What a weekend we had:
Over 60 visitors throughout the weekend.
A similar amount at our lively Private View.
50 sales.
Well attended free artists demonstrations and workshops.
We can’t quite believe it’s over, we’re still buzzing with delight.
We were so unbelievably lucky with the weather. It had definitely looked a little touch and go earlier in the week.
The wind and rain, definitely caused anxiety and a little bit of damage before we even started the set up.
We were relying on shelter areas for a variety of activities, and as you can see from the photo below, there was the need to address some structural damage.
Luckily, the regular DIY master of the house, came to the rescue! More mini disasters followed, but with ingenuity and determination, catastrophe was avoided.
Finally we were ready.
Wednesday was drop off day.
Artists trusted us with the curation and exhibition of their creative practice. A big honour and a lot of pressure.
Previously, we had to remove the vestiges of the normal domestic home, bar the furniture and plants. A mammoth task. You can probably get the gist from the before and after photos.
Our skills were really tested, but we managed to curate the work of all 13 artists in a way that highlighted the variety of disciplines.
But we didn’t just work inside the home, no! We transformed the outside space too.
There was an A board, balloons and signs.
In fact, one visitor, who was unaware of our event, happened across our decorations and ventured in. It just goes to show, sometimes messaging in a visual way can really work.
So no doubt you are wondering what we did.
Here we go.
And then we did this.
But that wasn’t all.
And then we organised the workshop area.
Preparation complete.
Would anyone come? Nerve wracking moments followed.
To our total surprise, as soon as we opened, a visitor came in.
The relief was palpable. Best of all the visitor was a member of the public we didn’t have any connection with.
We hoped that this would be a positive omen for the rest of the weekend.
FREE Demos & Workshops:
An extra bonus of knowing the artists involved in our exhibition, was the awareness of their fabulous skills and capabilities.
So we really tapped into that.
Gill Whitehead delivered a pastel demo and taster session in our workshop area on the Friday.
Gill’s workshop was so well attended. Lots of lovely engagement and feedback. Everyone seemed to have the best time. Gill demonstrated lots of different techniques, showing examples and assisting participants with their own pieces.
We are so grateful to all who came and of course Gill. THANK YOU.
The following day, we were fortunate to have a further two workshops, lead by Annabel Barry & Natasha Davis.
Annabel, one of our organisers, ran a really interactive workshop, creating a papier mache fish. The lucky participants were able to take these little fishy delights home with them.
Annabel, ran through a variety of construction techniques. Explaining how she creates her own pieces. Adding insights into decorative tricks and tips.
With all this activity, there definitely needed to be the opportunity to refuel.
Our next workshop was hosted by Natasha Davis.
Natasha, in her taster session, gave an insight into Linocut techniques. As an experienced teacher, the group, including a lovely doggy, were really fortunate to have her expertise.
Again, the participants, were able to take the Lino blocks and prints home with them.
Then, last but not least, on the Sunday, we were delighted that Nicola Upton, was able to deliver her mosaic taster session.
Nicola ran through her process, explaining her route to becoming a mosaicist.
The members of the group each created a free, perfectly formed heart. And what beauties they were.
Both Nicola & Natasha run regular workshops and have both donated workshops as there artists donations.
Our Private View:
What can we say? We loved it! It really felt exciting and celebratory.
We were overwhelmed by the number of people who took the time to come and support us. THANK YOU if you made it. And if you missed it, maybe next time?
There was huge delight amongst our artists, when connections were made between them and collectors.
Lots of exciting arty conversations and laughter, could be heard. Sales were had, including a large painting from Rebecca Coleman.
There were lots of digital raffle tickets bought too.
The 13 artists each donated some of their work in support of a local mental health charity TrustLinks. All proceeds from sales of these tickets go to them.
What a generous bunch our artists are and the same can be said for all those that have bought tickets too.
The raffle draw will happen soon and we can’t wait to find out how much money has been raised.
Finally. Our blank canvas.
It’s interesting to see how people are intimidated by a blank canvas.
But once started, people seemed to enjoy the freedom to create.
We’ve got plans for our peoples’ masterpiece. To be revealed, just not yet.
Our artists:
Thanks to Sean Buckley for this photo. Unfortunately we didn’t get a picture of all 13 of us together.
We really couldn’t have done all of this without some amazing humans.
Thanks in particular, goes to Nicola Osborne’s amazingly supportive husband, Peter. He made it possible, by saying yes and then throwing himself into everything that happened.
Of course, thanks goes to all of the amazing artists who said yes and really supported our endeavours. For those who delivered demos and workshops and were present throughout the weekend, there are no words.
Our fabulous artists:
Alison Bournes
Rebecca Coleman
Natasha Davis
Jules Hart
Theo Hennessy
Bronwyn Oldham
Vadims Pjatrikovs
Mike Slade
Nicola Upton
Gill Whitehead
Annabel Barry, Nicola Osborne and Tina Robertson as organisers, also need praise. Their organisation and skill sets really complimented each other.
We are looking forward to doing all of this again. Keep up to date by signing up to our newsletter.
If you didn’t make it this time, we would love to welcome you to our next event. (details yet to be worked out.)
We’re so proud of what we’ve managed to achieve. It surpassed our wildest dreams.
We look to the future, coming back, bigger and better.
Annabel Barry, Nicola Osborne & Tina Robertson
