Kathryn Gossow received the Award for her many contributions to the field of fairy tales in Australia, particularly in building and nurturing the community of fairytalers.
She was a key part of the group that created the only collection of contemporary Australian fairy tales, South of the Sun Australian Fairy Tale Anthology, a project of many years, defining just what a fairy tale is, ensuring a respectful relationship with the writers and illustrators, and organizing events to promote the book and get it out into the community.
She was one of the key people in organizing the Flesh or Fossil AFTS conference in Brisbane in 2022 – the most highly attended conference so far.
Kathryn liaised between the Brisbane Fairy Tale Ring and GOMA when they created the unique Fairy Tale exhibition 2023-2024, to create opportunities for our Storytellers to participate and communicate about fairy tales with the general public, and to sell the South of the Sun Australian Fairy Tale Anthology beside other fairy tale classics.
Perhaps most importantly, she has been the leader and nourisher of the Brisbane Fairy Tale Ring for many years, providing stability and support for their enduring community.
The 2024 nominees for the Australian Fairy Tale Society Annual Award for Inspiration and Contribution to Australian Fairy Tale Culture” are Kathryn Gossow, Spike Deane, and Em Chandler. AFTS members are currently voting on the winner.
KATHRYN GOSSOW
Kathryn (kathryngossow.net) has actively promoted the awareness of fairy tales, including those from Australia, through these means:
As a team member, who ensured the publication of ‘South of the Sun’, the only anthology of 21st century Australian fairy tales;
For the Qld Gallery of Modern Art’s 2023-2024 Fairy Tales exhibition, ensured the sale of ‘South of the Sun’ and co-liaised to have Brisbane Fairy Tale Ring storytellers perform;
Liaised with 2022 and 2023 GenreCon organisers at the Qld Writers Centre for a Brisbane Fairy Tale Ring panel. This may occur again in 2025;
Co-organised the 2022 Brisbane conference, ‘Australian Fairy Tales: Flesh or Fossil?’ conference, the most highly attended in-person conference to date;
For being, a long-term leader of the Brisbane Fairy Tale Ring.
SPIKE DEANE
A decade-plus of being Australia’s only fairy tale glass artist makes Spike’s a national and international contribution, and, her dedication to the AFTS, since its inception in 2013, has ensured her visual ‘voice’ has made a lasting and notable impact for and on behalf of Australia’s fairy tale community. A lasting legacy (for us) is the AFTS Award trophy that truly speaks to our logo – and our society of interest.
As an award-winning mixed media artist, Spike draws much of her inspiration from fairy tales, folklore and mythology. Her distinctive fairy tale interpretations also extend to her presentations for the AFTS Conferences (e.g. 2020, 2015), her leadership in Fairy Tale Rings, as contributing illustrator to the ‘South of the Sun’ anthology, and as graphic editor for and contributor to the eZine, conference programs, and as early AFTS web wizard. (www.spikedeane.com)
EM CHANDLER
Em performs professionally for younger audiences, and has achieved a new appreciation for how people, especially women and traditional gender roles may be interpreted within the story form.
This “view from a different perspective” has the potential to change minds and broaden perceptions for a new generation of fairy tale aficionados who may learn that the world can be interpreted many ways, not just the traditional way of the past.
Em’s contributions to the AFTS include organising the 2024 Melbourne conference, co-organising our first online storytelling concert, and being involved in previous committees and conferences. (emchandlermagic.wordpress.com)
Shirley Way has contributed immensely to the fairy tale community in so many ways over so many years – as former eZine editor, initiator of the podcast series (to be found on the AFTS youtube channel), member of the Brisbane Fairy Tale Ring, hardworking, skilled, and insightful Committee member, co-organiser of the AFTS conferences in 2020 and 2023, as well as captain of the hugely successful 2022 conference in Brisbane.
AFTS co-founder Jo Henwood has remained a guiding hand and wand bearer since 2013. She continues as public officer, and Ring Maiden, providing the in-depth notes that deepen members’ appreciation of fairy tales.
Despite her preference for working behind-the-scenes at the AFTS, Jo takes centre-stage as an accredited Storyteller with Australian Storytellers; as an accredited Professional Guide with the Institute of Australian Tour Guides; and as a museum theatre creative, workshop leader and public speaker.
Among her passions are literature, history, creative writing, intangible culture, storytelling – and, of course, fairy tales.
The 2022 nominees for the Australian Fairy Tale Society Annual Award for Inspiration and Contribution to Australian Fairy Tale Culture” are Sophie Masson, Jo Henwood, and Spike Deane. AFTS members are currently voting on the winner.
SOPHIE MASSON
Born in Indonesia of French parents, brought up in Australia and France, Sophie Masson is the award-winning and internationally-published author of more than 60 books for children, young adults and adults. Several of her novels are inspired by fairy tales: Carabas (1997), Cold Iron (1998), Clementine (1999), The Green Prince (2000), The Firebird (2001), Moonlight and Ashes (2012), Scarlet in the Snow (2013), The Crystal Heart (2014), and Hunter’s Moon (2015). Serenity Press releases include French Fairy Tales (2020), and Magical Tales from French Camelot (2022). Sophie was the AFTS 2015 conference keynote speaker for ‘Transformations: Spinning Straw into Gold’.
