The Finders Keepers are revving up for the end of year Sydney market. The Sydney Flier has just been released, featuring work by emerging Sydney artist Kevin Tran.

Finders Keepers is an ever growing amazing art and design market that showcases the work of over 60 emerging designers and artists from Sydney local designers to areas all around Australia.  With an amazing array of talent and people pouring in from all around Sydney, the Finders Keepers continues to introduce new and exciting both local and Australia wide designers and artists.

If you are an artist or designer in Sydney, (or if you want to come to Sydney for a weekend) and would like to sell your wares at the Finders Keepers market you can apply here. Applications close October 16.

This markets theme is Where The Wild Things Are. And from what i have seen with past markets, this is a hugely popular event, and well worthwhile, if you want to get your work out there. Also being around Christmas time, there will be lots of Christmas shoppers.

(Artwork by Kelly Thompson)

Frankie magazine and Nine Lives Gallery have teamed up to exhibit some of Australia and New Zealands most talented female illustrators in ‘Hand Drawn’ put together by Brisbane artist, designer and curator Mel Baxter.

The show features 5 very talented young ladies, Kelly Thompson , Kareena Zerefos, Fee Harding, Sarah Larnach, Xiao.

‘Hand drawn’ opening night is this Friday (October 2nd), at the Nine Lives gallery in Brisbane, so if your in the area, be sure to check in. Doors open at 6pm. The show will remain open daily until Sunday October 11th.

For me details, check out the facebook event page or visit www.wehaveninelives.com

Erik Marinovich, graphic designer and one of the talented guys behind Friends of Type.

Hardware gallery in Sydney, is calling for Artsists for an upcoming exhibition. They are holding a group exhibition in may next year as part of their annual vinyl month and are seeking artists to use a vinyl record as their canvas. Each artist will be provided with a record and you can paint, draw, mark, scratch, etch…do anything you like with your record to create an artpiece. To find out more go to their blog. Get in quick, as spots are limited.

New work by Simon Degroot at The National Grid Gallery

Simon’s work is growing in popularity and with due cause ,with his Assemblage of character based street art and icons, his canvases jump with excitement and intrigue.

Opening Night: Friday 25th September 2009

Exhibition is open from 26th September until 16th October

Gallery opening hours, Monday-Friday 9am-5pm
Saturday 11am-3pm

www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=163657215830&index=1

Nate Williams is an artist, illustrator and designer with a love for hand typography. He has illustrated for many big name clients and has also  conceived, designed, programmed, launched the highly successful illustration community portals http://www.illustrationmundo.com and http://www.letterplayground.com

If your in Sydney and free this Saturday (September 19th) you’ll have to check out the COFA spring fair. COFA will once again open its doors to the public to celebrate art, design and multi media in a multitude of activities in a carnival atmosphere.

A great opportunity to see young emerging talent, grab unique gifts and if your a prospective art student, check out the campus and see what is on offer.   Located on the corner of Oxford St and Greens Road in Paddington.

This year the program promises even bigger and brighter events, markets, and entertainment including the fine art and design market, exhibitions, studio tours, food and DJs.

Gates open 10am.

The very talented Catherine Campbell and Andy Lewis recently set up a gallery and studio in Melbourne, named Extended Play.
And to celebrate their opening they are hosting an exhibition, ‘Blind Date’, featuring some of our favourite Aussie artists; Andrea Innocent, Beastman, Benjamin Sea, Brooke Bobridge, Caitlin Shearer, Eveline Tarunadjaja, Lwnski, Mel Stringer, Sean Morris, Side Project and Yok.

Opening night is Friday 2nd October, 6-9pm. Extended Play Gallery, 547 High Street, Northcote 3070. Vist Extended Play for more details.

The old 3d Viewmasters were so fun,  I’m thinking that the slides might even become collectable if they aren’t already. These shots  taken by Road side pictures, were taken digitally through a Viewmaster and makes for some nice nostalgic pics. The funny thing is some of these casinos and hotels haven’t changed a bit since the original photos were taken, back in the early 70′s.

See more photos here on Flickr

Happenstance Magazine is an independent Sydney-based print publication, which doesn’t forsake style for substance or substance for style. It’s all about making things happen; art, design ,music and the written word, as well as the people who create them.

What started as a bit of fun, has eventuated into an awesome independent magazine.

Happenstance recently launched their first issue, including stories on Sydney’s Independent galleries, bikes and a glimpse into the bedroom of Sydney artist James Jirat Patradoon.

It is a limited edition publication, with each issue individually numbered. And our friend Aaron, art director of Happenstance  has given us 5 copies to give away to 5 lucky winners.

To enter simply send your details (name and address) to givaways@forththread.com. The 5 winners will be notified by email next Friday. (18th Sept)