Shop local and keep giving with Creative Riverina this Christmas

This Christmas, find a one-of-a-kind gift that keeps on giving and support local artists with the new website creativeriverina.com.

Framed by Gregory Carosi and Timothy Crutchett
Photo by Gregory Carosi

Creative Riverina – an online community and arts directory that connects the public with artists and artistic organisations throughout the Riverina now includes artists with products ready to sell - just in time for Christmas.

Bella Ingram
Photo by Brittany Hefren

Browse and buy from painters, musicians, ceramicists, fashion designers, writers, crafters, and more from across the Riverina NSW, with products, artworks, books, music, experiences and workshops available for purchase now on Creative Riverina. 

Tim Kurylowicz, Executive Director of Eastern Riverina Arts, said "Buying a local artwork or creative experience ticks every box. There's still time to purchase something wholly original, free from postage delays, and most importantly, knowing your dollar stays local."

F.Stop Workshop
Photo by Brittany Hefren

Georgia Crowden, an emerging Wagga Wagga artist, has her work available on the Creative Riverina website and at Renew Wagga’s Thomson Street Makers’ Market on Saturday 18 December from 4pm to 8pm.

She said: “I always aim to shop locally; it's wonderful to go in-store and talk to someone who feels like a friend. The connection from others living in the same community is unmatched when buying from large companies and I want to support other creatives.

This season, I'm creating charming, hand-printed wrapping paper and tags that give a sense of personality to the gifts they hold. I'm producing a small number of prints (printed by f. stop) from my sketchbook, giving others a chance to take home a piece of affordable art. I think it's important to have accessible local products at different price points so everyone can participate in supporting local.”

Middlemost
Photo by James Farley

Whether it’s a piece of art, a song, a performance, or poetry, a work from a Creative Riverina artist is a chance to consciously choose and give a distinct, thoughtful gift.

Beyond the joy of giving and receiving a one-of-kind artwork or experience, a gift from a local Riverina artist keeps giving. 

Supporting local artists means more money is kept in the Riverina – something that benefits the whole community. Shipping delays from outside the local region are avoided. Local artists welcome and appreciate the support at the end of another year that has thrown challenge after challenge. Plus, there’s pride in sharing the talents of the Riverina. Artists listed come from right across the Riverina including Cootamundra, Gundagai, Tumut, Tumbarumba, Adelong, Batlow, Lockhart, Bland, Coolamon - just to name a few of the areas represented. Start your local creative shopping journey at www.creativeriverina.com

Creative Riverina is an initiative Eastern Riverina Arts with the support of Western Riverina Arts and South West Arts, not-for-profit regional arts organisations supporting, connecting and celebrating the arts across the Riverina.

Sara Johnston