Farewell to the Spier Craft Art Market

After more than two decades, Spier is retiring the Craft Art Market. I have been absolutely honoured to call it home for almost eight years.

I regard this special market as the birthplace of my career as an artist. A career that weathered plenty of storms! Throughout it all, Spier was a constant. A constant source of income; a constant inspiration and place of learning, exploring; a constant source of support; a constant place of friendship and belly-aching laughter…

A market like no other, it boasted a highly curated selection of some of the best artisan crafters in the country. The creative genius behind this unique retail space was Sue Heathcock. Formidable, yet fabulously down-to-earth, Sue created a space that was as soulful as it was strategic — a place where creativity and business could thrive side by side. Her vision was rooted in a fair-trade model that truly empowered the little guy — the artisans. She moulded and guided us, helping us grow as artists (and people!). The market also had a strong focus on sustainability and ‘upcycling’ — so many of the artworks on display were crafted using materials that would otherwise have ended up in landfills. Thanks to Sue’s intentional curation and mentorship, the market always felt fresh, dynamic and relevant, season after season. No small feat, considering the longevity of the market!

I was accepted into the team early in 2018. Sue really took a chance on me — I was totally green and waaay in-over-my-head! Similarly, the artisans - my new colleagues - welcomed me with incredible warmth.

With the support of Sue and my fellow creatives, I was able to develop and build my range, push my creative limits, and grow into a business owner I never imagined I could become.… The market offered the perfect platform to discover my voice as an artist.

To Sue: Thank you for giving me a chance. Thank you for listening, genuinely caring, pushing me at the right times and gifting me grace when I needed it most. You created a safe space. A constant in a world of uncertainty.

To my colleagues - my family - that have walked this path with me: Thank you for the years of friendship. I can't even begin to express how much I will miss seeing you every week…! As we all weather this new, unexpected storm, I find comfort in knowing that I am not alone. You are all so incredibly talented; so beautifully kind… I have no doubt that the sun will shine on our faces again!

It is with heartfelt sadness that I say farewell to the Spier Craft Art Market. I can’t yet imagine life without it… The beautiful space; the lovely customers visiting from all over the world; the creative inspiration and freedom; the quiet reminder - day after day - of the strength, resilience, and creativity of humankind.

Most palpable of all — the incredibly special bonds that I will treasure forever.