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The Art and Crafts of Kangaroo Island
It is now recognised that Kangaroo Island holds a unique position in global tourism as an unspoilt, clean, safe destination where wildlife and spectacular scenery abound. What is not generally known is that there are more practising artists per head of population, living and working on Kangaroo Island, than most areas of Australia. Could it be that these two facts are related?
Many artists are attracted to the Island for the healthy lifestyle and the creative inspiration that the environment engenders. Much of their work reflects the spirit of the Island and visitors response to this aspect of their work provides a market for it. Not only visual arts, but potters, writers, wood-workers, silk painters, actors and craft workers all flourish in a climate where the natural environment and the Arts meet. One local artist, Bryon Buick, has created a beautiful poster and note paper of the endangered Glossy Black Cockatoo and directs a percentage of the income to a fund for protection of the species. The work of timber craftworkers (such as Ian Schaefer and Jon Gloyne who work in native timber) has great appeal.
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Some of the work by Jon Gloyne
An active group of spinners and weavers turn locally grown wool into a variety of garments.
The Kangaroo Island Gallery in Kingscote sells the art of Islanders exclusively and should not be missed. Other art and craft outlets around the Island include Granny Stirling's craft shop in Penneshaw. The community of Parndana plays host to a street fair on Easter Sunday that features local crafts and food.
There is a strong writers' group on the Island who have a focus on history. Many books by local writers, from the history of shipwrecks to sensitive poetry are available. The annual theatre season by the KI Players should not be missed. Their late August or early September season often coincides with the blooming of massed freesias and other bulbs along the roadsides at American River; the stuff of inspiration for artists of any genre, and a delight to visitors.
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Kollectable Keepsakes TM
Australiana range
These 24k goldtone on brass products are suitable as a souvenir, tree ornament, gift tag, fridge magnet etc. They also include a brief story on the native animal on the back. The artworkis by acclaimed Australian artist Garry Fleming
3001 Kangaroo AUD$10.00
3002 Koala AUD$10.00
3003 Crocodile AUD$10.00
3004 Lizard AUD$10.00
3005 Galah AUD$10.00
3006 Kookaburra AUD$10.00
Add Shipping AUD $6.00
For more information on Crafts and Shipping Costs
Email us at The Kangaroo Island Shop
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