Tunisian crafts at Killcare

The Bouddi Gallery in Killcare will display some of the handmade pieces discovered on a trip to Africa by Central Coast art collector Mr Mourad Nafti.

The Tunisian national recently returned to his homeland, a small coastal country situated on the Mediterranean coast midway between the Atlantic Ocean and the Nile Valley.

While there, Mr Nafti met the artisans who produce traditional crafts.

"The Bouddi Gallery in Killcare has some fine pieces from this trip such as hammam towels, handpainted ceramics, pouffes and woven furniture," Mr Nafti said.

"All items are handmade and reflect the diverse cultural background of Tunisia.

"We are attentive to the long term development and preservation of the traditional arts of Tunisia.

"In supporting the Tunisian artisans by buying from them directly, they receive their rightful payment directly from us.

"If there is no market for the products, the artists must find other employment and cease their craft.

"We encourage the preservation of the traditional skills by finding new markets for the products."

Press release, 8 Oct 2010 Jane Tryon, The Bouddi Gallery