On a recent visit to my home town, Townsville in North Queensland, I was really happy and super impressed to discover an arty place I hadn't heard of before...Renegade Handmade. I visited this delightful "handmade" gift shop on a Saturday morning. It was 23 July 2016 - a warm day for Winter. The arcade was abuzz with people indulging in coffee and snacks, shopping at the fresh food market and browsing and enjoying the various trendy and bespoke shops in the arcade.
This scene was hardly the Townsville of my childhood and I am embarrassed to admit that it surprised me that the atmosphere was so cosmopolitan , contemporary and "with-it".
I applaud Renegade Handmade for its vision for both the shop and the markets - to offer
"opportunities for makers to mix with shoppers in an environment that is supportive and nurturing of handmade." That nurturing support was obvious - the art was well displayed, presented with style and respect.
I thoroughly enjoyed the chance to browse leisurely amongst the varied work of many artists and artisans and listening to the murmurs of delight and discovery by others doing the same as they happened upon a special treasure which appealed. The work was of a high standard and quite a few items were exceptional because of an unusual or unexpected design. Assistance was always nearby and readily attentive when asked for, when a collector like my sister sought specific items.
Of course, both my sister and I made purchases. Neither of us has ever needed an excuse to "buy" something we don't really need, and who can resist the temptation here to buy and support local "handmade" and know that whatever you buy is unique! We were both so impressed with the packaging, too!
I really recommend a visit the Renegade Handmade Gift Shop if you visit or reside in Townsville or check out their
Facebook page. Make sure you have a few hours to spare because you will also want to look around The Katz Alley ( vintage and rockabilly) and Otto's Food Market( fresh produce, handmade bread and pies and brewed coffee) all in the same shopping arcade - Warrina Shopping Centre, Illuka Street, Currajong . If you are feeling even more energetic, try ice skating in the tropics, in the same complex or if you just want to chill out, take in a movie in the nearby cinema.
The last words about Renegade Handmade belong to the creative founder in this short video following.
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