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Crafting Conversation: The Artists Edition

November 12 @ 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm

$25 – $35

Humffray Room

Session begins at 5:30pm

Crafting Conversation

A Panel Series for Makers in Business

Real talk - Generous insight - A creative space to learn, reflect and connect

Artist Panel: Travis Price, Ben Sanders & Spencer Harrison

Our second edition moves across to the community of artists, featuring three Ballarat artists who work commercially,
sharing their stories, challenges, and insights into what it really takes to build a sustainable creative business in Australia.

Come for the conversation, stay for the community.

Travis Price is a Ballarat-based multi-disciplinary illustrator and graphic artist with over 25 years of experience across editorial, branding, animation and murals. Known for his bold, nostalgic style and playful use of typography, his work draws heavily on 80s and 90s pop culture. Travis has collaborated with leading brands and agencies across Australia and beyond, building a reputation as one of the country’s most distinctive creative voices.

Ben Sanders hasn’t stopped drawing since he landed his first illustration job at the age of 12. His career has spanned design, advertising and illustration, with clients including Cadbury, Harrods of London and The Natural Confectionery Co. Based in Ballarat, Ben is best known for his award-winning children’s books and bold, character-driven illustrations that appear everywhere from picture books to murals and packaging.

Spencer Harrison is an Australian artist exploring geometric abstraction through painting, sculpture, murals and installation. His work examines the balance between order and chaos, minimalism and maximalism, and is deeply rooted in a fascination with colour and form. Spencer’s major public commissions include collaborations with the Melbourne Immigration Museum, White Night and the City of Melbourne.

Travis Price

Ben Sanders

Spencer Harrison

The Series

Join us for Crafting Conversation, a quarterly panel discussion series presented by Make Good Things Happen, designed especially for Australian makers, artists, designers and creative small business owners.

These in-person events are an opportunity to hear from brilliant voices in the community as they share real stories about what it takes to build a sustainable, values-driven creative business in today’s world.

From jewellery to textiles, ceramics to woodwork, if you’re creating with heart and trying to make it work as a business, this space is for you.

'Come for the conversation, leave with clarity and community.'

Practical advice, honest storytelling and community minded conversation – Light refreshemtns served in a beautiful heritage venue – The chance to connect with other creatives and feel a little less alone.

Event Host - Angela D'Alton

Angela D’Alton is a curator, creative industry advocate, and co‑founder of Make Good Things Happen. With decades of experience supporting makers, artists, and designers, she champions Australia’s handmade community through events, mentoring, and sector development — connecting creatives with the tools, networks, and inspiration to thrive.

 Make Good Things Happen

Angela D'Alton

Cost: $25 to $35 per person incl gst and bkg fee. Light refreshment provided.

About Make Good Things Happen

Make Good Things Happen, is an online haven for makers, artists, and designers navigating the vibrant world of independent business.

Born in the whirlwind of 2020, Make Good Things Happen is the brainchild of Angela D’Alton and Renée Baker, the dynamic duo behind D’Alton Baker Productions.

With nearly two decades of experience in the Australian maker scene, they’ve transformed their passion into a platform that empowers creatives like you.

Angela D'Alton
Renée Baker

This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work, learn and create. Always Was, Always Will Be, Aboriginal Land.

Guides in period costume

Minerva's Secrets Night Tours

Night Tours

Fri 31 Oct – Sat 15 Nov

& Fri 12 Dec
 

Tour 1 at 7pm
Tour 2 at 9pm. 

Ballarat Heritage Festival BMI Day Tours

Two tours  on 20 &  21 May 

 

Tax Deductible 

Your gift will be tax-deductible this financial year if you make it before June 30.

We need
your help.

2024 End of Financial Year Appeal 

Or alternatively go to our Donations web page.

Our Challenge

Like many organisations the BMI faces significant funding challenges. 

We thank you for your support.
The Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute 2025 Calendar

Featuring the BMI Image Collection | Now $20

Devonshire Tea & Fashion Parade

Bubbly on arrival & Featuring quality items from our Vintage Shop | $60

Christmas Holiday Closures | Library

Monday 23 December – Sunday 5 January

Dame Nellie Melba Birthday Celebration

  Performance – 18 May.

Australian Heritage Festival Events at the BMI

18 April to 18 May

Spring Season, History Talks:

Ballarat's Henry Lawson - The Dragon's Den - Gold! Gold! Gold!

Wed 3, 17 & 24 September, 5.30pm

Ballarat Heritage Festival Events at the BMI

16 to 25 May 

Dame Nellie Melba Birthday Celebration

  Performance – 18 May.

portrait of author with book cover

Australian Heritage Festival

Natasha Lester in conversation

1 May at 6pm

guides dressed in period costum

Australian Heritage Festival

Minerva's Secrets

25 April – Tour 1 at 7.30pm – fully booked
Tour 2 at 9.30pm – still tickets. 

portrait of author with book cover

Australian Heritage Festival

Natasha Lester in conversation

1 May at 6pm

with Nicole Alexander

28 May at 6pm

Linen & Lace Exhbition

Includes Devonshire Tea | $20

Sat & Sun 22, 23 Oct
10am-4pm

with Gail Holmes

 Wed 4 June at 6pm

Ballart Seniors Festival 

Celebrate at the BMI.

 October 2025

Ballarat Pride Month

Events at BMI

The Month of June 

Ballarat Winter Festival

Events at BMI

5 July – 27 July 

 Coming in November

Stella Day Out, Ballarat, Rachael Johns & Margaret Hickey

with Michael Robotham

 Wed 20 August at 6pm

Tracey Lee Holmes: A Life Through Sport

Thu 4 September at 6pm

Raise a Glass for Brass

The Little Brass Band BMI Fundraiser

Sun 10 August at 2pm

 Coming soon

Dianne Dempsey, Chrissie Bellbrae, Paula Gleeson, Rozzi Bazzani.

 Coming soon

Rozzi Bazzani. Stella Day Out: Katia Ariel & Samah Sabawi, Rachael Johns

Thu 16 Oct – 19 Oct 

Remembrance Day:

A Surgeon Commander & A Leading Cook - Recent War Memoribilia

Wed 29 Oct & 5 Nov, 5.30pm

BMI Fundraiser

Featuring:
The Hideaways,
The Harmonies &
Surf Shadows. 

2 course dinner & lots
of dancing