Crowborough Arts Festival

A Strange Phenomena Seen on Chapel Green

2010-09-27T03:51:00.001-07:00

Festival Organiser Richard Cook reports on a strange sighting on Chapel Green during the opening Saturday of the Festival.

"Instead of the more familiar sight of the hooded crows that populate the town, a very strange flock of fifty highly coloured birds descended on the Green, accompanied by a rhythmic sound that may have been the beating of their wings in the warm Autumn air. A local twitcher stated that he had never seen such a flock in Crowborough, let alone anywhere else.

Local children, along with their parents had been busy all day making these fantastically colourful birds in a craft workshop run by Cathy Cherry and Denise Fisk, and were able to parade around Chapel Green, accompanied by the beating of drums from a drumming workshop organised by Peter Welch. After the parade the children were rewarded for their efforts by a picnic kindly donated by Tesco, who supported the Festival.

Allyson Cook, Chair of the Festival, attended the workshop and said that support from the people and businesses in Crowborough had been really heartening and justified the effort put in by the Festival Team during the year."

Well done, Crowborough children. Keep those colourful birds flying for your town!

Group photographs by Richard Cook. The bird picture from Erica Adams.

The Festival - How Was it For You?

2010-09-23T03:04:00.000-07:00

The Festival Organisers would love to have your comments on any aspect of the Festival so please feel free to let us know what you think.

For instance: Did you think our promotion and advertising was adequate and accessible and did it tell you enough? What else could we have done?

What events in particular appealed to you and did they fulfil your expectation? What did you think of the quality of the work on show?

If you attended a concert, the Improv Comedy Workshop or any of the art workshops, what did you think of them? Where they good value for money?

Was there enough for the children?

Did you notice any particular buzz around the town during the Festival? Did it get people talking?

What do you think about the town having more of such events?

If you wold like to comment on any of these questions or give us your personal views on the Festival, please do so by adding a response to this post. Every comment is welcome and will be considered in future planning.

Thanks in anticipation from the Festival Team.

Crowborough Arts Festival Guides

2010-09-13T01:57:00.001-07:00

The Festival Guides are out this week. Find full details of concerts, events and venues and some tempting images from some the of the exhibiting artists in this attactive publication. They are free of charge and are available to collect at W. E. Cro, Jewellers, High Street - British Bookshops and Stationers, High Street - Cafe Baskerville, The Broadway - "High Spirits" Cafe Bar, Croft Road. They will also be found at other locations around Crowborough, Tunbridge Wells, Uckfield and some outlying districts. Don't miss a thing. Pick up your copy now!

Festival Exhibition Artist - Jo Ferrell

2010-09-01T09:08:00.000-07:00

Jo Ferrell is a highly-qualified Art Therapist from Australia who, by the vagaries of the job market has ended up in Crowborough "-and loving it! Although formally trained, I label myself more as a naive kind of artist - never one for a formal study - I get seduced by cheap, yummy materials and quickly executed, cartoony images - more about meaning than substance."

Jo's skills go beyond drawing and painting into craft work, ceramics and jewellery. She has exhibited extensively in Australia for places such as Fremantle Art College, Curtin University, the Craft Council of Australia and the South West Tourist Bureau. Her work is delightfully quirky and full of humour, gentle yet thought provoking. You must not miss the opportunity to see some of this work at the Festival Exhibition and at the gallery presented by World In Need, Mill Crescent, Crowborough and which will be open every day of Festival week. See separate blog entry for full details. joeyblossum@dsl.pipex.com

Garage Gallery - Hoath Cottage Gallery

2010-09-01T08:51:00.001-07:00

Hoath Cottage Gallery invites you to visit them on 18th/19th and 25th/26th September between 11am - 4 pm to view work by photographer Linda Smith, author and artist Erica Adams and quilting expert Corinne Simpson. The Gallery is hosted by Frances Arrowsmith who will be serving up delicious home-made refreshments. Work is for sale and will include cards and prints. The ladies say "we plan to take you into our secret garden, to the beach and finally into the freezing winter. Come and see what it is all about." Curious? You will find Hoath Cottage Gallery at the junction of Croft Road and Mill Lane, Crowborough. Visit them on one or both Festival weekends . You will not be disappointed. To discover more about the artists, look on their separate blog entries.