SPIKE DEANE
Spike Deane is a visual artist, who specialises in cast glass, creating art about fairy tales, folklore and mythology. Her mixed media arts practice is focused on the underlying narratives found in folk and fairy tales to consider questions of becoming, transformation and ‘the hopeful journey’. She graduated with Honours from Sydney College of the Arts (Glass) in 2012, and was a finalist in both ‘Hatched’, the National Graduate Art Prize and the National Student Art Glass Prize with pieces combining animation, glass and fairy tales.
JO HENWOOD
AFTS co-founder Jo Henwood has remained a guiding hand and wand bearer since 2013. She continues as public officer, and Ring Maiden, providing the in-depth notes that deepen members’ appreciation of fairy tales.
Despite her preference for working behind-the-scenes at the AFTS, Jo takes centre-stage as an accredited Storyteller with Australian Storytellers; as an accredited Professional Guide with the Institute of Australian Tour Guides; and as a museum theatre creative, workshop leader and public speaker.
Among her passions are literature, history, creative writing, intangible culture, storytelling – and, of course, fairy tales.
The 2021 winner of the Australian Fairy Tale Society Annual Award for Inspiration and Contribution to Australian Fairy Tale Culture” is Louisa John-Krol.
The announcement on the Society’s Facebook page says:
Louisa’s contributions to the field of fairy tales in Australia are extensive so I am only going to summarise some of the points from the extensive nomination she received this year:
Singer, producing 8 CDs and performing internationally
Writer of short stories and memoirs
Storyteller, particularly at the Wonderwings fairy shop
Co Editor of the Ezine
Administrator and leader: Ring Leader of the Victorian Fairy Tale Ring, and AFTS President for many years.
“While Louisa has achieved many extraordinary things I believe it is her extraordinarily kind heart and passionate support of those around her that needs to be recognised and celebrated with this award. Out of anyone I’ve ever met, Louisa is the truest of fairy godmothers.”
The Society takes great pleasure in recognising some of the achievements and qualities of Louisa John Krol who has contributed so much to our community
You can read much more about her service, achievements, and creativity in her 2021 nominee citation.
Here are some of the things mentioned by their nominators:
Jo Henwood (www.johenwoodstoryteller.com.au) is the unsung hero/heroine of the AFTS. Jo is the fairy godmother, the wizard, the guardian of the magic that is the AFTS. Although I wasn’t there at the very beginning I know Jo was. In the ups and the downs of its evolution from the germ of an idea Jo has been there encouraging, supporting, organising and ensuring the most mundane of tasks (such as policy writing) have been done. No matter how busy Jo is she is never too busy to ensure the AFTS runs smoothly. I could list her roles in the society, in fairy rings and on the committee or remind you of the storytellings or other activities she has involved us in; it is a lengthy list. Jo is an AFTS stalwarts and a behind-the-scenes mover and shaker. Those of you who are new members, and those of us who have been there since the first conferences owe a continuing debt to Jo.
~ Her knowledge of Australian fairy tales and ability to weave and tell a tale, modify a tale to add an Australian essence and encourage all to participate in fairy-rings is totally amazing!
LouisaJohn-Krol (https://louisajohnkrol.com/) is a musician, artist and storyteller who has released 8 solo CDs and as many collaborations, mostly on indie labels, primarily a fairy-world label in France, exploring Faery realms. Her lyrics draw upon mythology, poetry, folklore (especially fairy tales) and notions of parallel worlds. She has performed her music around the world, bringing her Australian fairy tale magic to France, Belgium, Italy, Germany, America and beyond.
Louisa served on the AFTS committee of management for many years, including her time as President, and founded the Victorian Fairy Tale Ring. She not only organised and/or performed in several AFTS conferences and seminars but also pushed for funding in areas that continue to bear fruit for the fairytale community, and introduced a lot of members to each other, stimulated intercultural dialogue (e.g. hiring a storyteller from Singapore as Keynote), and fostering interstate collaborations across disciplines (writing, music, visual art) that nourished the anthology as well as other productions.
During the 1990s, Wonderwings Fairy Shop employed her as a storyteller. The first fairy shop-venue in the world, it led Louisa to further gigs at its spinoff Wonderwings Fairground and other fairy shops, plus the Royal Melbourne Show with Education Victoria & Information Victoria, also Moomba, Lit Fest (Arts Victoria/Vic Arts Centre), Childrens Book Week (Royal Botanical Gardens), International Feminist Book Fair (Royal Exhibition Buildings), National Trust heritage sites Rippon Lea & Como House, and other venues.
