Workshops inspire creativity

Craft designer Kitiya Palaskas will be at Port Hedland Courthouse Gallery this week to host a series of fun and creative events.

Palaskas is a multi-disciplinary craft whiz and design and style extraordinaire, who specialises in reimagining handmade techniques and traditional craft methods in a contemporary setting.

Known for her use of bold colours and kitsch themes, Palaskas has worked with and designed for many high-profile clients including Sportsgirl, Lego, Peter Alexander, The Wombats, Woolworths and Lily Allen.

Tomorrow night from 5.30pm, art lovers and keen creatives are invited to the gallery as Palaskas launches her new book, Pinata Party.

There will also be a craft station for people to create their own colourful mini pinata under the guidance of Palaskas.

Courthouse Gallery and programs co-ordinator Katie Evans said they were excited to have Palaskas add Hedland to her book launch itinerary.

“It’s great for our creative community to have the chance to learn some new skills and techniques for their own professional development,” she said. “Kitiya is one of Australia’s leading creatives and fits with our objective of providing the community with a broad range of creative opportunities and facilitating network and relationship building between our local creatives and industry professionals.”

This Saturday from 9am, the gallery will host a free morning of fun, creativity and music for the whole family. There will be a hot breakfast from the team at Yarrie Meats, a kids’ craft workshop, games and face-painting.

In the afternoon from 2pm, Palaskas will return to the gallery to facilitate a felt craft workshop.

Participants will learn to create their own felt masterpiece using collaging, applique, cutting and placement techniques.

The workshop is suitable for people over the age of 12 and is $40 for members of the gallery and $50 for non-members.

On Sunday from 10am-3pm, Palaskas will host a Creative Styling Masterclass, in which she will share her years of knowledge and expertise and give advice for small creative business owners on how to showcase their brand and products in the best light.

The masterclass will include an array of tips and tricks including how to use textures, colours, silhouettes, patterns and lighting to create eye catching imagery, using photo editing apps for social media content, styling lessons and more.

It is $40 for members and $50 for non-members.

All these events are part of the Courthouse Gallery’s Hedland Art Awards public program which, because of a new date, has been bigger and better than ever.

“This year’s Hedland Art Awards is the final exhibition of the year, allowing for a longer exhibit time and an opportunity to provide an extensive public program,” Ms Evans said.

“At this time of year, there aren’t many community engagement programs or activities, so we took this opportunity to expand our public program from last year and deliver more arts and culture focused activities for the community.”

The program has been running since the awards night on October 6 and included an art camp, artist battle, creative business development seminars, art workshops and the always popular West End Markets.

The gallery’s Art After Dark series also drew big crowds.

“The Art After Dark series has been incredibly popular as it allows members of the community to immerse themselves in the creative process and also potentially be inspired to dabble in art themselves,” Ms Evans said.

Visit courthousegallery.com.au.