Hi, I'm Rosyn and I'm stupid. When I first heard of this place, I took the title too literally and…read morethought it was going to be full of tasty jams. Well, its not quite a source of spreadable delights, but it certainly is delightful. This not-for-profit organisation celebrates all that is design, art and crafts. A well known place of excellence, the Jam Factory presents exhibitions, tours of craftsmanship, public and educational programs, shops, and helps support local talent. Whether it be ceramics, glass, furniture and metal design, this place offers an inspirational artistic experience. Expect to be google eyed wondering around the shop section!

The Jam Factory has been a South Australian icon of craft and design since its inception in 1973…read more For years they have help many artists, craftspeople and designers in developing their creative. As part of the SALA Festival I have decided to give a factory a visit. I am not much of an art person, but went I first visited this factory I was amaze at some of the creativities. The detail and the time spend to create these art works are amazing. The jam factory is divided into 4 areas; ceramics, furniture, metal and glass. As part of the SALA each area showcases some of their work to the public to see. One of my favour area is the glass studio, where you can go on a guided tour for a behind the scenes on how they make their glass work. The factory is not just a place to create great artwork but also a school to help students to learn from experiences artists. They have a 2 year cause not only teaches students the techniques of their craft but also teaches them the necessary business skills to manage their own creative practice. If you have any free time during the weekend visit the Jam Factory and be amaze at what you see.

What a dangerous shop this is. I was next door drinking gin at the Howling Owl and thought I'd pop…read morein for 5 minutes... you know, just for "a look". Next thing I know, I've bought two fantastic necklaces and I'm having to resist a third. So much for saving money this month! There's so many great things in this store and what impressed me most was that all the designers and artists are from South Australia which is an absolutely terrific way to showcase what this state has to offer. A great place to buy an unusual and charming gift.

Have you been searching for the place to find the "Heaps Good" t-shirts? Search no more, this is…read moreit! An amazing range of really beautiful original artwork is housed here ready for you to buy up big! Gloriously witty, downright sexy and incredibly well done from simple little cards through to rather complicated objects; dinner plates, cups, ear rings, prints, nick knack's... it is all here and the best thing about it all, this is South Australian through and through. It's not that they don't like artworks from any of the other states, it's just that there are some people who want to do the 'buy local' thing when it comes to spending their money, and they want to support local artists, and believe me South Australia has lots of them. There are so many artists creating so much work here that you will find quite a few stores and galleries that only have South Australian work in them; this is certainly one of them. I wouldn't say there was a particular style in this part of the country, but I would say the standard is very high, and the prices are pretty reasonable. It's not so cheap you imagine the artist has no self worth, but nor is it priced out of every-ones range. The women looking after the counter tell me that the hottest seller is the original t-shirt with "Heaps Good" written over a map of South Australia, and it's popular because it reflects the sort of vernacular used here - South Australians don't really speak all that well, but maybe I'll get run out of town if I say that (!) so perhaps I should settle for saying "Heaps Good" is a way we express ourselves with a little touch of wry humour? Urban Cow do have a website and it is worth checking out. I'm informed that you can rest assured the artists do get the best part of what you pay for their work, and no, it's not all prints and paintings; like I said, there are plenty of things including sculptures, textiles, ceramics, glassware and odd, silly things to delight anyone who likes a nice bit of art. They say "Every picture is worth a thousand words," so I went mad taking quite a few pictures, if you check them out you will come up with the thousands of words that my pictures will inspire in you rather than me attempt to describe everything I saw (and loved). The friendly staff will gladly let you browse without charging you an entry fee, even though the shop feels as much like a gallery as it does a unique gift shop. Enjoy browsing and good luck deciding what to buy. From what I hear, the "Heaps Good" t-shirts are the strongest item, but you be the judge.

