As Sturt prepares to celebrate 80 years of existence, the world once again finds itself trapped amidst a climate of uncertainty.
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In 1941, Frensham founder Winifred West established Sturt as a hub of creativity in the face of the Second World War.
Eight decades on and once again people are looking for a distraction and it's one that Head of Sturt Kristie Phelan believes the school can provide.
"Sturt is the perfect antidote to flickering screens and clattering keyboards," she told the Southern Highland News.
"After the challenging year we've had, people are re-evaluating what's important. They're increasingly looking inward and cherishing local with their materials, their connection to nature and to each other.
"At Sturt you can learn from some of the best makers in the world on a campus surrounded by beauty. It's hard not to be inspired amidst the history of the place, with the legacy of such great makers."
Despite playing host to many great artists and exhibitions over the ensuing years, Sturt remains at its heart a space for creators of all abilities.
"Winifred believed in nurturing individuals by bringing them into contact with master craftspeople and thinkers of the time," Phelan said.
"She invited leading potters, furniture makers, textile artists and musicians to live, teach and work at Sturt.
"Winifred's bold vision for Sturt was of hope for the future, she empowered women to acquire skills and encouraged community groups to meet and help others at Sturt."
While upcoming exhibitions, COVID permitting, will shine a light on decades past, Phelan said the school will continue finding ways to remain relevant long into the future.
"Sturt is a cultural treasure on our doorstep and we're excited to be able to celebrate this magnificent milestone for Australia's oldest design centre," she explained.
"We've been uncovering the fascinating stories, images and treasures in the Sturt archives for our anniversary exhibition and it reminds us of the incredible legacy of Sturt.
"Sturt has never been more vital or relevant. Demand for our workshops in fine furniture, ceramics, jewellery and textiles are at an all-time high and contemporary craft is becoming a symbol of sustainability, authenticity and connectedness.
"People come from far and wide to immerse themselves in Sturt's week long Summer or Winter School, and weekend workshops where you can learn everything from Japanese woodworking to wood firing ceramics are in huge demand."
Sturt - 80 Years in the Making, drawing upon the legends and treasures of Sturt's permanent collection opens on October 3 and runs until November 14.
From November 20 the Sturt School for Wood's 22 graduates will showcase their work in their graduate exhibition, Flow running until December 5 at Sturt Gallery.
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