Art & Craft Exhibition “wonderful and inspiring”
Well over 400 visitors came to see the seventh annual Art & Craft Exhibition at Warcop Parish Hall over the May Bank Holiday weekend. People flocked from far and wide to see the exhibition of the work of local artists and craftspeople. There were paintings, ceramics, jewellery, woodturning, wood carving, glassware, fabrics, cards and a whole host of other pieces, some of which were for sale while others were simply on display to show the artist’s skills and interests. There were plenty of returning artists such as Elise Hendry, Margaret Shaw, Carola Frank and Sara Sylvester, as well as several new exhibitors such as Amanda Johnson, Kath Dyer, Caroline Bellini, Sam Sykes and Kath Holland.
Also new this year was a display of the work of groups from the U3A (University of the Third Age,) which included wood carving and crochet work. Another new feature was an overhead slideshow of the work of many artists and craftspeople, as well as work from pupils at Warcop C of E Primary School. In the hall, every pupil had a piece of work displayed from different themes that their class had worked on.As usual, visitors were treated to fantastic refreshments such as cakes, traybakes, sandwiches and quiches, all made and donated by local volunteers. There was also a range of practical workshops and demonstrations run by attending artists which were well attended and enjoyed. Visitors were also asked to vote for their favourite piece on display, including the children’s work, with prizes going to the winning artists. The raffle prizes were all kindly donated by attending artists and craft workers, making it a raffle with a difference with high quality artistic prizes.
Organiser David Keetley said “Yet again we have been able to put on a great show which showcases the amazing creative talent we have in our local community. The standard of work is incredibly high and varied, giving every visitor the chance to find something they like or to grab their attention. I’d like to thank all the exhibitors, the hundreds of visitors and the fantastic team of nearly 30 helpers without whom such an exhibition simply could not take place. “One artist commented that “Warcop remains a ‘Gem'” while another visitor simply wrote a comment “wonderful and inspiring.” Over £2,300 was raised for Hall funds making it another huge success, and already plans are being made for next year’s exhibition over the early Bank Holiday weekend of the 3rd – 5th May 2025.
David Keetley
Organiser
Here’s a poster for artists and craftspeople:
Here’s a poster for the event:
Here’s a blank Reservation Form:
Here’s a timetable of Workshops & Demonstrations:
2023 EXHIBITION A HIGH QUALITY SUCCESS
Hundreds of visitors attended Warcop’s sixth annual Art and Craft Exhibition over the early Bank Holiday weekend and were impressed by the high quality and wide variety of work on display. Comments left by visitors included “such high quality pieces – all worthy of a gallery or gift shop.” Another wrote “brilliant local exhibitors.” Visitors were treated to a range of paintings, wood turning, mosaic work, wood carving, glassware and many others by the 36 local artists and craftspeople attending. Also on display were pieces by every pupil at Warcop Primary School as well as members of the Art Class run by Elise Hendry at Warcop Parish Hall.
A Preview Evening was put on the night before for invited guests and all the exhibitors and they were treated to excellent live music provided by The Eden Trio,
In addition to the main display, a series of workshops and demonstrations were held over the three days, including paint mixing with local materials, children’s portrait painting, painting a poppy, Brusho demonstration, wood-turning, willow basket-weaving, a letter-press demonstration and glass suncatcher workshops. All were very well attended. There was an art Treasure Hunt to complete and every visitor voted for their favourite piece of work by the adults as well as from each class from the primary school. The winning adult was Alan Gunston, a local railway artist from Kirkby Stephen.
Refreshments were generously donated by local people and were enjoyed by everyone who attended, and these were served in a marquee kindly loaned to the Parish Hall by the primary school.
Organiser David Keetley commented: “Once again were were delighted with the high standard of work on display and also the mix of regular and new exhibitors at our show. It continues to grow and improve but maintains its original aim of showcasing local talent, whether their work is for sale or not.”