Like stepping into a well furnished artist's studio, Magazine Gallery is both the perfect gallery…read morespace but also (less well known) tea-house off of Clubhouse Lane. With flavours of tea like "Chocolate Marmalade" and some other unusual combinations this places is very well versed in making the perfect brew. I felt a tad ignorant as I received about 5 different contraptions and an egg timer when I sat down for my tea and had no idea if I was expected to solve a maths problem or brew my tea. Eventually I worked out the ingenuity that the special breed of Magazine Gallerite hold. The egg timer was for allowing the tea to brew the perfect time. The mini cup was not for tea, no, it was to hold the tea colander and the larger cup was (you'd never guess it) for the tea. The cakes and sweet treats here look devine (in particular their lemon tart - the bitter the better). I also keep walking past signs promoting their "Roast Beef," many a day as I walk down Hindley. Not sure how this Roast Beef is served because they don't seem to have much of a kitchen but curious at least to find out the savoury menu items on offer. The place has a beautiful communal table for communing and you can browse the artists works who are exhibiting in the gallery at the time while waiting for your tea. The only reason this place looses a star so far is that they do filtered coffee. Arguably I haven't tried their filtered coffee, and I should, but it is what keeps me from going back here every day compared to Coffee Branch and the like which, although has less seating than Magazine, makes damn fine coffee.

Magazine Gallery is run on a shoe-string by local finger-in-every-pie-man Joshua Fanning. Fanning…read moreis also involved in a bunch of other projects including running local magazine 'Collect', advocating for street art in Adelaide and marketing at nearby Mercury Cinema. Collect is run out of the back offices of this gallery - which is decked out with track lighting and wooden floors. While you are likely to see a mix of different shows in a year-long program, the focus here is on excellent illustration, design and craftsmanship done by creative people of many persuasions. Openings here are packed out and not because there is free booze - Little Creatures beer is five dollars a pop and proceeds go towards keeping the place running. If you are interested in buying art for your home, this is an excellent place to snag something at a very reasonable price. Popular artists who have shown here include Ruby Chew, Lisa King, and Kate Gagliardi. Magazine also hosts the occasional film screening, magazine launch or pop-up store. You'll recognise the exterior by the red iron grating and the up-to-date murals done by local street artists and illustrators. The daytime hours here change quite often, so it's best to keep up to date with opening and events on their facebook page, which can be found here: http://www.facebook.com/magazine.store.gallery.

If I was a creative I think this would be my home, studio and general hang out all in one…read more This warehouse/office space is a perfect example of the potential for Adelaide to utilise its empty buildings for multiple purposes that involves the whole community. So far I have visited over 4 of the local businesses and arts studios in here from Naomi Murrell (jeweller) to Fascination Street (production company), The Analouge Room (photo lab) and Life Drawing Classes. The diversity of creativity all the one space must be so inspiring to work with, while you're are also able to call a particular part of the building home with your own "office space." Exhibitions are held here all of the time and normally you can catch more than one on at the same time. The Mill also sometimes hosts joint events with Point A (a freerunning, PT, parkour studio next door) and you can get all street savvy out in their car park with live DJ's demos, walk through of the gallery etc. Each time I have been to something here the crowds have been huge and very eclectic (far too much cooler than I) so it is nice to be exposed to a different community of people. Soon they will also be hosting Mill Markets on Sundays for all local artists to come and sell their wares. If you are ever looking for alternative, and very reasonably priced art classes (from photography through to life drawing and more) in the city, this is the place to visit. Or if you prefer to watch rather than participate, sign up to their mailing list or FB page and keep up to date with their regular events.

The Mill is a non-for-profit arts space, designed to allow local artists from all disciplines to…read moreconnect and collaborate with other artists, industries and audiences. It was co-founder by two friends with the aim of creating a centre hub to keep and nurture local artists within Adelaide. To achieve this by building connections with other arts facilitates and developing the space at the mill. The Mill houses artists of all disciplines including: visual artists, designers, writers, architects, filmmakers, photographers, dancers, theatre-makers and performers. It has many facilitates e.g. artist studios, gallery space, dance/ workshop space and office space. I came here as part of the Yelp's SALA walking tour and The Mill is part of the SALA festival showcase SA living artists. When I first walked in they were having an exhibition of artwork for a group of artists. I didn't understand what the art was about. They showcase a bunch of rocks what was nicely place on a table and was half covered in bright yellow print. Then I saw a few printing where they place strings connected from the print board to the celling and the floor, again didn't understand what that mean. Overall the Mill is a great place for local artists from all disciplines to come together and create something that has no real meaning to me.

