Chesterfield’s annual exhibition of mini-masterpieces is back for 2024 and you can be part of it! Dawn Anderson finds out more…
JUNCTION Arts currently resides in West Studios in Chesterfield and that is to be the location of the forthcoming Postcard Arts Show. Last year, over 170 artists submitted work with over 329 pieces of original art on display. An amazing exhibition, and testament to the creativity of local people and their miniature masterpieces. It also raised an amazing £1,200!
This year’s show, based on the theme of ‘Memories are Made of this’ takes place between May 7-17 and is set to be just as successful, if not even better.
The event is being organised by Junction Arts and local artist Dave Elsom, from Sombrero Printmaking. It celebrates the importance of getting creative and its impact on people’s self-esteem and well-being. Artists of all abilities are invited to be part of the exciting exhibition; all you need to do is submit a postcard-sized piece of art by April 24, 2024.
Hannah Bowdler, fundraising coordinator at Junction Arts, said: “We believe that everyone should have access to art. The Chesterfield Postcard Shows provides a free exhibition of marvellous miniature artworks for local people to enjoy; a space for new artists to exhibit and showcase their talent; plus people can buy an original piece of art for just £10!
“This is the third year of the show, and we’d like to see more people get involved. It’s open to people of all ages and abilities, and every postcard that is sent to us will feature in the show. Your postcard can be whatever you want it to be: a painting, a photograph, digital artwork, you can use whatever material you like, as long as it’s A6 size and is based on the theme of ‘Memories Are Made of This’.”
Even if you aren’t able to submit a postcard, it will be worthwhile visiting the exhibition and the cards will be sold to raise funds, so you could come away with your own mini-masterpiece. Local businesses are also encouraged to support the event and can contact Hannah@junctionarts.org for more information.
Submissions to the exhibition should be created on A6 card, not paper. Send to ‘The Chesterfield Postcard Show’, Junction Arts, West Studios, Sheffield Road, Chesterfield S41 7ET by April 24.
If participants need a card, they can send a message to hannah@junctionarts.org to request a blank card.
Nearly 50 years old
The Postcard Show is just one of the events that Junction Arts organises. Although I had heard of Junction Arts (and had seen their Elder Way, Chesterfield, window display), I didn’t really know much about them. I didn’t realise they had been around for almost half a century – as they celebrate their 50th birthday in 2026.
Junction Arts is a registered charity whose vision is to create a better future for everyone through the arts and its mission is to develop and deliver engaging arts experiences to disadvantaged areas and in doing so, to improve well-being, build confidence and skills, address inequality and inspire change. It has been doing this in various ways since it began.
It has had various homes over the years, including a building close to a motorway junction, which is how it got its name, and also a period of time in an old school building in Shirebrook, where three generations of my family went to school.
Their festivals, workshops, and events give people the opportunity to be creative and learn new skills. The projects are diverse: as well as the ‘Postcard Show’, they have also been involved in the ‘This Girl Codes’ – working with women of all ages in Bolsover and North East Derbyshire to empower and engage them in science, technology, engineering, arts and maths – ‘Creswell Gets More Creative’, an arts and crafts group; ‘The Pinxton Jubilee Mural’ and the provision of a ‘warm space’ at West Studios this winter.
Another highlight for the charity is this year’s Chesterfield Children’s Festival, a free weekend of fun for families, which takes place on July 27 and 28 at Queens Park, Chesterfield (open 10am-4pm both days). Last year, over 8,000 families attended the event, which included live music, comedy, theatre, art workshops, storytelling and games. Music and live theatre will also take place in and around the town centre during the festival weekend.
Hopefully, I have given you a flavour of what Junction Arts is all about. To find out more, go to https://junctionarts.org or https://www.instagram.com/junctionartsuk/ or you can email info@junctionarts.org