Vision to make craft market high-profile

070414bf2 Sabine Willemsen wants higher profile for Hot Lakes Craft Market 7 April 2014 Rotorua Daily Post Photograph by Ben Fraser

Sabine Willemsen is more accustomed to working behind the scenes at the Hot Lakes Craft Market.

But her enthusiasm has conspired to get her out of the kitchen and into a promotions role for the popular monthly event.

"There is a real need for the market to grow and become a sought after event in the city for people to enjoy each month."

The Hot Lakes Craft Market will take up its monthly residence on Sunday near The Arts Village, featuring a range of art and craft from water colours to ceramics and textiles.

"It is an unique market which is more suited for artists who are working from home, part-time, with individual one-offs," Sabine says.
The market gives local artists the opportunity to promote and sell their work, she says.

"Many are more comfortable displaying their work at Hot Lakes than at bigger markets in Rotorua."
Sabine's vision is to grow the market for not only residents, but also visitors, including international tourists.

"Not everyone creates large public artwork, instead they just enjoy creating their own pieces on a smaller scale, which often attracts international visitors who enjoy quirky, unique artwork which is not mass produced.

"My vision is make these visitors aware, through the market, that the city has a strong base of artists who are creating individual works with love and passion."
About 20-25 stallholders occupy space at the market every second Sunday of each month for nine months of the year, closing for three months in June and reopening in September.

Sabine's grand design is also to encourage more secondary school students studying art to sell their work.

"I would like if there was the opportunity for them at the market to promote their art.
"We have unlimited space for more stallholders, which is a real advantage for us," she says.

"The huge field next to the Arts Village is a beautiful location for everyone involved."
Sabine would like to offer fundraising groups the opportunity to attend the market as well to "create a more community feel" to the occasion.

"We would be very supportive if a club or organisation wants to set up their sausage sizzle barbecue to raise money."

On Sunday, food will be provided by Western Heights High School's Year 10 netball team. The team will cook up delicious cafe-style food to raise funds, says Sabine.

"As well, there will be a Japanese origami group making their beautiful origami cranes, fundraising for little Sakurako (the Japanese girl mauled by dogs) and her family.

"This will create a larger visitor stream to the market while still completely staying with the everything hand-made theme.
"The market definitely has a well-deserved spot in local events."