Youth creativity on display in Albany at Bazaarium Youth Markets

Albany youths’ creative talents will be on full display at a special market at the Albany Town Hall next week to celebrate WA Youth Week.

Stallholders aged 10-25 have been hard at work handmaking an array of wares to sell at the Bazaarium Youth Market on April 12 and 13, including jewellery, artwork, candles, cakes, clothing, cards and woodwork.

The market will headline the City of Albany and Rio Tinto Youth Week celebrations from April 9 to 22, featuring skate workshops, a pool party, wacky golf and arcade games.

For many young creatives taking part in the market, it will be the first time they have displayed and sold their work to the public.

Sixteen-year-old Emily Baines will sell her paintings, drawings, mini-sculptures and other creations.

“It will be a little bit strange because I have always made it for myself and my friends, and I never thought about selling it,” she said.

“I really enjoy my art, and I want a chance to meet other people and show other people my art and what I can do.”

Watercolour artist Amy Ullrich, 23, will be selling her creations which pay homage to the south coast.

“I make all sorts of different cards and gifts from my watercolor art,” she said.

“I do a lot of painting of local scenery and to show off the beauty of Albany.”

For 12-year-old Tayleen Nisbet, taking part in the markets was an opportunity to make new friends after moving from South Africa to Albany earlier this year.

Tayleen learnt to draw from her father and will sell paintings, woodwork and sewing creations at her stall.

“I love creating because I get to show my imagination and feel in the zone,” she said.

City of Albany community relations manager Louise Paterson said youth were the driving force behind the markets, with the City providing business development workshops to help them upskill.

“It’s an excellent way to showcase the skills and talents of our young people and to celebrate all that our youth have to offer to our community, while providing an opportunity for them to develop new skills,” she said.

The Bazaarium Youth Markets will be held from 10am to 5pm on April 12 and 13.

Entry is free.