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Red Parka is home to a riot of colours and wonder that celebrate our world’s nature, animals and diversity through Tasmanian design. Step inside the nipaluna / Hobart store and you’ll feel a wave of happiness, as books, prints, tea towels, cushions, totes and all manner of carefully curated colour meets the eye.
The store is full of good feels for one reason – the Tasmanian artists behind it. Red Parka is the creation of Jennifer Cossins and Tracy Colhoun, life and business partners with a powerful mission. Through a shared love of bushwalking, conservation, equality and the animal kingdom, their work aims to bring others joy while fostering a sense of care for our natural world. Back in 2008, Jen began selling her artwork at a local market. Following these humble beginnings she opened the doors to her Criterion Street store in 2015. It wasn’t long after this that she met Tracy. The two have developed Red Parka into a creative institution with hundreds of gorgeous Tasmanian-designed products available online and at design shows around the country. The dynamic duo believe that Red Parka can be far greater than themselves. They aim to bring happiness in what can sometimes be a heavy world. Through bold, colourful design and friendly engagement in person and online, Red Parka adds a moment of joyful Tasmanian lightness to your day. What’s extra special is that they donate 50 per cent of their profits to charities that strive to make the world a better place for animals, people and the planet. They have now donated more than $100,000 to meaningful causes. Now that’s something to feel Red Parka kind of happy about! Jennifer Cossins Some might recall when Jen hit international news with her book, 101 Collective Nouns. It all began in 2018 when Oscar-winning actress Anne Hathaway mentioned the book on The Ellen Show, sparking a global search and a bounty of book sales. Her other much-loved titles include The A–Z of Endangered Animals, which was an Honour Book in the 2017 Australian Children’s Book Council awards, and The Book of Curious Birds and Amazing Animal Journeys, both shortlisted for the same award in 2022 and 2023, respectively. When Jen’s not drawing in her studio you’ll likely find her on a mountain trail with Tracy and a thermos of coffee. Tracy Colhoun Hailing from South Australia, Tracy has called Tassie home since 2003. After 20 years dedicated to life as a mental health nurse, today she is a full-time artist. You’ll find her character-filled ceramic work only instore. Tracy has since grown a suite of products. Her distinct artwork can be found on prints, cards, gift wrap, wearable jewellery and even socks. The success of her first children’s book, My Home, in 2022, led to three follow-up titles. With a deep love of the Tasmanian landscape, Tracy can often be found with a cup of tea in the garden surrounded by native plant species she’s carefully nurtured. 22 Criterion Street, Hobart redparka.com.au (03) 6145 1450 [email protected] Open daily including Sunday mornings WEB: www.redparka.com.au VISIT: 22 Criterion Street, Hobart |