It’s that time of year again - yes, summer is barely here but it’s time to think about Christmas gifts.

The great beauty of buying your gifts locally and by purchasing works which have been produced by local artists and craftspeople is that you’re contributing to efforts to work towards a more sustainable future in Australia.

Yes, it’s sometimes simpler to just order something from a website and await it’s arrival - but nothing beats the pleasure of holding a beautiful, one-off piece of art in your hands and taking the time to hand-pick the present which you’ll give to friends and loved-ones this year.

Here at Fleurieu Arthouse we have many fantastic locally made ceramics including the vases above by Aldinga based ceramicist Sarah Shanahan of Fleurieu Ceramics.

Fleurieu Ceramic’s range is wide and there really is something for everyone.

The fun beachy mugs below make a lovely gift for a local or visitor.

Handmade jewellery in McLaren Vale

Jewellery lovers definitely aren’t neglected here. We have a huge selection of gorgeous things, all made locally too.

The selection of jewellery on offer here at the Arthouse is broad. From silver, gold and natural pearl to stainless steel, resin and even paper, we stock a really unique collection.

Here are some of the highlights from our extensive selection of locally made jewellery.

Kitty Came Home is a much-loved local business which is run by Katrina and Farley who inspired by Katrina’s Grandmother’s extensive collection of vintage fabrics, wanted to create a range of beautiful, bold accessories with a definite vintage feel.

For those who like a classic look, Shirley Wu’s collection of silver and gold, handmade pieces are ideal. Shirley uses natural, freshwater pearls in many of her designs and in addition to this, she runs fun workshops where participants can create their own organic style rings in silver clay with gemstones.

A workshop makes a great gift; if you know of any budding jewellers, Shirley’s workshop might be the answer to your gift-giving problems!

Find out when Shirley’s next workshop is here.

Anja Jagsch’s range of gorgeous, botanical jewellery is individually handcrafted, often using the “lost wax” method of casting. This means that each piece is absolutely unique.

Books at Fleurieu Arthouse

We’ve recently had the pleasure of welcoming a newcomer into the Arthouse fold and it’s brought a lovely, literary touch to the gallery design space.

Catherine Charnock is the face behind Free Range Books, a new independent bookstore and she’s brought together an absolutely gorgeous collection of reading matter which is now on sale here at the gallery

There’s something for everything in this bookstore - from beautiful coffee table books on art, design and architecture, to inspiring recipe books and the very latest in Australian children’s books.

Pop in, lose yourself in one of our excellent cappuccinos and browse the collection.

Painting workshops at Fleurieu Arthouse

Painting, whether for relaxation or with a definite plan to improve a latent talent, is often seen as a something of a luxury pastime.

It takes time, expertise assistance and energy to learn to paint so what better as a gift for the frustrated artist in your life, than a workshop with the fabulous artist Lynn Lobo.

Lynn’s work is on display and for sale here at Fleurieu Arthouse and she herself describes her practice best.

“I am a painter with a focus on landscape and still life painting. While my paintings appear representational, my subject matter mysteriously makes itself known to me. A moment of light, a weather condition, the shape of one object next to another, colour combinations in particular lighted situations.”

Over 4 weeks, participants will meet up with Lynn at the Arthouse to work and learn alongside her.

She will share many tips for working specifically with gouache paint which is Lynn’s preferred medium, from how to get started to ways to preserve your work.

• You will gain confidence in using gouache and I will share with you the method I use to create images.

• You will gain an understanding of shapes and colour-tone relationships.

• In each class we will explore composition.

• We will focus on landscape painting and be working from photographs.

• Some drawing experience is beneficial.

This course is intended to encourage you to play while travelling, while on holidays, or if you just want time out for self nurture. The easy set up of gouache enables regular play.

DATES: 4 Saturday afternoons – 18th November – 9th December - book tickets here.

Homewares and gorgeous accessories

We love beautiful things here at the Arthouse and we’re so lucky to live in a region which inspires so many incredible artists and artisans in their work.

When you’re looking for that extra-special “something” to give to a special person, it’s easy to get lost in the swamp of mass produced gifts which are available online and in high streets.

But by purchasing a locally made gift, you’re not only supporting a small business, but you’re also ensuring your favourite person is receiving a one-off gift which is unlike any other as well as being sustainably produced.

Here’s a little peek at some of our most popular homewares and accessories -

Metal wall art and garden sculptures by A Small Art Factory

Anna and Warren of A Small Art Factory produce a wide range of beautifully crafted metal sculptures and decorative pieces.

You can see the full range here or pop into the Arthouse and see a selection in person. In addition to the smaller pieces featured above, there’s a stunning selection of larger, sculptural pieces and large wall peices

Kits and Gift Sets

Craft kits make a lovely gift for both adults and children and we stock a fun selection here at the Arthouse including My Little Print Studio’s lovely DIY cyanotype kits.

Cyanotype is a photographic printing process, where an emulsion is painted on paper or fabric and placed in the sun to aid exposure to produce a rich cyan-blue print.

This is a great little experiment to do at home with young children or for anyone who loves to be creative and the kits are very popular for birthday or Christmas presents.Clay Kits at the Arthouse

Clay Kits

Clay Kits offer a great entry-point into learning more about ceramics. The kits we stock include 1kg of quality ceramic clay, tools as well as hints and tips.

You can let your finished creations air-dry or take them to a local studio for firing. We recommend The Pug Mill.

Make an experience of your Christmas shopping

It doesn’t have to be a chore - come to McLaren Vale, have a wine at Hardy’s cellar door and spend some time browsing the Arthouse design space and exhibition. You can also enjoy a barista coffee and sweet treat from our coffee bar as well as get to know our resident artists as they work in their studios.

The Fleurieue Arthouse is open Thursday through to Monday from 11.00am to 4.00pm.

Get updates about workshops and events on our Instagram or Facebook.

For enquiries about group visits, please email us at hello@fleurieuarthouse.com.au