A Day of Art, Connection and Community at the Heide Makers Market

There’s something special about spending a day surrounded by art, creativity and genuine human connection, and that is exactly what I experienced at the Heidi Makers Market at Heide Museum of Modern Art.

What an experience. Truly.

From the moment the day began, there was a buzz in the air. Not just the excitement of setting up a stall, but that beautiful anticipation of who you might meet, what conversations might unfold and what unexpected moments could happen. Markets are never just about selling. They are about connection.

Seeing wonderful friends and family make the effort to come and support me meant more than I can put into words. When you’re an artist, so much of the work happens alone in the studio. To then step out into the world and have people stand in front of your work, smile, ask questions and share their stories is incredibly grounding and affirming.

One of the most surprising and heartwarming parts of the day was the camaraderie between stallholders. There is something powerful about being surrounded by other creatives who are pouring their hearts into what they do. The chats, the encouragement, the shared snacks, the understanding nods when the wind picks up, or the crowd slows down. It felt like a little community built just for the day.

A huge thank you to Kimberley Cardow for being such a supportive presence, and to the team at Heide for creating such a beautiful platform for local artists and makers to share their work.

And can we talk about the behind-the-scenes effort? After experiencing firsthand the packing, planning, early starts, long days, set up, pack down and emotional energy that goes into a market, I have a whole new level of respect for makers. The passion, commitment and joy is real. It’s not just “a stall”. It’s someone’s dream, their late nights, their courage, their hope.

Because of that, I’ve made a decision. As much as possible, my gifts from now on will come from local makers. Supporting small businesses is not just a transaction. It is an investment in someone’s creativity, their family, their future.

If you haven’t visited the Heide Makers Market yet, it is absolutely worth it. The setting, the atmosphere, the talent. It is a celebration of art, community and heart.

We will see you again 14th of March with new prints and fresh art. And I cannot wait. ❤️