Festival Art Exhibition - United Church, Croft Road

2010-08-31T07:13:00.000-07:00

The Festival Art Exhibition to be held at the United Church, Croft Road, Crowborough from 18th - 26th September offers a wide selection of work in many media including oils, acrylics, watercolours, photography, embroidery, sculpture, collage, pencil drawings and printing. Most of the artists also have work on display in some of the town centre and Jarvis Brook shops and in their own Open Studios and Garage Galleries.

Visitors will see work presented by: Anne Acott, Erica Adams, Angela Vernon Bates, Mary Bradley, Jan Brine, Raphael Che, Frank Collard, Pauline Dixon, Marina Elphick, Jo Ferrell, Sarah Gauntlett, Colin Goodes, Mary Harris, Sheila Hay, Elizabeth Hunt, Lynn Inglis, John Killens, Chriss Langworthy, Hannah Muskett, Steffi Pusch, Shaheen Razvi, Valerie Riley, Betty Robey, Linda Smith, Barbara Todd, Justin Todd, Deborah Tompsett and Molly Williams.

The Exhibition will be open on Weekdays and Saturdays between 11 am and 7 pm and on Sundays between 12.30 - 5 pm. Some of the work will be for sale and admission to the Exhibition is free of charge.

The Festival would like to thank the Reverend Dominic Grant and the United Church for the use of this beautiful building and for all their continued support.

Festival Exhibition Artist - Justin Todd

2010-08-31T07:02:00.000-07:00

Justin Todd is a well-known artist and illustrator with work in many fine books. He exhibits regularly and his detailed style and humorous approach has made him extremely popular.

"My pictures describe human activities, which are sometimes amusing and occasionally quite rude. I try to vary the content, shape and scale of every painting while keeping the arrangement balanced by imposing a simple geometric structure."

Enjoy more of Justin's work at the Festival Exhibition, in Quiffs Hairdressers, Croft Road and at the Craft Design Fair.

Festival Exhibition Artist - Linda Smith

2010-08-31T06:08:00.000-07:00

Linda Smith is a local photographer who specialises in weddings, events and portraits. Her syle is relaxed, which helps everyone to be at ease. Her photos show emotion, natural beauty and a sense of fun rather than posed coverage. Linda also has a large portfolio of stunning photos. Of her work she says "I have been practicing photography for most of my life. It's my way of capturing emotion and the incredible beauty that exists around me and sharing it with the world." You will find a selection of Linda's work in the Festival Exhibition at the United Church, at the Hoath Cottage Gallery (see separate entry under Open Studios and Garage Galleries) and on display in "Temptations" on Croft Road. Further information can be found on her website www.lindasmithphotography.co.uk

Festival Exhibition Artist - Betty Robey

2010-08-31T06:02:00.001-07:00

Betty Robey has been an artist for many years. She has travelled widely and lived abroad before settling in East Sussex. Here, she says "I became interested in print making. I am now concentrating on portraits which I enjoy enormously."

See some of Betty's varied work in the Festival Art Exhibition, Croft Road United Church, Crowborough - 18th - 26th September. Times: Weekdays and Saturdays 11am - 7 pm: Sundays 12.30 - 5pm. Admission is free

Festival Exhibition Artist - Steffi Pusch

2010-08-31T05:58:00.001-07:00

Photographer Steffi Pusch is a relative newcomer to Crowborough. She works mainly in film and experiments with toy and pinhole cameras. Her dreamlike images series "Sea in the South" tells a story of our inner longings for change. Her unique images will be on show at the Festival Exhibition from 18th - 26th September.

Festival Exhibition Artist - Hannah Muskett

2010-08-31T05:52:00.000-07:00

Hannah Muskett is a local artist who has lived in East Sussex for over 20 years and in Crowborough since 1992. "I started life as a figurative painter but now produce more abstract images derived from manipulated photographs. I use mainly oil on canvas, using a palette knife for a highly textured effect."

See Hannah's exciting work at the Festival Exhibition at the United Church 18th - 26th September.

Festival Exhibition Artist - Chriss Langworthy

2010-08-26T08:01:00.000-07:00

Chriss Langworthy is a local artist and a professional picture framer running her business from her Crowborough home.

"My recent work is inspired by my observations during walks in the local area, whether to the local shop or on the golf course. I focus on the familiar but seen from a new perspective."

