Hello and Goodbye

Over the last month we have said goodbye to Sally our intern who is off to London to work at the Imperial War Museum and study for her MA. She will be sadly missed but I am sure she will be enjoying her new life and career in the big smoke.

Ross and I would like to officially welcome the wonderful Katie Hughes to the Wishart team. Katie is a History of Art student with a passion for the creative sector and has been interning with us for a few months now. Katie is working on a lots of projects for us including a marketing campaign and setting up an etsy shop so her help will be a great asset in the coming months!

Photo: Katie Hughes 

Oranges and Lemons

                                            

Alnmouth Arts Festival was glorious this year, with the sun shining people meandered around with ice cream in hand. Our church stall enjoyed a variety of visitors who seem to be increasing in numbers each year at this ever growing event.

As someone who is drawn to anything related to the sea Susan Waters work really caught my eye. Her fishy sculptures amazed me, a deck chair made of fish skins and a dress constructed with seaweed, her use of natural materials is clever and creative, fitting in perfectly to this beautiful seaside town.

Alnmouth Arts Festival

Visit the beautiful coastal village of Alnmouth for the 6th Annual Arts Festival on 26th and 27th June.

As summer has finally descended upon us, we have taken up the opportunity to exhibit my work within this year’s Alnmouth Arts Festival. The plans for the weekend have been creating a buzz of anticipation within the area. Around one hundred of the region’s best professional and local amateur artists and crafts people are coming together for this unique and very popular event. The public have the opportunity to follow an art trail around the village and visit over twenty venues hosting exhibitions, photographic displays, demonstrations, craft stalls, live music and children’s fun arts and craft events. I’ve been given the special location of St. Johns Church where you can find me and my work as you follow the art trail around the village. All of the venues are within easy walking distance of each other, intermingled with the village shops, inns, cafes and the beautiful beach. Set in beautiful countryside and with miles of unspoilt sandy beaches it’s a perfect location for outdoor activities or simply to enjoy nature. So if browsing the pick of the regions talents and relaxing with a drink in your hand sounds just up your street then a trip to Alnmouth seems the perfect way to spend the weekend! I hope to see you there for what is set to be yet another dedication to the creative talent of the North East.

www.alnmouthartsfestival.com

Alnmouth

Northumberland

NE66 2RF

Tel: 01665 830 050

Mirror Mirror on the wall......

On Saturday Ross and I took a trip into rural Northumberland to collect a mirror that furniture designer Paul Squire of Fallen Tree Design had been hand making for our new house. Winding along beautiful country back roads Pauls workshop sits in the heart of the Cheviots. I have to say I was jealous of this location. Peace, quiet and fresh air!  I met Paul last year at my exhibition preview at the Design Room Art Gallery in Wooler where he had made a wonderful counter for my brothers gallery. After a chat over a couple of glasses of wine I couldn't resist commissioning Paul to make us a mirror. Now all Ross and I need to do is decide where to hang it... 

Weird and Wonderful......

This years "Late Shows" is nearly upon us at the Mushroom Works. We are all full of busy in preparation for a fun filled weekend of weird and wonderful creativity. My studio will be open to the public for a glass of wine and a chat from 7-11pm on Friday and Saturday night. So come along and be amazed ...........

Arts, Craft and Inspiration ...

After having a little lie in this morning I have just about recovered from the British Craft Trade Fair (11^th 12^th &13^th April) an annual event for British and Irish Crafters who were exhibiting their handmade products.  Yesterday after a very early start of six in the morning, I hopped on the train to the lovely Harrogate to join my husband and business partner Ross for the last day of the fair.

We had a variety of my work on show, including framed, unframed prints as well as my handmade and printed greetings cards.  It went really well with lots of interesting people to talk to.

I didn’t spend all my time working, who could resist a little browse around the show when there were so many talented crafts people under one roof !?

There were so many lovely things that I cant talk about them all, but some work that really caught my eye included Fiona Frances SeaHolly Tiles.  These charming mini tiles come in three different ranges, I love her garden range with her charming butterflies. 

I also bumped into Donna Cheshire, ‘lovetextiles’ you may recognise her textile pieces from Mushroom Works Prefect Presents Christmas show.  I have a massive weakness for textiles, as I trained in textile design at University and I think her fun seaside holiday designs are definitely worth checking out – they are sure to put a smile on your face.

                                       

Currently I am working on my 2011 garden bird collection and Janice Parker’s quirky ceramic magpies caught my eye… highlighting a bird that I had almost forgotten. Working with porcelain and copper her pieces are figures from charming stories such as ‘The Thieves of Time, The Magpies and The Time Machine.’ Check out her beautiful website to see her characters come to life.