So, it is your mate's birthday and you have been super busy and forgot to get a gift. She calls you…read moreto catch up for a coffee and it hits you. You have to get a gift in an hour. Oh no! Worst friend ever! This is where stores like Three Birds come in handy. Three Birds have a great selection of gifts that are unique. They offer items like hand made children's toys, jewellery, awesome smelling candles, designer bags, funky furniture, skin products and light fittings. The collection is quite varied, so I have always found something that suit most people. Even for men! I should also mention that the stock is high quality and some items are designer. So that does impact on the price. But, you will find that the items are all really funky and you will be spoilt for choice. It is really hard to find items like these at other stores. The staff are super friendly and helpful. They will gift wrap an item for you if you need at no extra cost. On more than one occasion they have helped me pick gifts (which I sometimes struggle with). So if you are in Stirling or from the Hills and need something cool for your house or a gift; this store is worth checking out! You never know, you might also find something to spoil yourself.

Another pointless gift store in Stirling., this is where Ed Harrys used to be, do you know how…read moreupset my partner was when I told him that Ed Harry is gone? Filled with candles and photo frames and cushions and tea sets and lamp shades and coasters. It's one of those stores where you buy for someone else because you yourself wouldn't actually display much of any of the products in your house. Again, it's pricey, it's Stirling so no surprises there. Before Christmas I saw this horrible wreath made from all this little coloured felt balls, it was horrible ugly I daresay it never sold. The shop window actually makes me want to go into the store even less but I think Three Birds is handy when you forgot to buy a present for your aunties birthday and you need something quick smart.

Lovely! Stopped for an hour or two's lookabout. Many wonderful artworks, much of it indigenous. A…read morenice staff responded to questions with smiles. It is quite clean and well-kept. There is a cafe/eatery downstairs that was quite busy, speaking well for its fare. Room after room of many things to see. Certainly one of Adelaide's must-see spots!

I'm giving this gallery a 3.5/5. Huge bonus that it is free, even with the special exhibit from…read moreYayoi Kasuma with her famous polka dots and pumpkins, which was probably my favorite of all the works seen here. It is so unexpected and cheerful, you can't help but smile. As for the rest of the gallery, it was a bit jarring to see completely different styles and media next to each other. Maybe I just didn't appreciate the hidden themes or transitions. Not many plaques for explanations. All in all, not a bad stop for half an hour, but not a place I'd spend the whole day or even half a day in.

I stumbled across this fantastic shop while walking through the heritage precinct of Port Adelaide…read more Luckily for me, the owner (see her incredibly interesting story on this website) was putting up a shop banner outside the heritage building/shop. Anyone walking inside like me will be 'knocked over' by the colours, patterns and designs of the textiles and clothes from around the world on show. So fascinating...Loved it!

Hill Smith is an up market commercial gallery located on in the middle of Pirie St in the city…read more It is housed within a beautiful red two story building with large windows at the front and a charismatic black umbrella dome covering the entryway. There are exhibitions more or less monthly, as well as a number of works held in their stockroom which can be accessed on request. Hill Smith represents a number of the better known local and interstate artists, including David Bromley, Robert Hannaford and Nick Harding. Presently on show is the work of Stephen Trebilcock (Main gallery), Janine Mackintosh and Peter Syndicas (First Floor Gallery). I really love Janine's work which consist of something representing Mandalas constructed from various found natural and man made objects. Her work with eucalyptus leaves has an especially appealing aesthetic, the leaves being beautifully preserved and meticulously stitched with linen thread to the canvass. The juxtaposition of rusted man made objects with preserved natural elements also gives the work a musical quality. Syndicas work, exhibited also on the First floor, consisting of sticks cast in iron and bronze, also follows this natural aesthetic but is, in my opinion, less appealing and although certainly difficult to accomplish, less creative. Trebilcock's work, presented in the Main Gallery consists of a series of beautifully painted still lives, vibrant in colour and texture. The few exteriors presented in the body of work appear slightly illustrative and artificial due to an oversaturation of colour which is more suited to the still lives. This detracts slightly from the overall effect. Of particular appeal were the two triptychs, "Australian Selection" and "Oranges and Grapes."