A big thank you to Suzette Pratten, Exhibitions and Art Trail Co-ordinator for the Crickhowell Art Trail of Open Studios and Galleries who has given us the lowdown of the event that will take place next week.
So much to see and only three days to fit it all in! The Art Trail of Open Studios and Galleries in Crickhowell and area has grown in this its 3rd year to include more than 50 artists who are exhibiting their work at 31 venues during the weekend of 28 to 30 May 2011.
The image by printmaker Hannah Firmin (well known for designing the cover of The No.1 Ladies Detective Agency series of books), which illustrates the cover of the trail guide, epitomises the spirit of creativity and colour which surrounds the event.
Co-ordinated by the Crickhowell Resource and Information Centre (CRiC) the number of venues has increased to allow more choice, but it is still a particularly welcoming art trail offering a rare opportunity to meet artists, (often in their own homes) have a chat, cup of tea, encounter a wide variety of art and craft and be tempted by affordable works. What better way to show off the area at its glorious best?
Walking about Crickhowell itself with its cluster of 7 open studios and group exhibitions would allow plenty of opportunity to stop off for a coffee and cake or lunch, but there is much more to explore. It is certainly worth picking up one of the free guides and planning your route.
To support the event and raise the profile, many of the businesses in Crickhowell have offered space in their shop windows for artists to display a little “taster” of what will be available in their studios. Crickhowell should be festooned in art in a very celebratory fashion.
Alex Allpress and his wife Blue MacAskill (above images) will be exhibiting in a group exhibition hosted by Geoff Powell at Porthmawr Country House. Visitors are in for a real treat in Crickhowell with open studios including ceramics, glass, original paintings and prints, sculpture and textiles.
On the outskirts of Crickhowell there is much more to delight. Robert Rattray (Baby
Elephant Sculpture in metal) is exhibiting in the annual “Six at St Peter’s” mixed media exhibition in Llanbedr. Lovers of sculpture should not miss the opportunity to visit the gallery studio of Helga Prosser who works in clay, steel and bronze.
Whether one chooses to venture towards Abergavenny and Llanddewi Rhydderch via Llangatttock , follow the trail to Llanfrynach via Llangynidr and Talybont or head for Talgarth and Llantony one cannot but be amazed at the quality, variety and craftsmanship being showcased. Much of the work exhibited pays tribute to the natural
beauty of the Brecon Beacons and Black mountains and creates a true sense of place in a myriad of styles and media. Margaret Llewellyn-Jones’ colourful collographs and the atmospheric paintings of Clare Whitehead are but 2 of the artists who find their inspiration in the landscape.
Including the contemporary bespoke furniture of the designer and maker team Rachel and Arthur Cadman, has added another dimension to the art trail. The exquisite furniture which they produce from their workshop on the Glanusk estate is a joy to behold.
The free guide which is widely available from Tourist Information Centres and other tourist destinations shows Crickhowell as the nucleus of the trail, but the venues across the area offers the opportunity to explore, linger and enjoy the area as well as the art and craft on offer. And there truly is something for everybody. Whether you have a penchant for fine art, sculpture, textiles, woodturning, bespoke furniture, printmaking or photography you are sure to find something to delight you.
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