We are busy preparing for our Annual Art and Craft Exhibition to be held on 9th & 10th May in Burton Memorial Hall. Just in case you're not aware of our history, our Society began in 2005 after some Art Classes took place in the village led by Jill Chaldecott in 2004, and our first annual exhibition was held in Burton Memorial Hall in June 2005… So, as you can imagine, a lot of work has gone into the Exhibition over the years and this year is no exception. As with all events in our lovely village, it wouldn’t happen without a lot of work, enthusiasm and dedication behind the scenes. As a relative newcomer to the village I am astounded with the variety of activities and clubs we have and the work of the dedicated people behind each one.
Our ‘featured artist’ this year is Catherine MacDiarmid. We are pleased and honoured that she has agreed to Open this year’s exhibition and exhibit her work. Catherine has twice been selected for the prestigious BP Portrait Award, 2001 and 2002, and her work is included in the first 500 Portraits, a book by the National Portrait Gallery, 2011. Catherine has won various awards including the Pegasus Art Prize in Artist and Illustrators Artist of the Year 2017, the Alec Morrison Watercolour Award 2020 and second prize in the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists in 2016, and first prize in the Brewery Open 2002, amongst others. Catherine was elected a Member of the prestigious Lakes Artist Society in 2014, and the Contemporary British Portrait Painters in 2018. She is also a Founder Member of Green Door Artists in Kendal and South Lakes.
Catherine appeared in Sky Portrait Artist of the Year in 2014, 2018, and 2019 painting Ashley Jenson, Ross Kemp, Georgina Campbell and Courtney Pine, reaching the Semi Finals in 2019.
We are also looking forward to the display by our local Primary School. A regular feature in our event, the children exhibit their own artwork.
We are adding a new ‘demonstration’ area this year. Members of the Society and local artisans can also be seen working on their own projects and demonstrating their skills in real time.
Please make time to call into the Exhibition. I’m sure you will find something that interests you. For all enquiries and further information on how to get involved or exhibit your own art work on the day please contact Paula Firth by
Rosie McLaughlan - Chair
