My Barossa Day #12 - Barossa Artists, Makers & Creators

A guest submission from Leah Blankendaal, Creative Industries Coordinator, RDA Barossa Gawler Light & Adelaide Plains 

It’s easy to be swept away by the world-class food and wine of the Barossa. But my Barossa day involves makers of a different kind. Artists, musicians and designers are some of my favourite people in the Barossa and I love to spend the day taking in their handcrafted, authentic offerings. A gentle day of shopping, making and breathing in the creativity of the region sounds like my idea of heaven.

But first, a coffee is necessary! Fortunately the generous folk at Four Seasons of Nosh in Tanunda know my order when I get there (a soy flat white and a Swedish oat ball!). From there I meander down the Tanunda Style Mile stopping at Alabaster Store. Every piece in Alabaster has its own personality. Soulful, stylish and timeless, it is a haven of beautiful fashion and homewares.  

From here I make my way to the Barossa Regional Gallery, where I stop in the shop for a bit more retail therapy. There are so many local designers to choose from here. I love the art of Barossa local Sam Cowley, whose Little Adventurers series teaches kids empowerment through drawing. I pick up one of his beautiful prints for my daughter.

The Barossa Regional Gallery is also home to the historic Hill & Son Organ and I arrive just in time to hear Steve Kaesler, resident organ scholar, give his weekly tour of the beautiful instrument. I have to admit, I’ve heard this tour many times before, but each time Steve manages to surprise me with a new fact or story! I don’t think I could ever tire of his passion for this instrument.

Time for another caffeine hit and lunch at Fleur Social in Nuriootpa, before a detour to She Is Pop Up Art Space. The air feels different at She Is: there is a quiet stillness, a provenance, to a space dedicated to art. The five local women who run this space wear their passion openly and I am always invigorated after speaking to them.

No Barossa day is complete without a trip to Seppeltsfield, where both Vasse Virgin and the Jam Factory have workshops with makers, designers, and crafts people. A Natural Perfumery workshop at Vasse Virgin is the perfect way to unwind and treat myself with essential oils. 

A gin and some laidback tunes by local musos at the Barossa Distilling Company (with a delicious woodfired pizza from Ember Pizza of course!) is a dream way to end the day. We’re so lucky to have an abundance of musical talent in the Barossa, there’s always a gig to see.

Creativity is the lifeblood of the Barossa. It’s a pleasure to spend the day immersed in its beauty.

 

Acknowledgement of Country —

The Barossa is located on the traditional lands of the Ngadjuri, Peramangk and Kaurna people