The Monash Fairy Tale Salon was another of Louisa’s Australian involvements, prior to and overlapping with the formation of Australian Fairy Tale Society. She encouraged MFTS members to also join AFTS and provided a lot of assistance, performing in ‘An Afternoon in Fairyland’ at the Sir Louis Matheson Library, Monash University (Rare Books Collection) 2013, The Glen Eira Storytelling Festival 2014, and again in 2015 for the 150th Anniversary of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.
~ As well as the big gestures of support, there are many small acts of kindness that enrich the lives of our community. Louisa takes many fairies under her wing, purchasing train tickets for travel, meeting and introducing them to others, and helping people with their English in the academic realm and fairy tale activities.
~ Out of anyone I’ve ever met, Louisa is the truest of fairy godmothers
Serene Conneeley (blessedbeebooks.com) has created a rich corpus of books on fairy tales, fantasy, and folklore, in fiction and non fiction. Her non fiction, particularly Faery Magic, Mermaid Magic, and Witchy Magic, are broad collections of source material providing a depth of interpretations which illuminate fairy tale research. Her fantasy novels incorporate fairy tale tropes with a subtlety and confidence resulting from all her research, culminating in her latest novel The Swan Maiden, which is a contemporary Australian re telling of the the swan maiden and selkie stories.
Serene is also a remarkable Committee member. She is responsible for the launch of the AFTS merchandise, investing enormous quantities of time in research to decide on Redbubble as the best platform, and basing her decision on AFTS values of sustainability, local investment, and responsible use of our funds.
~ Because of her books, many more people understand the layers of fairy tales.
Spike Deane’s (https://www.spikedeane.com/) glasswork sculptures, jewellery, and other ornaments continue to delight and inspire all who witness them. Her glass key decorates many Society events and Award winners are immortalised by the engravings on her permanent Award. The posters, programmes, forms, and graphics on our online communication present information clearly, professionally, and elegantly, and any of these that have a print form become a permanent souvenir, giving ongoing pleasure.
~ Her glass art has interpreted fairy tale motifs through an unusual medium to be known and enjoyed by many.
We are so glad to be able to acknowledge Lorena’s many gifts though this Award: her unique artwork, her wonderful and enchanting collaboration with Kate Forsyth, her willingness to share her art in AFTS events, and her insights and expertise to the general community, as well as all the wonderful and life-enhancing connections she have made within our Society.
The award winner receives a one-year AFTS membership, an award certificate and artwork by an AFTS member, and gets their name added to the perpetual Award sculpture.
The 2020 nominees for the Australian Fairy Tale Society Annual Award for Inspiration and Contribution to Australian Fairy Tale Culture” are Lorena Carrington, Serene Conneeley and Juliette Marillier. Voting is open to AFTS members only.
Here are some of the things mentioned by her nominators:
“Lorena illustrates books by Australia’s leading fairytale authors such as Kate Forsyth and Sophie Masson, along with her own book of illustrated fairytale quotations, Wiser than Evening.
Lorena is a photographic artist and illustrator. Her book ‘Vasilisa the Wise and Other Tales of Brave Young Women’ with fairy tales retold by Kate Forsyth, was published by Serenity Press in 2017. The follow-up, ‘The Buried Moon and Other Tales of Bright Young Women’ arrived 2019. A third, ‘Snow White, Rose Red and Other Tales of Kind Young Women’, is arriving now and she has more books coming out with Serenity Press (for this series and other fairytale projects) over the next two years.
“She has proven that [fairy tales] are not simply a European phenomenon, locked away in tradition, but rather are a living entity, with tributaries springing from many cultural sources, near and far, ancient and modern, bearing significant relevance to Australia as a leader in vibrant intercultural harmony.”
“Lorena is a respected presenter, often called upon to speak about visual storytelling, creating art in the Australian landscape, and feminism in myth and fairy tales.”
Here are some of the things mentioned by her nominators:
“She has published a range of fairy tale books and retellings and shared these generously with AFTS members, and has attended most of the Sydney fairy tale rings always contributing very interesting perspectives and content.”
Here are some of the things mentioned by her nominators:
“Juliette Marillier is a fabulously successful historical fantasy writer, working out of Western Australia. She wrote the Sevenwaters double trilogy, and 16 other full length novels, steeped in fairy tale lore. She has won 14 major writing awards and I am always amazed that so few Australians know she is Australian.”
”Juliette’s stories are based on Celtic tradition, she is retelling fairy tales that are important to Australians raised in that tradition. Her heroes and heroines suffer but continue to strive to help each other even in the darkest times. Her love stories are epic..”
“Marillier has helped bring a new generation of readers back to folklore and fairy tale retellings.”
The prize acknowledges contributions to the fairy-tale field in Australia. Robyn is an expert on Australian fairy tales, exploring the history and impact of their publication, with her PhD thesis and blog, Early Australian Fairy Tales: “Early Australian fairy tales”
She’s served on the organization’s Committee, frequently contributed to its Ezine, and presented seminars.
Below is the Award’s frog sculpture created by Spike Deane, a fairy tale artist at Canberra Glassworks.