More of Chriss's lovely images will be on show at the Festival Exhibition.

chriss@stonecircleart.co.uk

Festival Exhibition Artist - John Killens

2010-08-26T07:57:00.000-07:00

John Killens is a well-know local artist whose work in oil and watercolour is in great demand.

"I paint to show the scenes and objects that are exciting and which interest me, particularly the way in which manmade objects fit into and become part of our environment."

John has more of his work to show you at the Festival Exhibition at the United Church, Croft Road.

killensart@tiscali.co.uk

Festival Exhibition Artist - Lynn Inglis

2010-08-26T07:54:00.001-07:00

Lynn Inglis is a self-taught artist who lives on the Ashdown Forest. She spends time in the south of France each year and this gives her inspiration and a fresh, vibrant approach to her work.

See more of Lynn's striking images at the Festival Exhibition.

Festival Exhibition Artist - Elizabeth Hunt

2010-08-26T07:48:00.000-07:00

Elizabeth Hunt is a professional artists who works in watercolour, oil, pastel and ink. Her clients include Swan Hellenic, the Royal British Legion and Safeway. Recently she painted some sponsored cows for the charity, Childline. "I have original work in the permanent collection at the V and A and I am showing at the New Wellington Hotel, Tunbridge Wells."

liz@lyewood.co.uk

See more of Liz and her work at the Festival Art Exhibition.

Festival Exhibition Artist - Sheila Hay

2010-08-26T07:45:00.001-07:00

Sheila Hay attended Art School as a teenager and has loved painting all her life. "I designed greetings cards on a free-lance basis during my working life but since retiring have concentrated on wildlife watercolour painting and pencil drawings."

See more of Sheila's delightful work at the Festival Art Exhibition in the United Church, Croft Road, Crowborough.

Festival Exhibition Artist - Mary Harris

2010-08-26T07:39:00.001-07:00

Mary Harris is a very experienced local artist whose recent work has evolved through attending watercolour classes, a print making course and a woodcut workshop, the latter with Merlyn Chesterman. "I am inspired by the tension and life struggle in trees, by all Nature and in people's faces."

More of Mary's work will be on show at the Festival Exhibition, Croft Road United Church, Crowborough from 18th - 26th September. Weekdays 11am - 7pm: Sundays 12.30pm - 5pm.

Free admission.

Festival Exhibition Artist - Colin Goodes

2010-08-26T07:34:00.001-07:00

Colin Goodes is a member of Crowborough Art Group. "Since 1974 I have attended tutored classes at Crowborough Beacon, Tunbridge Wells, Uckfield, Brighton and open colleges of art courses covering most mediums and subjects." Colin enjoys painting realisitic landscapes in oil and watercolour and you will find some of his work at the Festival Exhibition.

Festival Exhibition Artist - Sarah Gauntlett

2010-08-26T07:29:00.000-07:00

Sarah Gauntlett is a Sussex-based artist working mainly in the acrylic medium. "Taking inspiration from the richly layered landscapes of the Sussex countryside, my dreamlike landscapes are a visual expression of a passion for vibrant colours and strong graphic images, encouraging the viewer in a celebration of joy."

Sarah's work will be on display in the Festival Art Exhibition throughout the Festival.

sarah@sarahgauntlett.co.uk

Festival Exhibition Artist - Pauline Dixon

2010-08-26T07:26:00.001-07:00

Pauline Dixon - "My work is the study of flowers, fruit and vegetables in watercolour and pencil, exploring the exquisite detail and pure beauty of the subject."

See more of Pauline's gloriously detailed at the Festival Art Exhibition, United Church, Croft Road.

paulinedixon@btinternet.com

Festival Exhibition Artist - Marina Elphick

2010-08-26T06:43:00.000-07:00

Marina Elphick is a highly-skilled professional artist who specialises in original and beautiful work using batik wax, watercolour and dye in layers. Her work is inspired by nature, colour and people.

www.marinaelphick.co.uk

See more of Marina's lovely work at the Festival Exhibition.

Festival Exhibition Artist - Jan Brine

2010-08-26T06:38:00.000-07:00

Jan Brine - "My paintings - which are large oil and acrylic abstracts - explore the relationships between shape and colour, hoping to arrive at an interesting image."

See work by Jan at the Festival Art Exhibition, United Church, Croft Road, Crowborough from 18th - 26th September. Weekdays and Saturdays 11am - 7pm: Sundays 12.30 - 5pm.

