I sauntered off to the Twilight Markets on a Friday night (26th April), not knowing how amazing and large it would be! Amongst the buzz, I discovered stalls on the deck and in the square in front of City Hall, loaded with handmade art and crafts from local artists! Staffed by the original creators of the items (who were mostly on Etsy), it was really inspirational to talk to them and see workshops and demonstrations take place. I did a few rounds, drinking in the exciting visuals and great jazz vocals being performed and before I knew it, the night had come to an end. The results of my night can be seen here with artwork from Christine Donaldson, card from In Pink Ink and a beautiful ring made with vintage music score paper from myclectic. The next one is on the 26th of July!
The stars twinkle and the wind seems to caress my cheek. The music touches my heart and I remember you. I wanted to send you a message and have you appear by my side. But you won't show - you're busy hiding. Our time is so precious and you're missing our moments...
More Brisbane Events can be found at:
Two Up and Sand Crab Fettucini for Anzac Day at the Redlands RSL;
Making Cosplay Wings with Frances Foo at Brisbane Square Library; and
"Girl Clock" at Brisbane Library.
Strolling over to the City Botanic Gardens, a wall of indie Art greeted visitors along the fence. The sounds of smooth jazz enticed people to come through the gates to see that the gardens were especially decorated for the day. A range of seating options including a bright red sofa and bright red rugs were laid out on the grass with long strings of little patchwork hearts hanging from the trees. It was quite a sight to see and I took advantage of this later, by taking some great shots with my mobile phone to use for my blog photo
A bit further in, furniture design students from the Queensland University of Technology displayed their concepts for future seating in the park, inspired by nature. Visitors were asked to make their vote for their favourite moveable chair, to help Brisbane City Council understand how people would like to experience their time in the gardens. They were also asked about any more ideas they had to shape the whole city centre. I think it's a great way to develop the city - taking account of all the opinions of the community.
I haven't experienced a broken heart in so long, I'd forgotten what it felt like - it is a physical pain, that aches continuously. Shock, Frustration and Emptiness. The tears come too fast, too frequently. I didn't think you'd hurt me - I trusted you...
In 2009, it was discovered that major structural problems existed in Brisbane’s City Hall so Brisbane City Council commenced the repair and restoration of the building. Built in the 1920s and listed on the heritage plan register, it took three years to complete and it was finally ready to be re-opened on Saturday, the 6th April. There was an official Re-dedication Ceremony over the course of the first week.
Arriving at the King George Square Foyer, large flyers are handed to visitors to initiate the self-guided tours. We wander in to see a large marble staircase, and stood in awe as we watched a choir perform in the grandness of the main auditorium. In the background, a large organ stands with over 4300 pipes, apparently built in 1981. It is said that restoration workers excavated five metres below the auditorium floor to create space for City Hall’s first professional kitchen. They even placed a time capsule in one of the pillars!
Further explorations led to cobble-stoned courtyards and smaller function rooms with heritage-style stained glass windows and hand-crafted furniture from the 1920s. Music performances were scattered throughout the rooms from violins to piano, drums to jazz. I listened to the jazz band for a very long time, soaking in the soft sultry voice of Kelsey Giarola, pianist Nathan Seiler and Peter Walters on Double Bass.
I followed a scatter of people into the council chambers with copper pressed ceilings and maple wood furnishings and there was a room with Brisbane’s Sister City Displays.
On the 3rd floor was the Museum of Brisbane and the Clock Tower but by the time I worked my way up to try and view it, long queues had formed and no more tickets (free) could be obtained for the day. I’ll come back another time to see the views and perhaps try a little something at the Shingles Inn Cafe.
More Brisbane Events can be found at:
Enjoying the Basics at the "Feet First" Invitation to Dance
Making Cosplay Wings with Frances Foo at the Brisbane Square Library; and
"Girl Clock" at Brisbane Library.
