Blue Mountains Cultural Centre: Art, Design and Market Day

Overview

Planning a trip to the Blue Mountains? Head to the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre where you'll find a Christmas artisan market, a designers' panel discussion and a couple of exhibitions, which are all happening on the one day. Taking over the Katoomba-based venue on Saturday December 14, these design-focused events give you an excuse to skip the city for the day and, in the process, explore the Mountains' art and design scene.

Want to get a kick-start on your Christmas shopping? You'll find something unique at the Xmas Wollemi Artisan Market. Look out for handcrafted textile art by Blushing Rose, stunning prints by Block and Baren and resin jewellery by Mikano World, among other delights. In between browsing, kick back to local music and snack on gourmet eats.

Meanwhile, in the gallery, there'll be two stunning exhibitions. The first, Obsessed: Compelled to Make, features 14 Australian designers and makers and is a touring show from the Australian Design Centre. You can also catch a panel discussion starring artist Honor Freeman, designer Stephen Goddard and curator Lisa Cahill at 11am. The talk will delve into the fundamental human need to create, plus discuss artists' inspiration and practice. The second exhibition is John Mawurndjul: I am the old and the new, a collection of the Kuninjku artist's bark paintings that spans 40 years. Entry to both exhibitions and the talk are ticketed, costing $5 per person.

Then, head to a local cafe for a late lunch or go for a bushwalk to make the most of your trip to the Mountains.

Angus Lee Forbes

Top images: Angus Lee Forbes and Ona Janzen.