Admission is Free

Open Studios and Garage Galleries - Angela Butler

2010-08-25T09:28:00.000-07:00

Angela Butler is a local artist who invites you to view her paintings, mostly watercolor with some pastel sketches, all of which represent her memories of places she has found.

Angela will open her Gallery at Linnet Cottage, Tunwell Lane, Crowborough TN6 3RJ on both of the Festival weekends - 18th/19th and 25th/26th September between 11 am and 4 pm. Hers is the second driveway on the right along Tubwell Lane from the Rotherfield end.

Open Studios and Garage Galleries - Catherine Woodman

2010-08-25T09:17:00.001-07:00

Over the last ten years local artist Kate Woodman has developed a keen interest in writing poetry, mathmatical drawing, collage and photography. During the recent severe winter she has drawn snow scenes in Crowborough incorporating detailed studies of trees and gardens. Her abstract collage, 3D and mathmatical fine line drawings are inspired by her late father, Prof. Geoffrey Matthews, the works of M. C. Escher, Barbara Hepworth and Art Deco designers of the past.

"I enjoy adding a touch of humour to some aspects of my work as well as more serious and often deeply spiritual dimensions."

You can see some of Kate's work on show at the Community Church, Beacon Road, Crowborough over both Festival weekends - 18th/19th and 25th/26th plus Friday 24th September from 11 am - 6 pm. She will be exhibiting alongside painters Raphael Che and Michael Horner and they promise a display of great diversity and interest. The Church is a short way up from the Crowborough Cross junction on the right-hand side. All visitors can expect a warm welcome and a unique experience.

catherinewoodman@btinternet.co,

Open Studios and Garage Galleries - Erica Adams

2010-08-25T08:55:00.000-07:00

Erica Adams is a local artist who works in a variety of media and especially enjoys watercolour. She says "Not being allowed to attend Art College gave me the freedom to experiment. It is still a real joy when the unexpected happens, especially in watercolour."

Her work has been exhibited at The National Society, the Guildhall, London, Hampstead Open Air Exhibitions and the Camden Art Centre. Her paintings have been sold at Liberty's of Regent Street and have been bought and taken to many different parts of the world including Paris, Rome, Switzerland, Oklahoma and Caracas in Venezuela. Three of her watercolours are hanging in the downstairs connecting corridor of The Spa Hotel, Tunbridge Wells.

Erica undertakes portrait commissions and from September to May each year she runs a weekly Portrait session at the Tunbridge Wells Art Society. And in addition to all this, she is a published author with three of her saucy humourous novels available to buy on Amazon UK! Take a look!

Some of Erica's lively and varied work can be seen at the Hoath Cottage Gallery, Croft Road, Crowborough over the two Festival weekends - 18th19th and 25th/26th September - open 11 am - 4 pm. Here she will be exhibiting alongside creative photographer Linda Smith and expert quilter Corinne Simpson. Hoath Cottage is at the junction of Croft Road with Mill Lane and the Festival thanks hosts Mr and Mrs Arrowsmith for their generosity in offering their lovely garage as a venue.

ericaadams@talktalk.net http://www.artistricky.blogspot.com/

Open Studios and Garage Galleries - Angela Vernon Bates

2010-08-25T08:38:00.001-07:00

Angela Vernon Bates is a lady of immense creative talent which ranges from the ability to produce expressive and beautiful artwork and decorative items to being a trained and highly experience operatic contralto. This latter talent has taken her to many parts of the world both to perform and study and she is well-known locally for performing with her two musical colleague, Jacqueline Evill - soprano and Christopher Harris - piano. Their very successful concert held recently at the United Church, Croft Road helped to raise a splendid amount for the Arts Festival.

Angela has also studied painting and says "I have been influenced by Elizabethan Miniaturists via the Pre-Raphaelite to the decorative applied art of 19th-Century France. I work mainly in textiles, silk, linen, etc. and am exploring the translucency of light through semi-transparent fabrics." She is also a gilder.

