Saturday, November 28, 2009

Warwickshire Arts& Crafts Christmas shopping event

On Sunday I was one of 100 artists and crafters who had stalls at the first ever Warwickshire contemporary (arts and crafts ) Christmas shopping event. This was held at the Warwickshire Exhibition Centre between Leamington and Southam. The event was run under the aegis of Meridienne Exhibitions and was well organised. Places for stands were marked out and each place had a name and number. There were people with walky talkys to direct exhibitors to suitable unloading and parking spaces. Tables and chairs had been ordered beforehand and these were in position. Father Christmas could be visited in his grotto and there were workshops for children to attend. I heard good reports about the food available but did not try it myself.

The only thing we needed were some shoppers. Well despite the weather, which deteriorated as the day wore on, we did get shoppers. They were not spending large amounts but I covered my costs and was making a bit more. I would have been happy with this but someone came and bought the only large plate I had room for on my table and I nearly doubled my takings in a single sale.
The items offered for sale were all hand made although many were textile based. I can see this becoming a popular local event if it continues to be held and once people get to know about it. - Hilary Poole

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Mill Gallery Exhibition


Friday 6th November saw two of the members and many Solihull Artists Forum supporters make the journey out past Knowle to Little Shrewley and the Mill Gallery. The exhibition "Two or Three" explored the relationship between 3D and 2D work and showed the work of five artists including Jill Batten and Julie Robertson from SAF, Sue herself and two others.

'Dark Form' - by Julie in foreground, Jill's 'Hands On' Canvas on
wall facing and Mixed Media work on left-hand wall.

Every first Friday of the month Sue Lewis-Blake the Artist/Teacher becomes Sue the Curator and puts work in the space opposite her own studio and throws open the doors for one night only - and afterwards by appointment. This enjoyable evening featured metal sculpture, textile based canvases, wire sculpture, and mixed media work. JR

Julie with her work 'Corset'