The guest on The Fine Line on Tuesday 15 April was Marg Johnson, long-time Alice Springs resident and supporter of arts and craft in Alice Springs.
Marg took us on a fascinating journey recounting the early days of the then Crafts Council, now Central Craft. She spoke warmly of the generosity of members – how they shared their skills and passions and how this enthusiasm and community spirit led her to experiment in a wide range of crafts from natural dyeing to millinery.
It is this enduring community spirit in Alice Springs that has kept Marg engaged and inspired with the local arts and crafts community.
Marg gave an update on the fundraising efforts of Oh Yes! Art and Design of which she along with Franca Frederiksen, are co-organisers. Following on the success of the 2013 fundraising for brain cancer research, Oh Yes! launched its 2014 fundraising program on Wednesday 16 April in Alice Springs with an online gallery which will showcase vibrant artwork by both established and emerging artists, printmakers, photographers, sculptors, potters, and jewellery and textile artists from all over Australia. All of these talented artists are generously donating a percentage of the sale price of their work to Oh Yes! to support its quest to raise awareness of brain cancer and the much needed funds for brain cancer research in Australia.
Marg also spoke of an exciting new venture for Oh Yes! – under the banner of “Let’s Go!”, their inaugural art, craft and design experience offer to enthusiasts for the opportunity to join Marg and Franca in Wellington, New Zealand, for the World of Wearable Arts – known as “WOW” – in September this year.
And if this is not enough to keep Marg busy, Marg will be joining the Sustainable Couture group this year with her exquisite millinery creations in their ‘Outback Finery’ Sustainable Couture parade to be held at the Central Australian Aviation Museum in the Araluen Cultural Precinct on Thursday 19 June 2014.
Jen Standish-White talks with Marg Johnson, long-time resident and supporter of arts and craft in Alice Springs.
Broadcast: Tuesday 15 April 2014 at 12 noon on 8CCC Community Radio 102.1FM
Producer: Jen Standish-White