You will find a treasure trove of unusual, decorative items including hand-painted silk and textiles, leather, jewellery, furniture and much more, along with a very warm welcome at Angela's Studio at Green Cottage, Green Lane, Crowborough TN6 2DF. The Studio will be open on 24th and 25th September from 11 am - 5 pm. You will find Green Cottage a short distance from the Crowborough Hill end on the right-hand side from the junction. Enjoy!

angelavb@waitrose.com

Open Studios and Garage Galleries - Bridget Marchi

2010-08-25T06:35:00.000-07:00

Bridget would like you to know that "More Front than Brighton" brings you a range of fused glass decorative and jewellery items, from earrings to a centre piece bowl. Fused glass is a beautiful medium with multiple uses."

If this has whetted your appetite for these sumptuous creations, go along to 1 Melrose Cottage, Southview Road, Crowborough TN6 1HD on one of both the Festival weekends - 18th/19th and 25th/26th September for a look. You could well find yourself tempted by one Bridget's gorgeous pieces. She will be open between 11 am and 4 pm. The cottage is the furthest half of the semi-detached cottage just next to the Ambulance Station on Southview Road. You are asked to walk up the garden path to round the back of the property where you will find the studio gallery.

bridgetmarchi@hotmail.com

Open Studios and Garage Galleries - Wendy Kemp

2010-08-25T06:20:00.000-07:00

An extensive collection of beautiful handmade designer jewellery, contemporary oil paintings, art, craft and lavender gifts, all designed and produced by artist Wendy Kemp will be found at her Lavender Gallery Open Studio, Western Road, Crowborough TN6 3EH. She will be open each day of the Festival - 18th - 26th September on weekdays 9.30 - 11.30 then 12.30 - 2.30 and at weekends 11.00 - 4.00
Travelling from the Jarvis Brook end, find the Studio tw0-thirds down Western Road on the right hand side.
www.wendykempjewellery.co.uk

Open Studios and Garage Galleries - Georgina Luck

2010-08-25T05:57:00.000-07:00

Georgina Luck is a professional illustrator producing original work for clients including Sainsbury's and Disney. In merging those skills with her own artistic vision, Georgina creates quirky approaches to iconic household objects. You'll either love it or hate it!

Georgina's Gallery will have acrylic ink and watercolour illustrations, originals and laser prints, greetings gards, framed artwork and large scale canvases. Find them all at "Marley", Stone Cross Road, Crowborough, TN6 3DQ on both Festival weekends - 18th/19th and 25th/26th September - between 11 am and 4 pm. To find her go on to Fermor Road and look out for the Alderbrook sports field. Go down Aldervale Cotts to the bottom and turn right. Marley is a little way down on the right hand side. It has a small gate and a steep drive. Look for the bunting and balloons! georginaluck@gmail.com www.georginaluck.blogspot.com

Open Studios and Garage Galleries - Michael Brain, Wendy Dickens, Wanda Hilsum and Debbie Ware

2010-08-17T03:43:00.000-07:00

Michael Brain, Wendy Dickens, Wanda Hilsum and Debbie Ware are four painter friends from CCE Sussex University who enjoy working and exhibiting together. Their work has very different yet complimentary styles and covers a wide range of subject matter. You will see pictures in pastel, charcoal and oils at their Gallery at "Conkers", Harlequin Lane, Crowborough, TN6 1HU for the first weekend of the Festival - 18th/19th September, between 11 am and 4 pm. Look for the 5th house down on the right from South View Road. There is limited off-road parking. artmikebrain@btinternet.com

Open Studios and Garage Galleries - Molly Williams

2010-08-17T03:23:00.001-07:00

Molly Williams is a textile artist who produces the most imaginative and inspiring pieces in a range of fabrics. Her techniques include traditional felting, free machine embroidery and digital design. She says her work is mainly figurative in both 2D and 3D. "My current work is inspired by contemporary dance and the physical exertion of the athletic body." You will find a collection of her work - and work in progress - at her studio at "Loring", Yew Tree Lane, Rotherfield, TN6 3QP on 18th, 19th, 23rd, 25th and 26th September when she will open to visitors between 10 am - 4 pm. To find her, take the hill down from the Kings Arms pub, go under the railway bridge and take the first right into Yew Tree Lane. "Loring" is the fourth house on the left after the junction with Sheriff's Lane. thecottagewindow@yahoo.co.uk

