Crafting a new chapter: the Mudgeeraba Village Arts and Crafts Collective bids farewell to its current locale
For almost two years, the Mudgeeraba Village Arts and Craft Collective (MVAACC) has brought its distinctive, local, hand-crafted wares to the people of the Gold Coast hinterland.
Woodworkers, sewists, potters, jewellery makers, painters, and creators from Mudgeeraba and its surrounds came together to create a store as unique as the town it was established in.
Sadly, the store has been given notice to vacate and will cease trading a few days before Mother’s Day this year. The reason? To make room for yet another alcohol shop.
I had the privilege of chatting with several of the people who make up the heart and soul of the Collective, starting with its founder Kim Parry, about the joy the store has brought to their lives, and hopes for the future.
Why did you start up the MVAACC, and how did you find the perfect group of creators to join you?
I’ve always had an interest in art and being creative, and when I was travelling to Maleny in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, I saw an excellent arts and crafts co-op. I tried to find one closer to home, realised there wasn’t one, so decided to create one myself.
I put the call out on several Facebook groups and was inundated with applications from a diverse range of talented makers. I made the decision to keep it hyper-local, so everyone is from Mudgeeraba, or the hinterland suburbs close by. Each creator volunteers a half day every fortnight to open and run the shop – it works very well for us and the customers get to meet the creatives.
How has operating the Collective impacted your life?
It has brought joy back to my life that I hadn’t felt since my son passed away in 2013. My mental health has improved, and it has given me a purpose. I love interacting with the other volunteers and members of the community. I’ve relished the opportunity to sell my creative wares.
What has the reception from the Mudgeeraba community been like?
We have been so embraced by the community. It’s almost like we’ve become a drop-in centre for people to just come and have a chat, with no obligation to buy anything. When the news broke that we’d be moving out of our premises, I had many people hugging me in tears. Mudgeeraba has such a country town vibe; everyone is so friendly.
Has the shop’s success been what you envisaged when you started it all?
More so! I never went into it to get rich, and I spent a lot of my own money to get it started. It has been so warmly received by so many artists and shoppers – even the other neighbouring shops are sad that we are leaving.
What are your hopes and dreams for the Collective for the future?
We will be doing a monthly market every second Sunday of the month, starting on 9 June, from 9am-1pm at Mudgeeraba Memorial Hall. There will be workshops and food trucks there, and activities for all different ages – so parents can have a bit of time to browse and shop. Some businesses that are keen to come on board already are Burnt Croissants, Earthly Essentials crystal suncatcher workshops, Third Eye Macrame, and Cathyland Art to name a few. I would love another opportunity for a permanent shop space but am very pleased that the market is already gaining support and traction.
Local grandmother, Judie Dujmovic, sews quilts, bowl holders, playing card holders, and more. She had a chat with us about how the Collective has helped her re-enter the community after some health troubles.
Why did you decide to get involved with the MVAAC?
I joined about a year ago – I had no outlet for my creative passions, and I was just stockpiling all these things I had made. I am so pleased to be able to sell them to people in our community and chat with our wonderful customers. I love seeing new things in the shop and always leave with something new each time I am there – I can’t help myself!
What has been the highlight of your time with the store?
I love meeting people so much. I have been quite unwell – a double lung transplant in fact – so it has given me a reason to get out of the house and be social instead of just sitting and watching TV. I am very cautious about catching illnesses in bigger shops like Robina Town Centre, so the Mudgeeraba Village is the perfect place for me and people like me to do their shopping. Our vendors are lovely, talented people and I am honoured to know them all.
Angela Lyall is the creator behind positive change purse and cushions. She leads a busy life with her husband and two children, including her teenage son, who attends Mudgeeraba Special School.
What has the MVAAC brought to your life?
It is my way of being part of the community. I am often busy attending appointments with my son and driving him around to various activities, so getting to make money by selling things I love to make is wonderful for me as a person. Elderly people often come in just for a chat, under no pressure to buy anything. I will miss the community interaction terribly.
The Mudgeeraba Village Arts and Crafts Collective has become an integral part of the cultural tapestry of the hinterland, and we would love to see them find another permanent location for their shop soon. If you have any leads, please get in touch with Kim at kim.parry23554@gmail.com. In the meantime, see you at the market on 9 June!