Enjoy coffee, cake and creativity… Dawn Anderson explores what is on offer at this year’s Derbyshire Open Arts.
IF you are struggling for something to do over the second bank holiday in May (Saturday 25th to Monday 27th May) and have an interest in art (or just a yearning for a nice piece of cake in the company of lovely people), then you are in for a treat!
Above: Illustrator William Vaudin is among many artists exhibiting their work at Holymoorside Village Hall from May 25-27.
If you haven’t heard of this event before, it involves over 200 artists who either open their studio doors to show you their work, or groups of artists exhibit at a local venue.
It is completely free to visit and usually happens between 10am and 4pm each day. With over 60 venues, there is bound to be one near you!
You can go on the event’s website to plan your own art trail, using the interactive map.
What is so great about the event is that it showcases such a breadth of different art, including sculpture, ceramics, illustration, photography, jewellers and many more, with the intention of inspiring budding artists as well as allowing artists to promote their work. You could even purchase your own special piece of art to take home with you.
The annual event began almost 20 years ago, started by an enterprising Derbyshire Arts Development officer and continued by a sturdy committee of volunteers, who take time out from their busy creative lives to focus on bringing something special to the county of Derbyshire.
Sisters Jennie and Karen Merriman, both committee members, met with me recently to share their excitement about the forthcoming festival.
Jennie tells me what she loves about the event: “I have been involved since the beginning and really look forward to it each year. It is great to welcome visitors and talk to them about art and also to meet and talk to other artists. It has such a wide variety of arts, even including a cake decorator one year!” This year, Jennie has nine artists in her house and garden in Darley Dale.
Having visited the event before, I totally understand the excitement as it is such a rich array of talented artists – and amazing to think that there are so many on our doorstep. My level of respect goes up a notch for the dedicated committee members (many of whom are well into their seventies) when I learn of the massive combined effort that is required to make the event a success.
“It is a massive undertaking,” says Jennie “and we all started as novices, having a lot to learn about marketing and distribution, but somehow it all comes together.”
Together they produce and distribute over 32,000 brochures, maintain a website, regularly provide social media updates and send out press releases; all of this done on goodwill and a tiny budget.
Despite the majority of the committee members being in the autumn of their lives, their enthusiasm is palpable and they welcome new younger members to join them. A love of art is the only pre-requisite. Karen Merriman, a non-artist, is currently the secretary on the committee. “I’d loved coming to the event for ages, and wanted to help out in some way. I was serving coffee and cake at Jennie’s for a couple of years, but then had a ‘promotion’ to secretary.” She laughs: “I really enjoy being more involved.”
One thing I learn is that the proceeds from selling refreshments at many of the venues goes to local charities, including Ashgate Hospice, which just adds to its appeal for me.
With so many artists involved and so many venues it is easy to see why it goes on for three days… and still not enough time to get around all of the venues or sample all of the home-made cakes!
Pick up brochures from various venues in Derbyshire or check out the website –
www.derbyshireopenarts.co.uk – to plan your visit.
Arts at the Folly…
ARTS AT THE FOLLY is always a popular local event and 2024 sees it returning stronger than ever. The exhibition takes place at The Folly, Main Road, Lea (DE4 5GJ) on May 17, 18 and 19, with the artists present to chat about their work and techniques.
Light homemade refreshments are available (including gluten-free and vegan cakes) with any donations made for them going direct to Mid Derbyshire Badger Group.
The artists taking part this year are as follows:
Frances Daunt: animal artist who works in a variety of media. She will also have her very popular map art on show. www.francesdaunt.com
Kate Beinder: her pebble pictures make fantastic gifts and she will also be unveiling her new line of work. www.katebeinderart.wordpress.com
Silver Silkie: Jane’s jewellery speciality is working with ancient techniques including Keum Boo – the Korean practice of fusing 24K gold to silver – and all of her jewellery is hand-made. www.silversilkie.co.uk
Jenny Neale: a photography specialist, including intentional movement images and cyanotype prints. www.jennynealeimages.com
Lynn Hazel: renowned British wildlife sculptor. http://www.lynnhazel.co.uk
Jeanette Hallam: hand-crafted paper flower displays.
Visitors are encouraged to also visit nearby Lea Gardens, which will be in full bloom.
Arts at The Folly, May 17-19, 10am – 4pm each day. Other times by appointment, contact francesdaunt@btinternet. Also www.facebook.com/artsatthefolly