Port Adelaide’s Handmade Markets are back this season with an eclectic blend of the stallholders you know and love, as well as some new makers whose wares we know you’ll want to cram into your tote bag. With a pop-up gin bar from Milledge’s Distillation, live music stage, free artist-run mural tours and creative workshops throughout the day, it’s a proper feast for the senses.

This month, we take a look at five of the artists we’re most excited to catch at the upcoming market...

BLAKESBY HATS

Capturing the charm of a bygone era, Blake ‘Blakesby’ Canham-Bennett is a multi-award- winning hatter. His unique, vintage-inspired pieces are, without exception, works of art, made in an upstairs studio at The Mill. A hat guy since way back, Blake has been collecting headwear since his teens. Through his craftsmanship, he conjures up a period in time when people put a little more care and flair into their everyday fit. With one of his gorgeous pieces sitting on your crown, you’ll be head and shoulders above!

IN OUR MARKET TOTE BAG: One of Blakesby’s signature wide brim sombrero cordobes – sunsmart AND sexy.

MELAK KHALEEL

Emerging visual artist and 2023 Carclew Sharehouse resident Melak Khaleel is making (very colourful) waves. Her vibrant work is a form of social commentary, influenced by her Muslim, Kurdish and Arab culture. Through her art, she challenges social stereotypes, tackling the patriarchy through a radical queer, intersectional feminist lens.

IN OUR MARKET TOTE BAG: A slew of brightly-coloured prints and stickers.

DUNGEONRAT

The project of visual artist and tattooist Claude Creighton, Dungeonrat’s stall will be stocked full of airbrushed tees and caps – think trashy, carnival, throwback energy. Wearing a style that captures a tough-as-all-hell blend of ’80s fantasy, heavy metal medieval and Y2K-core, punters can also expect stickers and zines inspired by everything from wrestling to monster trucks.

IN OUR MARKET TOTE BAG: An undeniably badass bootleg tee.

NGARRINDJERI DREAMING

Owned by proud Ngarrindjeri woman Sharon Karpany, Ngarrindjeri Dreaming is a brand that was birthed from a series of crafty mask- making workshops at the height of COVID. Having discovered a passion for bringing community together through art, Sharon launched a platform that enabled her to showcase her diverse range of designs on everything from tees and totes to leather handbags and paintings. Bringing colour and storytelling together, Sharon’s work will leave you with a smile on your face.

IN OUR MARKET TOTE BAG: One of Sharon’s hand-painted cheeseboards.

VINTAGE CHARM & COLLECTABLES

For a true Port Adelaide experience, you can’t go past Vintage Charm & Collectables. A stalwart of the region’s market scene, Julie Hockley previously showcased her stunning collection of retro eccentricities at the Port’s iconic Fisherman’s Wharf Markets. Inspired by delicate china and glassware from the 1920s onwards, Julie’s fascination with the world of vintage began at an early age with the contents of her nanna’s china cabinet. Pop by her stall to feast your eyes on colourful vintage threads, bags, jewellery and homewares from her collection.

IN OUR MARKET TOTE BAG: A mid-century crockery set.

The Port Adelaide Handmade Markets take place on Saturday, March 23 at Iparrityi Laneway, Port Adelaide from 10am to 2pm.

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