the program.

Contact the gallery on 8762 3390 for further information.