The event was created to give artisans a space to showcase their work at a local cultural hub.

The pop up showcases the work of local artisans with each piece being made by the person standing in front of you and sustainably on the Barrington Coast.

Now in its third month, Makers Market has to date featured a graphic artist, concrete giftware and furniture artisans, visual artists, a macrame artist, a soy wax candle maker, floral artist and coming next in December, a ceramic artist from Hallidays Point.

Meet the Maker was created by co-owners Erin Miller and Renee Collocott.

Renee works under Blue Dust Collective showcasing an art gallery and a creative space, and Erin works under The Nutrition Network, a health hub for local practitioners.

The pair has been busy helping small businesses stay afloat during COVID by offering their spaces as an outlet for the locals to sell their work and talk about their professional services.

"The work we have seen so far is both functional and beautiful and there is so much more to come as the talent pool in our area is overflowing, we are having a hard time picking who to feature next," Renee said.

"It is important for us to support each other as women in small business, so many people have supported us at Plunge since opening and we want to encourage others to keep going, keep building and we will be here to give those local businesses a platform when they are ready," Erin said.

With a focus on handmade goods using sustainable practices, the pair has sourced locals working from home who are eager to highlight the importance of conscious purchasing.

"Making sustainable choices when shopping has become more prevalent over the last few years as our world becomes more restricted and somewhat smaller," Renee said.

"We want to support the locals who are making a mark in their profession, we asked around and found most of the time you can find items and services here that are not only affordable but very special as it is not mass produced."

Meet the Maker has become a space for quality and sustainable goods to be sold directly to the customer and allows unique businesses to offer something special in their product along with the story behind it.

The next 'maker' is Hayley from Wattle Ceramics, who will feature her handmade goods on Saturday, December 11 from 8am to 12pm at Plunge Forster.

"Her work demonstrates sculptural beauty in each piece, offering hand crafted bowls, platters, mugs and more with organic lines and colourings that are sure to please, we are very excited to feature Hayley," Renee said.

Meet the Maker is just one of the community benefitting initiatives coming out of the cultural hub that is Plunge Forster.

Over the last 12 months, Erin has opened the doors of natural health practitioners to the public via The Nutrition Network.

Holistic seminars are held monthly allowing professionals to connect with like minded people professionally and in the community, holding space for those seeking health advice.

Blue Dust Collective run by Renee, has undergone a facelift as the art gallery opens up to diners at the cafe.

You can now sit inside the gallery and enjoy art while you have coffee or a wine, Renee said.

The gallery features culturally significant pieces made by professionals on the Barrington Coast and is also available online.

During the school holidays, Meet the Maker will feature most Saturdays with events happening throughout summer on the second Saturday of the month throughout the year.

Find out more at www.plungeforster.org and add yourself to their newsletter to be the first to know when the next one is coming. Are you interested in featuring as a Maker in 2022? Email hello@bluedustcollective.com.au to apply.

For more information on Holistic Health please visit www.thenutritionnetwork.org

For more information on the Art Gallery please visit www.bluedustcollective.com.au

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