3 Days To Go!

Over the past few days the Mushroom Works has been home to artists and designers rushing around, touching up paintings, last minute framing and hanging up pieces around the gallery space.

...But it’s finally here! The much anticipated Ouseburn Open Studios has arrived and here at the Mushroom Works we could not be more ready to start our Christmas shopping!

This weekend Joanne’s studio at the Mushroom Works Studios will be opening its doors to the public. Joanne will be in her studio over the weekend and is looking forward to showing visitors some of her new pieces as well as works in progress. This is your chance to view all of Joanne’s new work from this year for the very first time. Her tiles, greeting cards and jewellery collections will also be displayed and available to buy.

People are welcome to come and have a nose around all the studios at Mushroom Works, talk to the artists, find out how the artworks are created and what happens in the life of an artist. Also for one weekend only the 20x20 exhibition will be open with all artworks exhibited costing just £20! This is the perfect opportunity to pick up some original and unique presents for those Christmas stockings.

So why not do something a little different this weekend. The preview evening will be 25th November from 6-8pm. Then the Mushroom Works Studios will keep its doors open over the weekend from 10am-5pm. Hope to see you all there!

£20 for one weekend only...

It’s all go here at the Mushroom Works! Joanne seems to be stuck for space in her studio at the moment, we are literally surrounded by 20x20s!

The Ouseburn Open Studios is just around the corner, and many of the artists at the Mushroom Works are busy making their 20x20s ready for the opening night.

Joanne has been busy in her studio and has been experimenting with lots of different materials. Building on designs of her old favourites such as puffins, donkeys and hares, she has also created many new designs such as the classic Volkswagen camper vans, beach huts and, my personal favourites, the weekender caravan.

Joanne's 20x20s

There also seems to be a bit of rivalry in the studio. Joanne shares her studio space with illustrator Bethan Laker. I’m pretty sure there have been some sneaky glances by the two artists to see how many each other have produced! Every time I come in I have to spend a good ten minutes admiring all the new 20x20s.

Bethan's 20x20s

The Ouseburn Open Studios will be open at the Mushroom Works on Friday 25th November from 6-8pm for the opening night. The studios will then be open over the weekend from 10am-5pm. And if the pictures below aren’t enough to tempt you, I’ve just heard on the grapevine that Lottie McPhee will be taking charge of the cafe this year. Surely no one can turn down a scrumptious cupcake or two?!

Events Update.... 

Find us at the following events in the lead up until Christmas:-)

Brocksbushes Christmas Fayre this weekend !

A chance to view, taste and buy their exclusive range of Christmas delicacies. A Christmas gift and craft market will also be opened to buy all those essential Christmas gifts. The Tea Room will be open all day as well as a Christmas Cabin full of nibbles and drinks!
 
10^th– 13^thNovember 2011 Brocksbushes Fayre, 10am – 4:30pm

Gibside Markets

This is a National Trust event supporting local food, farmers and crafts. Enjoy tasty seasonal produce and high quality crafts from local farmers and producers first and third Saturday every month. The market includes a range of food, drink and craft stalls, plus tasting and cooking demos.

Saturday  19^th November 2011 Gibside Craft Fair, 11am – 4pm
Saturday  3^rd  December 2011 Gibside Craft Fair, 11am – 4pm
Saturday 17^thDecember 2011 Gibside Craft Fair, 11am – 4pm

 
Tynemouth Station Markets

We hope to be at Tynemouth Station Markets on the following dates but bookings can only be made on a weekly basis so check out my Facebook fan page for up to the minute details.

Sunday  20^thNovember 2011 Tynemouth Market, 9am – 3pm
Sunday  4^thDecember 2011 Tynemouth Market, 9am – 3pm
Sunday  18^thDecember 2011 Tynemouth Market, 9am – 3pm

 
Ouseburn Open Studios

Time to welcome back the much loved 20x20 Open Studios exhibition! If this one’s new to you, the concept is simple. Artists from the Mushroom Works studios have created their own individual artwork on a surface 20cm by 20cm. And the price? Just £20 a piece. An original artwork at such a great price, this one’s not to be missed! I’ve been working hard experimenting with different materials and have loved making my 20x 20s.  Keep an eye on my blog at www.joannewishart.blogspot.com

 to have a sneak peak of some of my works in progress. This event has always been such a success in the past and this year is set to be even bigger. We hope to see you there!

25^thNovember 2011 Ouseburn Open Studios, 6 – 8pm (Private View)
26^thand 27^thNovember 2011 Ouseburn Open Studios, 10am – 5pm


Monument Christmas Craft Market

Enjoy the cosy feeling of handmade foods, or browse and buy special one-off gifts for family and friends. This is your opportunity to stock up on those local Christmas goodies which truly make the season special – including handcrafted gifts, handmade bags, local photos as well as jams, puddings, game, stuffing, luxury sweets and boozy Christmas cakes.

7^thand 8^thDecember 2011 Monument Craft Market, 9am – 6pm
10^thand 11^thDecember 2011 Monument Craft market, 9am – 6pm

Hope to see you there :-)

Edinburgh Art Fair

Joanne has been working on three new paintings that will be showcased in the Edinburgh Art Fair. The ‘Design Room’ Gallery, owned by Joanne’s brother, Jason Gallagher, will be exhibiting them on her behalf. The Edinburgh Art Fair will take place at the Edinburgh Corn Exchange and is open to the public from Friday 18th to Sunday 20th November. Attracting galleries from as far afield as Canada, Czech Republic and Ireland and showing artists from all 4 corners of the globe the international feel of the event is set to continue again in 2011. Joanne has never had any work in this fair before so we’re hoping it’s going to be a great success.

The three new originals are based on the seaside villages of East Neuk of Fife, including Pittenweem and Crail. Of course they are work in progress, but will be finished in time for the fair!

 

Joanne has kept a few promotional tickets for the Edinburgh Art Fair. We have 3 pairs of tickets to give away, so if anyone would like to go and see Joanne’s work up close and personal while also getting to see all the other exciting artwork on offer then do not hesitate to get in contact with Joanne via info@joannewishart.co.uk. Remember, first come, first served!

Fresh Start, New Designs

After receiving such positive feedback on three of her coastal cards, Seal, Seaside Donkeys and Beach Huts, Joanne decided that it was time she added to the collection. After all, who can resist a trip to the seaside for some inspiration?!

The final designs she has chosen are deckchairs, VW campervans, the beach and all that entails. Joanne has wanted to incorporate campervans into some of her designs for a while now as they are such an iconic image. The same goes for the deckchairs. I know that Joanne has tried to take advantage of our, admittedly very short, British summer sitting back, relaxing on the beach, watching the world go by. The possibility of being able to design her own deckchair fabric at some point in the future has definitely brought a new and exciting aspect to her work.

The three new designs for the greeting cards are still a work in progress but I already love them! The colours really remind me of what a good old fashioned trip to the seaside should be. I’ve managed to take a few photographs of her work in progress to give you an idea of what to expect. They will be released next year to trade outlets at the Spring Fair, Birmingham NEC. Then they will be available to buy in various outlets and through Joanne’s very own web shop.

Hope you like them as much as I do!