Give the Gift of Art: Sydney Team’s Top Picks for Holiday Gifting

With our new summer dates from 6 – 9 November, Affordable Art Fair Sydney is the perfect place to find an unforgettable holiday gift for your loved ones. Read on for the inside scoop on our team’s top picks from this year’s fair that will make beautiful gifts.

When it comes to gifting, everyone has their own style, whether it’s a relaxed Secret Santa in the backyard before cricket, or unwrapping presents over a video call with family across the country. Choosing the right gift can feel personal and meaningful, and that’s exactly why art makes such a special present. A piece of original art never goes out of style and it’s something to be treasured, admired, and displayed for years to come. With 65+ galleries and over 500 artists all under the roof of Carriageworks, Affordable Art Fair Sydney is the perfect place to discover unique artworks that suit every taste, space, and budget. Read on to hear about our team’s top picks for giving the gift of art this holiday season.

Georgia Huestis | Fair Director

Georgia is our discerning Fair Director, whose expert eye shapes our Australian Fairs. Her and her husband both love adorning their walls with art, so rather than purchasing socks for each other, opt to save up for one big gift that the both of them will enjoy. Georgia has chosen this exciting digital artwork by Mikaela Stafford (Tits + Co).

“Christmas is the perfect time to take the plunge into purchasing your first piece of art as a couple. I would recommend pulling your pennies together to find a piece that you will both cherish for years to come”.

Looking for a smaller gift this summer? Georgia’s other artwork pick is ‘Sun on Wallis Lake, Booti Booti’ by James Lyle from Sarah Birtles ART + ADVICE.

“I love gifting small paintings or sculpture for a wedding or special occasion because they make a meaningful keepsake for a couple’s home, marking the beginning of their next chapter. ”

Stephanie Kelly Gordine | APAC Regional Managing Director

Steph brings her extensive knowledge and leadership to the forefront of our Asia Pacific team. Her journey with Affordable Art Fair began in Hong Kong, where she created an art wedding registry and, with one email, secured both her dream artwork and her dream job. Now a mum of three, Steph treasures taking her daughter to nippers before work each week. As a proud Sydney local, she has chosen this atmospheric nippers painting by our campaign artist, Gina Debinski.

“This painting takes me right back to the joy of standing on the beach, watching my daughter run into the ocean in her pink vest. I love the idea of gifting her this original artwork one day, as a way of preserving the feeling and memories of such a pivotal time—and such a quintessential Sydney experience.”

Steph’s second gifting idea is this abstract landscape from Sally Stokes. A Sydney-based abstract landscape artist, she works instinctively, often painting outdoors, translating the response to her surroundings through gestural, painterly strokes.

“Sally’s abstracted artworks are bold and textural and reminiscent of the Australian landscape. Her work would be the perfect gift for new homeowners that might be looking to start their own collection with something special”.

Nikki Berriman | Fair Manager

Nikki has impeccable taste and owns her own eclectic collection of contemporary artworks in all shapes, sizes and mediums. For holiday gifting, she has chosen a striking painting by Phillip Ochre. Phillip’s dynamic practice transcends boundaries, blending the ancient with the contemporary while paying homage to the enduring spirit of the Murrawarri and Gumbaynggirr Nations.

“I first saw his work when Phillip was an Artist in Action at our Sydney 2024 fair on the Boomalli stand. His paintings would be the perfect Christmas gift for my sister, who’s just finished her home. With her considered designer’s eye, I know she’d appreciate how Phillip’s work blends contemporary style with deep cultural storytelling.”

Jo Barby | Gallery Relationship Manager

Our Gallery Relationship Manager Jo is an accomplished artist with an eye for detail. Her pick is Sally Sales, from N.Smith Gallery. Sally plays an active leadership role in the Uluru Dialogue for the First Nations Voice to Parliament, is a board member of the Australian Children’s Television Foundation, and a member of the National Gallery of Australia Council and Chair of its First Nations Advisory Group.

“I love how Sally’s work is both inspiring and familial. I think one of her artworks would be a perfect gift for someone looking to kickstart their collection”.

Alongside Sally’s work, Jo has her eye on Pippita Bennett from Corner Store Gallery, who’s work is inspired by Australian landscapes, capturing her experiences through stitched landscapes, creating intricate, tactile representations of place.

“I am a lover for any piece that reminds me of home, so Pippitta’s stitched landscape work really resonates with me. I think one of his paintings would make a perfect Christmas gift for a friend that is inspired by our country and wants to bring that feeling into their home year round.”

Anna Coyne | Marketing Manager

Anna recently made the move from Brisbane to Melbourne and is reigniting her passion for collecting art. Drawn to landscapes that capture a sense of place and atmosphere, she has her eye on the stunning Ben Shearer piece from Salt Contemporary – scroll up, it’s our featured image!

“Selfishly, I’d love to treat myself this year! My new home has plenty of bare white walls, and the space above my living room couch is crying out for a statement artwork. I have a lot of neutral colour in my furniture, so this piece would bring the perfect pop of colour – its warm, earthy hues would tie the room together beautifully while standing out as a true focal point.”

Anna’s other pick is this still life by Alex Louisa from Stevens Street Gallery.

Anna has been attending a lot of weddings this year, and says that a still life can make the perfect, everlasting gift for a new couple’s home.

Paige Spurrell | Marketing Coordinator

Our Marketing Coordinator, Paige, has a deep appreciation for art that is unique, fun and tactile. Her holiday pick is “Dancing Girls”, a Yang Qiu sculpture from Oddball Gallery. She says ceramics are the perfect gift for friends or family who might be renting/limited in wall space but are still looking to liven up their homes.

“I have had my eye on Yang Qiu’s work for a while; I love how vibrant and kitschy her work is. I would love to gift her work to all of my December born friends – they deserve extra love during the holiday season”.

Sam Chong | Fair Coordinator

Sam is our dynamic and fun-loving Arts Administrator, always on the lookout for art that sparks joy. With her own wedding approaching, Sam has her eye on an interiors painting from the fair to gift her fiancé.

“I love the idea of gifting him a painting that reflects the home we’re building together. This painting by Christine Webb feels intimate and personal. it’s something we’ll enjoy every day, and it will mark this special chapter in our lives.”

Sam also has her eye on this beautiful work by Reeva Ashton from Gallery NWC. Sam thought this work would be a lovely birthday gift for her mum, who loves pottering in her garden.

And that’s our team gifting picks! Remember, art is more than a gift — it’s a shared story that lasts a lifetime. So, when perusing the 1000s of artworks at our fair, keep an open mind and you might just stumble across a piece that will bring joy to a loved one for years to come.