With the return of Finders Keepers market in July, so too comes the return of our inner art and design guru. It pulls us towards eye-catching prints, impeccably designed ceramics and irresistibly quirky earrings — all of which are locally made. In its eleventh year, Finders Keepers is bringing back its high-quality collection of stalls with a few exciting additions and a continued focus around independent and up-and-coming artisans. And bonus — it's returning just in time to pick up some last-minute Christmas in July gifts.
New stalls worth stopping by include artist and Finders Keepers Melbourne Indigenous Program recipient Amber Days, playful jeweller Jamie Mumford, textile label Free to Fall and ceramicist Hanging Rock Studio.
Art and design run the show at Finders Keepers, and over the years the market has bolstered other mediums of expression — food and music. The 2019 festival will see food stalls from just around the corner, like Ghost Kitchen, Cookie Doh Co. and Bao x Waffle, plus out-of-towners bringing their craft to the city. One of many to look forward to is the Byron-based The Chippery, which does great things with the humble potato. If you're looking for something a bit more hefty, grab a burger from Ron's Handburger.
Needless to say, seek and you will find. If you're feeling a bit overwhelmed by choices, you can take a look at the Finders Keepers online directory for a comprehensive look at the stalls and the sitemap to find where they'll be on the day.
Finders Keepers Autumn/Winter Melbourne will run from Friday, July 12–Sunday, July 14. The market will be open from 12pm–9pm on Friday, 10am–5pm on Saturday and 10am–5pm on Sunday. Entry is $5 and tickets are valid for all three days.
Images: Samee Lapham.