Open Studios and Garage Galleries - Barbara Todd

2010-08-13T08:52:00.001-07:00

Barbara Todd is a well known local professional artist whose work includes abstracts, decorative still life and landscapes. She will be exhibiting in the Festival Art Exhibition at the United Church, Croft Road for the whole of the Festival and will also be opening up her Studio to visitors at The Thatch, Bicycle Arms Road, Rotherfield, TN6 3QE on 24th and 25th September between 11am and 6pm. You will find her Studio in the gardens of a 15th century thatched cottage in idyllic surroundings. Travel on the B2101 out of Rotherfield towards Argos Hill then opposite Burwood Farm take a right turn down the track at the corner of Sheriff's Lane. She says "My paintings are derived from a personal response to mood and atmosphere of landscape and nature. My latest works are very much influenced in colour and movement by two recent trips to India." As well as this work you will find a lovely selection of cards and prints. b@rbaratodd.co.uk

Open Studios and Garage Galleries - Di Byers and Friends

2010-08-13T08:35:00.000-07:00

Di Byers is a skilled embroiderer and needlewoman and a member of the Tunbridge Wells and District Branch of the Embroiderers' Guild. She meets regularly with a number of friends from around the area who have similar skills and the group enjoy working together. They will be combining their talents when Di opens her Garage Gallery at Maynards Gate Cottage, Tubwell Lane, Crowborough for both weekends of the Festival - 18th/19th and 25th/26th of September between 11am and 4pm. The ladies will present a mixed selection of stitchery, embroidery and quilting. Find the Gallery opposite the exit from Millbrook Garden Centre, where it should be possible to park should the cottage drive be full - as Di hopes it will be. If you enjoy beautiful embroidery, this is the place to go. dibyers@hotmail.com

Open Studios and Garage Galleries - Deborah Tompsett

2010-08-09T08:43:00.001-07:00

Deborah is a skilled and imaginative artist specialising in ceramics and sculpture. She gained a BA Honours in Fine Arts and Sculpture at Canterbury college and her experience includes studying ceramics in Italy, working with orphans in Beirut and running a workshop to produce pottery for the National Trust. She has also worked in a variety of primary schools, community groups and residential homes. In 1998 she began exhibiting her ceramics and art work at many venues, was featured in TV "Country Ways" and had work published in "Sculpting Techniques Bible" and "The English Garden". She was a finalist for Benenden Hospital Centenary Artwork and her commissions include sculpture for Coventry PCT.

Of her current work she says " In the past few years I have found myself returning to my fine art background, taking with me a knowledge of pottery making. I find the challenge of working expressively with clay, and more recently with colour and texture, exciting, terrifying and frustrating."

Enjoy Deborah's work for yourself by visiting her Studio at 3 Monastery Gardens, Rotherfield, East Sussex TN6 3NB. She is open on 23rd, 24th, 25th and 26th of September between 11 am and 6 pm. See 800 clay bottles filling the studio, pictures hanging in the garden and sculptures growing in the flowerbeds. And, to add the finishing touch, she is offering refreshments - along with a very warm welcome to all. Don't miss it!

Also see some of Deborah's work at the Festival Art Exhibition at the United Church.

deborah.tompsett@googlemail.com

Open Studios and Garage Galleries - Anne Acott, Patricia Selby and Trudie Munn

2010-08-09T05:50:00.000-07:00

Artists Anne, Patricia and Trudie will be presenting a selection of their varied work at their Garage Gallery at 12 The Farthings, Crowborough, TN6 2TW ( a short way down from Freedom Leisure on the right hand side of Eridge Road) on the first weekend of the Festival - 18th/19th September between 11 am and 4 pm.

Anne is an enthusiastic artist who has worked in a variety of media for a number of years and enjoys them all. Always on the look out for something a little different, she is now developing her skills as a collage artist - or, as she calls it, "painting with paper". Her work follows her general approach which is largely figurative but she finds this medium allows for more freedom and experimentation. "This is what is so exciting about working in collage The constraints of the material force me to be less rigid in the way I develop my subject. The creative possibilities are endless." See more of Anne's collage work at the Festival Art Exhibition at the United Church, Croft Road.

Patricia took up watercolour painting as a form of relaxation after her retirement. She had enjoyed art at school and her later experience of working with under-fives stimulated her interest in experimenting with a whole range of media. "I dabble in other media but I find I go back to watercolour, often incorporating inks and pastels. I love the way it surprises me with unexpected results, often enhancing a picture in ways I never thought possible." Recently Pat tried her hand at printing and has added lino cutting skills to her list, producing some delightful images in single cut and reduction cut prints.

