2020 has brought its fair share of challenges to Noosa Arts and Crafts Association (NACA) but its 430 members are still smiling and doing some outstanding work, some of which will be on show this month when Wallace House becomes a hub for Noosa Open Studios.
“Like so many other associations, 2020 has proved to be more of a challenge than anticipated,“ spokeswoman Jan Bentley said. “In addition to all the COVID-19 restrictions, our heritage home was in need of infrastructure repairs which meant vacating the premises. Thankfully, Noosa Council were able to complete this renovation while the association was closed because of the pandemic.“
NACA has a new president Sandy Mackie who has embraced the role in these difficult times and dealt with the re-stumping of Wallace House as well as the pandemic.
“Wallace House has required some major renovations by Noosa Council which involved re-stumping and a fresh new coat of paint which took around four months to complete. It was worth the wait as the House looks very smart in its new colours and new sign,“ Jan said.
“The new stumps take up much less room then the original wooden stumps and with strategic reorganisation, has meant a much more efficient and light creative space on the ground floor for our ceramic group members. It has given their workspace a new lease on life and our members have been keen to get back to work.“
Members have filled this time under Covid-restrictions with a series of online exhibitions which have showcased their work in a new way.
“The Exhibitions have been very popular and our latest Quilting Exhibition – Celebrating Quilting 2020 – attracted a record number of visits to our website,“ Jan said. Their last online exhibition for the year was from their Friday pastel group – Pastel Perfect – which launched last week.
NACA will open its doors today until 18 October under stringent Covid-19 guidelines as a Hub for Noosa Open Studios.
Weekends will see its pop-up caf¨¦ open which will be stocked and ready to serve light refreshments on its sunlit, airy verandah.
“The 87 NOS participating artists have all brought one item of their work to Wallace House and these will all be displayed for visitors to see before they set off on one of the 5 art trails,“ Jan said. “NOS studio guides are available at Wallace House and our volunteers will be ready to give tips on the trails too.“
To top it off NACA has just received a State Government grant to help provide the installation of solar panels and air conditioning to Wallace House. “Our lovely home can be too warm in summer and rather cold in winter – this installation will make our much-loved facility comfortable and safe all year round,“ Jan said.
For more information visit noosaartsandcrafts.org.au/
