Art from school workshops

Underwater mobiles from recycled materials - Y6

Joseph's multi colour dream coat from plastic bags - whole school

Apples and Pears painting - Reception

World War II interactive display - Y2

Melon and Kiwi wall hanging, applique and embroidery - Y6

Weaving - Y1

Weaving with mystery objects - Y1

Indian designs with Batik - Y5

Aboriginal print making and painting - Y4

Flower painting - Reception

New Mills Original - launch weekend

Over the next few weeks, starting 10 October with 'the Big Draw', I will be running a series of taster sessions, including fun drawing sessions and rag rug creation - you can get further details either from the New Mills Original website or come along to the launch weekend.

Launching over the August Bank Holiday Weekend, New Mills Original is a new venture that aims to help local people establish themselves as creative professionals and bring arts, crafts and other creative work to a wider audience at more affordable prices.

As a Community Interest Company, New Mills Original is set up differently to commercial galleries, and is run and staffed by volunteers. "We are able to charge our contributors much lower commission and fees" says Angela Fuggle, one of the Directors, "so they get a fair reward for their work but products and workshops are priced within reach of most of us"'

Thanks to links with Buxton Film, New Mills Original has a series of free screenings of original short films by local film makers during its launch weekend. To celebrate the opening, the first 200 visitors will also be offered a locally-made mini-cup cake, so why not pop in to see whats on offer, talk about getting involved or find out about becoming and "Original Friend".

New Mills Originals launch weekend runs from 10am on Friday 28 August to 6pm on Bank Holiday Monday, and they can be found to the rear of Barclays bank, off Union Road in the Centre of New Mills.

Derbyshire Open - 27 June - 4 September

Set in the wonderful surroundings of the Buxton Museum and Art Gallery the Derbyshire Open is the annual highlight for local artists.

I have been fortunate enough to have one of my pieces chosen for show

Preview: Friday 26 June, from 4pm Prize giving for children at 6.30pm, and Open Awards from 7.30pm

The Derbyshire Open exhibition is an annual highlight. Professional and amateur artists of all ages are encouraged to submit work for consideration by a panel of independent judges.
The top prize is worth £750 and the work is usually acquired for the museum collections.
Derbyshire County Council, Tarmac Ltd and the Friends of Buxton Museum and Art Gallery are among the sponsors.

Derbyshire Open Arts - day 3

Another beautiful High Peak day with plenty of sunshine was bound to bring a last minute rush and so it did with one long tea, cake and art party.

Keeping up with visitors was a bit of a challenge but well worth while, below is some of the feedback from visitors to West Mount and to the outdoor installations at Torrs Hydro New Mills :

London, "Wonderful"
Sheffield, "Please keep going"
Kettleshulme, "Inspirational"
Oxfordshire, "Excellent work, well done !"
Mellor, "Colourful, exciting and well worth a visit"
Chesterfield, "Great show"
Whaley Bridge, "Absolutely inspirational"
Stockport, "A very welcoming artist and a lovely environment"

Derbyshire Open Arts - day 2

The nicest day of the year so far - blue sky's as far as you can see.

It felt a little quieter than yesterday, but on checking numbers at the end of the day it was just as busy. The amazing thing about the weekend is you get to meet and talk to such a cross section of people - artists, students, people on holiday or just out walking the dog - my husband turned into a 'dog sitter' for a while for 'Jack' whilst its owners had a look around 'West Mount'.

Must mention the cakes - my good friend Kate bakes amazing cakes and so far for the Derbyshire Open Arts we have had Coffee and Walnut, Cherry and Carrot - Mmmm.

One more day and we can get back to some normality and hopefully more sunshine tomorrow too.

Derbyshire Open Arts - day 1

It was great to see familiar faces and lots of new faces from far and wide (London, Oxford, Macclesfield and even Sweden!) - the feedback in the visitors book has been wonderful and the general interest from visitors has been so positive.

It was great to see my 'sculptures' finally in position in the Torrs as well - giving the weekend a whole new dimension.

Derbyshire Open Arts - preview evening

If only there were more than 24 hours in a day !

My preview evening for the exhibition was from 7:00pm till 9:00pm and ended up being  a lovely relaxed evening, some lovely wine, and lots of familiar faces and lots of new art on show - the feedback was excellent and the weather for the weekend is really good so we I am now looking forward to a very busy weekend of opening my home up to the world !