Trudie is a professional local artist who works mainly in oils and acrylics. Her images are strong and arresting and she has developed quite a following on her website http://www.trudiemunnart.co.uk/
Her work ranges around abstracts, landscapes, sunsets and sunrises, city skylines and beautiful seascapes. "My work is often influenced by my surroundings. I am fascinated by the ever-changing colours and moods of nature, especially the sky. Dramatic skies and cloud formations are a strong feature of many of my paintings."

Call in and see some of these lovely works for yourself. You will not be disappointed.

'MY SUSSEX' exhibitors announced:

2010-07-29T02:20:00.000-07:00

The Sussex Photography Project are delighted to be showcasing the photography of Andrew Newson, Simon Courcha, Wendy Pye, James Galpin & Lucy Philips at the first ever 'My Sussex' Photographic Competition & Exhibition to be held at Café Baskerville in Crowborough from 18 September - 02 October 2010.

Along with our exhibitors, we will also be showing work from our competition winners and commended entrants.

Pop in for coffee or lunch and view some great local photography.

'My Sussex' Photography Competition and Exhibition

2010-07-29T01:05:00.000-07:00

A reminder that you still have time to get your entry in for the 'My Sussex' photography competition.

The Competition:
There is a £300 compact camera up for grabs amongst other prizes.

The exhibition is run by The Sussex Photography Project and is sponsored by Redbox Cameras.
The exhibition is part of The Crowborough Arts Festival.

For your chance to win great prizes including a high-end digital compact camera worth £300, just submit one photo taken in Sussex that is special to you.

1st, 2nd & 3rd places will receive prizes and their images on display at the exhibition. Up to a further 12 commended images will also be on display.

Just email your photo along with some text about why it’s special to you (no more than 70 words). Please include your full name, telephone number, email address and where the photo was taken. The email address to send to: mysussex@gmail.com
Deadline for entries: 02 Sept 2010

•The competition is free to enter and is open to amateur and professional photographers.
•Please just enter 1 photograph per person.

Full details on how to enter and terms & conditions can be found at the Sussex Photography Project website:
www.sussexphotographyproject.co.uk/my-sussex.html
www.sussexphotographyproject.co.uk/my-sussex-photography-...
If you can’t send your entry by email or you have any other questions, please telephone Andy on 01892 662191.

The exhibition venue is:
Café Baskerville, 6 The Broadway, Crowborough, East Sussex TN6 1DF
Date: Saturday 18 September - Saturday 02 October 2010

Community Art Competitions - Have you entered yet?

2010-07-28T08:44:00.000-07:00

The Community Art Competitions organised as part of the Festival are still open! So all budding artists, young and not-so-young, why not get out those paints and have a go?

There are three categories for the younger artist: Pre-School/Reception and Yrs 1 & 2/Yrs 3 - 6. We want paintings or drawings from you showing a character or something exciting that happens in your "Favourite Book". There will be prizes and certificates for the best artists and these will be presented by local children's author and illustrator, Jane Hissey.

There are also three categories for the other artists: Yrs 7 - 11/Yrs 12 & 13/Adult. From these artists we are asking for work in any 2-D medium including photography and the theme is "Sussex in Summer" - most appropriate at the moment. Work up to A1 in size, mounted or unmounted, is acceptable but not framed, please. Again, there will be prizes and a presentation at the Festival Launch Night on Friday evening, 17th September.

All artists are asked to put their names, categories and full contact details on the back of their work and hand it in to the Festival Stall at the Farmers' Market on Saturday on 28th August.

The best work will be displayed at the Library in Pine Grove for the whole of the Festival. So - all you budding Picassos and Constables - start painting and be part of the first-ever Arts Festival in Crowborough.

Open Studios and Galleries - Derek Wiles and Stella Wiles

2010-07-23T05:42:00.001-07:00

Derek Wiles - Derek is a member of Tunbridge Wells Art Society and of Crowborough Art Society and exhibits regularly with both clubs as well as on his own account. His current exhibition is at 61 The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells from Saturday 24th July to Monday 2nd August - opne daily 10 am - 5.30 pm. He is exhibiting along with artists Barbara Fuller and Don Fuller and showing conventional and abstract paintings - including landscapes and flowers - in watercolour, pastel and other media.

