Like Nice Stuff? You’ll Love The Great Artist Market at Felons Barrel Hall

The beers are crafty, the riverside is scenic and the market goods are so, so good. Bring on The Great Artist Market, an initiative of Felons Brewing Co., hosted at Brisbane’s Felons Barrel Hall on Saturday, 19 October. Last time, Peppermint staffers were among the longest lingerers – and you’d better believe we’ll be out in force for this one.

Why, you ask? Not only is this the last TGAM of 2024, it’s going to be a goodie. As always, Bad Pet Portraiture will be on the lawn doing bad drawings (not drawing bad pets), and there will be art workshops and South-East Asian-inspired Barrel Hall eats. Plus, Jet Black Cat Music will be spinning tunes and the maker line-up (featuring some 70-plus stallholders!) is stellar.  

And, drum roll, there will be Peppermint! We are over the moon to be taking part in the festivities – come say hi, grab a subscription deal, a magazine or a sewing journal, or maybe a printed sewing pattern for your next DIY.

Here, we get the lowdown from artistic powerhouse (and TGAM co-creator) Tamara Scheiwe (yep, she of Brissie events The Plant Market and CreativeMornings Brisbane AND the podcast Bitch RUN!). We pinned her down to talk stalls, Felons brews and the art scene in Brisbane…

OK, first things first: tell us about yourself!

I’m Tamara [above, left], the creative force behind Villain Studio. When people ask me what I do, I often find it challenging because over the course of my life/career, I’ve accumulated a number of hats: graphic designer, creative director, artist and creative event producer – all driven by my passion for connecting art and the community. I’m also the director and owner of [wedding stationery company] September Creative and [vintage store] Forage & Co.

Now, tell us about all the treasures you’ve found at TGAM.

I have walked away with MANY treasures! A few favourites include an adorable cat mug from Bonnie Hislop, super-fun prawn earrings from Kimi Schieren, a gorgeous spiky mug from Julia Bramich Ceramics, the cutest floral socks from TGAM market co-creator Claire Ritchie, a quirky bagel incense holder from Studio Daffa, a custom red-and-pink crochet cardigan from Mary Mary and, of course, some charming portraits of my cats by the amazing Bad Pet Portraiture.

What’s your vision for the event? 

We launched The Great Artist Market to connect local makers with our vibrant community. It’s hosted at Felons Barrel Hall – a creative space for live music, art and barrel-aged beer. We feature beloved Brisbane artists alongside emerging talents, ensuring there’s always something new and familiar at every event. As we celebrate TGAM’s first birthday, I feel incredibly lucky to be part of this amazing team.

What are you most excited about this time around?

I always look forward to TGAM day! And October is no exception – we have an incredible artist line-up this month, featuring Bonnie Hislop, Claudio Kirac, Elleni the Label, Lauren Rogers Arts, Ritual Press, Sarah Capon and The Characters, just to name a few. 

What makes the art scene in Brisbane different?

The South East Queensland maker scene is truly unique, with many artists drawing inspiration from the stunning environment we’re so lucky to live and work in. Imagine bright, bold and a touch cheeky – that’s the essence of what Brisbane contributes to the creative landscape. We’re thrilled to help bring these talented artists together! 

Assuming it’s a gorgeous spring day, which Felons beers will you be savouring in the sunshine?

After the market wraps up, I’ll be indulging in Felons’ gold medal-winning barrel-aged beer, Sun Drenched Fence. It’s the perfect refreshing treat for a sunny afternoon by the Brisbane River!

THIS ARTICLE WAS CREATED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH OUR GOOD FRIENDS AT THE GREAT ARTIST MARKET. THE NEXT MARKET WILL BE HELD ON 19 OCTOBER 2024 AT FELONS BARREL HALL IN BRISBANE CITY.