BELLINGEN is known for its alternative and eclectic community and also for its artists and makers.

So it is always a great day at the annual artisan markets being held just in time for Christmas and the holidays.

This year the Bellingen Growers Artisans Market is thirteen years old and features sixty local artists, potters, metal workers, sewers and jewellers to choose from on Saturday December 12 between 7.30 am and 2pm at the beautiful Bellingen Showground.

One of those artists is Solange Villarroel known to many as Soli.

Soli has been making, selling and exhibiting original handmade and nature inspired jewellery.

She uses one hundred percent recycled silver and copper and semi-precious stones and makes everything herself, including some of her tools.

After visiting and reconnecting with her ancestors, the Machupe people of Southern Chile and Argentina she has been creating silver and copper jewellery.

The Machupe are highly skilled in the art of silversmithing and live in deep connection with the land and all life.

“I have a deep respect for the Machupe people and have gained limitless inspiration from them to make recycled silver and copper jewellery as a way of honouring my roots,” Soli said.

Soli believes this annual event is a wonderful way of connecting local artisans with the wider community.

Caroline Joseph supports the artisans’ Markets and the Growers’ Market at Bellingen and is a committee member of Bellingen Growers market incorporated.

She told News of The Area, “Every Saturday I work as a “Social Distancing Policeperson” to keep the market open and functioning and will be present on Saturday 12 December to ensure a Covid safe event.

“The Bellingen Artisans Market is a much loved annual event giving artisans an opportunity to display their work to one another and the community.

“The event signals the onset of the holiday season and there will be plenty of happy buyers from across the region.”

 

By Sandra MOON