Unfortunately the fabulous Alphington Open Studios weekend has been unable to run this year, but local artist Bridget, who is part of this annual event, contacted us to let us know that she will be having a weekend opening at her house as part of the Australian Ceramics Open Studios.

Call in this Saturday or Sunday, 22-23 November, to admire and/or purchase works by Bridget Foley (ceramics) and Avis Gardiner (jewellery and sculpture).

30 Smith Street, Alphington from 10am- 6pm.

So … last week we started contemplating making a community Christmas tree. I know, a minute ago (and yet also a lifetime ago) it was March, and now it’s nearly December. It’s a pretty weird time-vortex type year … but there you go.

And here’s where we got to on the Christmas tree front - lots of exciting Pinterest pins … and some cutting. Can you tell which tree we’re thinking about making from the Pinterest inspo? Not an exact replica of course … we’ll be adding out own touches.

From Thursday this week we’ll have the community art bin out again, with triangles and sharpies and instructions. So you can pop past and collect a piece and add your two bobs to the project. Because the more the merrier (Christmas) right?

After a loooong year we’re looking forward to sharing community Christmas wishes and happy holiday vibes …

This week’s letter is from a barrister. It’s now up on the butcher shop window. Pop past to collect your copy.

This week the letter starting ‘Dear neighbour’ is from a journalist. Should be interesting. You can pick a copy up from the butcher shop window.

We’re hoping to have ‘Blind date with a Book’ back out on the street today (Friday).

On Station Street the lovely folks at Three Locals have volunteered to house the stand for us, so it will be out the front of their cafe once a week.

And … Lee has also made a second stand for ACC.

We’ve been super keen to get ‘Blind date with a Book’ back up and running as it only had one week of glory before we went into lockdown … and there was lots of public interest in it.

This project has come about through a grant from Darebin Council and is a partnership with Darebin Libraries. The broader goal is to help activate our streets and public places and make them feel neighbourhoodly and friendly, arty and interesting. If you are out and about, keep an eye out!