By Helen Musa

The second Canberra Art Fair opened at EPIC on Friday night with art, stalls and music by Sydney singer-songwriter Monico, bringing together 107 artists working in a range of media, predominantly painting.

Founder and director Margaret Hadfield, of the Artists Shed in Fyshwick, welcomed guests to the bustling Quokka Pavilion, saying the fair had come about because artists felt the need for such an event.

Ngambri Elder Shane Mortimer, who opened the fair, praised Canberra as an arts city, saying: “Arts lead the way in Canberra… we are so lucky to have such diversity.”

He said the growing number of exhibiting artists was a strength.

Hadfield said most artists exhibited for the love of art rather than the money, describing the fair as “a space where you can grow and develop”.

“The greatest thing is to know each other,” she said.

The Canberra Art Fair continues at the Quokka Pavilion, EPIC, until October 18. Details here 

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