Biscuit Factory Preview Night

As Joanne is otherwise engaged with some new additions to the family, I thought I would keep you updated with news of their recent events. 

The Christmas spirit was definitely in the air at the Biscuit Factory on Saturday evening. The new Winter Exhibition 2010 was officially revealed and with the great turnout the night was a great success. There is such a variety of work by local and national artists being showcased. Among the much-loved Newcastle landscape paintings and hare sculptures, there is a large collection of pieces from new artists to the gallery. 

 With people browsing for early Christmas presents, sparkling wine being handed out and frost on the windows, it was a perfect night to browse some artwork! On the ground floor, Joanne was set up with her very own exhibition space. It was great to see her work placed in yet another gallery and gathering the interest of eager buyers. Three of her originals were sold before the new exhibition was even officially opened! As you can imagine Joanne and Ross have led a rather hectic life over the past month after the arrival of two little boys! So it was great to see Joanne again, showing off the new originals in her collection. All that’s needed now is to prepare ourselves for the chaotic Ouseburn Open Studios! Wish us luck!

Written by Katie

Fun at the Fair!

Phew! We survived! Another hectic weekend spent at the NewcastleGateshead Art Fair.

Hello there. My name is Katie and, as Joanne already mentioned, I will be helping the Wishart enterprise with anything from art fairs to marketing. I’m studying Art History at Newcastle University at the moment, with an aspiration to work in the arts. Art journalism is a great interest of mine, so don’t be surprised if I keep making an appearance in Joanne’s blog!

I was set to work on Thursday night to help out with the preview night of the ever popular NewcastleGateshead Art Fair. The night was a big success. A full turn out of art lovers and a great atmosphere in the air. Drinks were flowing and art was selling. Ross and Joanne were busy all night chatting to those who were interested in their art which was being displayed by the Design Room Gallery from Wooler. I had the much more relaxing task of wandering the rest of galleries to see what other people had to offer. There was definitely a great mix this year and such a showcase of all the fantastic art from local talents. From the traditional, much loved hare sculptures to the more eccentric work of the up and coming artists, the place was brimming with exciting pieces. It was also a nice touch to wander the venue with a man playing the violin following close behind! Definitely a first for me!

photograph of the Design Rooms stand at the NG Art Fair. Article written by Katie Hughes.

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...