Artisan's on the Hill Peter Calabria turns wood at the expo.
DESPITE battling the wet and wild weather over the weekend, it was business as usual at the three day Artisans expo with dozens of talented artisans demonstrating their skills at Artisans on the Hill in Mondrook.
Artisan on the Hill’s Peter Calabria said although wet weather brought disappointment, the weekend was still enjoyable and a fantastic chance to see talented artisans from across the state in one spot.
Rain soaked the event on Friday and Saturday, meaning many booked tour groups and out of the area visitors had trouble getting to Mondrook.
On Sunday the sun was out but the rivers were up. Water over the Bight Bridge cut access from Wingham and water over Tinonee Road made the path to Mondrook more difficult.
Although the expo only drew in a few hundred people, only 20 per cent of the target audience, Peter said everyone was in good spirits.
“They appreciated we can’t do anything about the weather,” he said.
“People were amazed at the calibre of the talent at the expo and the way the artisans were interacting with people. They were chatting to people freely and more than happy to show the ins and outs of what they do in their crafts.”
Highlights of the weekend were Alan Williams, a world leading bandsaw box maker and Peter Minson, a third generation glass blower.
Neil Collier’s 2.6 metre Harley Chopper ‘The Axe’ made entirely of wood astonished those who attended.
New Tinonee resident, Tim Peisley created a lot of interest with his ornamental turner and rose engine which allows him to embellish turned wood items.
“People were amazed first that he built the machine and what he was doing with it,” Peter said.
He added the disappointing thing was about the wet was that Doug Mosely the Blacksmith was unable to set up his display.
Peter said he and his wife Christine have already begun to think about next year’s expo lineup and are hoping for kinder weather conditions.
Workshops run by Alan Williams and Peter were held at Artisans on the Hill on Monday.