Story & photos Suzi Bourke
Kit Feuerriegel uses recycled and salvaged building materials to build structures and art. Constructing lamps from industrial waste is her latest project. Her lamps will be on sale at the Caba Creative Carnivale on September 29.
‘This carnivale is really close to my heart because it shares my vision of connecting all artists and helping each other’, said Kit. She is donating all the proceeds to the not-for-profit Caba Creative to build a fund that will help pay for the musos at future events.
Kit says, ‘It’s important to recognise the wonderful atmosphere created by musicians who struggle for a living, so I would like to help them the way others have helped me. I think this carnivale idea is a fantastic way of providing a venue for many types of local artists and it creates a festival feeling for the community to enjoy. The people at Cabarita are well known for their love of the village and their willingness to bond together. This will bring them even closer as it will be a really artistic festival that is very family friendly with lots of workshops and activities.’
Kit Feuerriegel is the owner, creative director and custodian of Studio44 Artspace, Fingal. She is a self-taught artist who works in a highly innovative style and believes in funding the arts in unique ways. A former Stradbroke Islander, she has lived in Fingal for 20 years.
Mona’s Leasings is an interesting aspect of her business – a clever pun on the famous artwork the Mona Lisa. This is a mutually beneficial service whereby Kit installs a track system for the venue and hangs different pieces of art from her artbank. The Studio44 artbank is sourced from artists who have attended workshops at Studio44. The display is refreshed every six weeks or after sales. Currently Marty’s in Caba has a custom-made leather couch that is on display under this arrangement. Kit says, ‘This also helps artists realise that they don’t have to be world famous to exhibit their work; neither do they have to beg big galleries to show their work.’
The Caba Creative group of volunteers are motivated by their interest in energising the town by providing a venue for artists and families who love a creative atmosphere. In the twilight of September 29 there will be lots to do and hear. Lindy from the Stunned Mullet is excited that ‘Cabarita Beach Main Street is included in this inspiring community event by offering carnivale specials in the restaurants, art exhibitions and other creative endeavours. Next year we hope to expand this even more. The carnivale truly advertises what a vibrant village Cabarita Beach is.’
Duke Albada, coordinator of the executive committee, describes how ‘passionate volunteers are busy scheduling a program full of music, family fun, arts, craft, dance, home-made -grown -baked produce and community stalls. There is still room for artists to come and present their wares under the artist’s marquee or at the Cabarita Beach SLSC. We are urging face painters, clowns, jugglers and people with ideas for family fun activities to put up your hand. Simply email your interest to [email protected].
For those unfamiliar with Caba Creative, Duke clarifies: ‘We are a local not-for-profit community organisation founded in January. Caba Creative is run by volunteers. We operate as a platform for local artists, artisans, performers, business operators, residents, youth, Indigenous people and environmentalists. Our key aims include networking and collaboration leading to community benefits while actively endorsing environmental and economic sustainability. Updates on all our activities plus information on what is happening in the region can be found on www.facebook.com/CabaCreative.’