Mr Keetley went on to thank the many helpers who made the exhibition run so smoothly. “As well as thanking the exhibitors for their hard work, there were nearly 30 local volunteers who helped in a range of important ways, from setting up the boards and marquee, serving refreshments and staffing the door, raffle and sales desk and putting out signs at key locations. I am very grateful to all of them for their hard work and support.”
The exhibition was a huge success and all funds go to the running of Warcop Parish Hall. Next year’s exhibition will take place again over the early spring Bank Holiday, 4th – 6th May 2024.
2019 Warcop Exhibition Best Ever!
Hundreds of visitors attend Warcop Parish Hall’s fourth Art & Craft Exhibition over the Bank Holiday weekend. Over thirty local artists and craftspeople displayed their work, ranging from wood turning, paintings, drawings, jewellery, ceramics, plants and fabrics. Visitor numbers were up this year and there were many who came from around the country as they were staying in the area. Many commented on the very high standard of work on show. Some artists just wanted to showcase their work while others were happy to sell their work.
As well as the displayed work, there were a number of workshops for people to have a go at arts, including pastels, pen and ink, sculpting, card and scarf painting. Those who attended said they were inspired to use the techniques and skills they had learnt. Children also entered a drawing competition based on the theme What Makes Me Happy, and all visitors were asked to vote for their favourite piece by the pupils of Warcop Primary School as well as the adult exhibitors, for which prizes were awarded. Children also followed an Art Hunt finding clues amongst the exhibits. Refreshments were provided by volunteers with delicious cakes, scones, rolls, quiches and other goodies on sale.
The increasingly popular exhibition was launched on the Friday evening with a Private Viewing session with all the artists and invited guests having a chance to see the work and to chat to the many people who attended. They were also treated to brilliant live music played by The Eden Trio.
Organiser David Keetley said: “This has been another fantastic exhibition which seems to improve each year with a very high standard of work on show. Everyone who came commented on the quality of the work and our sales figures are our highest ever.” Mr Keetley wanted to thank all the artists and craftspeople who attended as well as the many visitors from far and wide. “This is a big event to organise and it takes a lot of planning in the months before. I’d like to thank the planning group, the team of volunteers who staffed the hall over the three days, those who helped set up and dismantle the exhibition and the many local people who donated cakes and other essential supplies!”
Proceeds from the exhibition will go to the Parish Hall. Plans are already being made for next year’s exhibition which will take place over the same May Bank Holiday weekend, 8th – 10th May 2020.
http://www.warcop.org.uk/galleries/warcop-art-craft-exhibition-2019/
2018 Exhibition
Warcop’s third Art & Craft Exhibition took place over the Bank Holiday weekend and yet again it proved to be highly successful. The quality of 35 local artists’ work was exceptional and varied and the number of visitors has been fantastic. The work of over 80 pupils from Warcop Primary School was also on display and many visitors commented on the quality of the children’s art.
This year we ran a Private Viewing Evening on the Friday before the exhibition started and this was well attended by exhibitors and a guest plus invited local VIPs! Drinks and nibbles were provided and superb live music played by the Eden Trio. This allowed people to chat about their work and have a good look around.
We also ran several demonstration/workshop sessions by artists and craftspeople to show how it’s really done! There were workshops on glass fusion, silk card painting, watercolour painting, clay modelling, stone sculpture and knitting.
Finally, we had our new credit/debit card reader available to make payment that bit easier and sales were up considerably as a result. Of course, the exhibition was not all about selling: many exhibitors just wanted to showcase their work.
Visitors voted for their favourite piece of work by a child and adult artist and prizes were awarded. There was a drawing competition for different age groups and the raffle prizes were all donated by exhibitors and were of exceptionally quality.
Thanks to all the many helpers who prepared the wonderful refreshments, staffed the hall, drove the minibus, organised the event and most of all, thanks to all the hundreds of visitors who came along and clearly enjoyed the experience – and the brilliant weather we had!