Stella Wiles is a member of a weaving guild and will be sharing an Open Studio with Derek to show some of her loom-woven work.

Find them in their Garden Studio at "High Heathers", Beacon Gardens, Crowborough, TN6 1BG. Open 18th, 19th, 24th, 25th and 26th September form 10 am - 5.30 pm.

Both artists may be contacted at delandstelart@btinternet.com

Open Studios and Garage Galleries - Raphael Che

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Raphael "Ralph" J. Che - Ralph is a Cameroonian fine artist and film maker. He started drawing at an early age and progressed to painting. In 2001 he represented the University of Buea at the Cameroon National Festival of Arts and Culture and here won the Gold Medal in painting in 2008.

The self-taught artist is a surrealist who's style remains classical and his paintings communicate his recreation of day-to-day life on the canvas. "I take it as an opportunity to learn about a person and to tell a story - on their essence, where they have been, the image they project. I set out to create a record of someone's whole being, not just their physical likeness, through a beautiful and well-composed work of art".

Ralph moved to the UK in 2009 where he completed the Spring Term Painting Course at the Slade School of Fine Art, University College, London. He has also exhibited in Australia, the USA, Nigeria and the UK.

He has his own personal label - ABO-YE-FI (The Black Hand) and he does great portraits to order! He is looking forward to the Crowborough Arts Festival with much excitement. "The organisers have been working really hard and I believe it will be a great success."

Ralph will be exhibiting some of his work alongside Michael Horner and Catherine Woodman at the Community Church, Beacon Road, Crowborough on 18th, 19th, 24th, 25th and 26th September between 11 am - 6 pm. Call in for a warm welcome.

Ralph's website is http://www.aboyefi-fineart.co.uk/

Open Studios and Garage Galleries - Hazel Dorehill

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Hazel Dorehill - Hazel is a watercolour artist living in Crowborough. She says "My love for painting grew from a hobby taken up following retirement. I find it very relaxing and winning two awards from different art societies has given me the incentive to carry on. I particularly enjoy watercolour as a medium and this has resulted in my exhibition paintings which illustrate a variety of subjects including landscape and still life".
Find Hazel at "Timberside", 8 Pinewood Chase, Crowborough, TN6 1TY on 25th - 26th September. She will be open from 11 am - 4 pm both days. You can contact Hazel at hazelmaureen@timbersideplus.com

Open Studios and Garage Galleries - Pippa Long

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Pippa Long - Pippa is a local artist working in watercolour, pencil and pen and ink. She took a foundation course in Art and Design at Brighton Polytechnic before working for 15 years as a Graphic Designer. Now, a mum of three, she is building a portfolio and concentrating on her paintings and drawings. Her work is realistic and features flora and fauna. She welcomes commissions of pets, homes, etc.

Pippa is exhibiting with Holly, one of her three daughters, who is showing her handmade beaded jewellery and cards.

Pippa and Holly will welcome you to 4 Verralls Cottages, Pilmer Road, Crowborough TN6 2UF on 25th - 26th September from 11 am - 4 pm.

Pippa may be contacted at pippalong@hotmail.com or on 01892-668469.

Open Studios and Garage Galleries - Mary Bradley

2010-07-23T03:19:00.000-07:00

Mary Bradley - Mary is a popular local artist who exhibits regularly in the area. She says "I moved to Crowborough from Cambridgeshire in 1996 and worked in Tunbridge Wells until retirement in 2002. I joined the Tunbridge Wells Art Society in the summer of that year and, later, the Crowborough Arts Society. I exhibit regularly with both clubs and also at the Pantiles Open Air Exhibition each year. I have now added Lingfield and Alfriston to my regular shows. Twelve of my paintings were purchased by the Hydro Hotel, Eastbourne in 2007.

For the last two years I have organised a running exhibition for local artists in Crowborough Hospital to raise money for the League of Friends. So far 92 paintings have been sold and a total of £1,280 raised for the hospital.

I enjoy painting local scenes but also love flowers, wildlife, boats and portraits. I am looking forward to opening my Garage Gallery for both Festival weekends."

Mary's Gallery will be open from 11 am - 4 pm on 18th/19th and 25th/26th September at 3 Swift Close, Crowborough, TN6 1UN.

You can contact Mary on alandmbradley@fsmail.net or on 01892-653556

Community Art Competitions Extended!

2010-07-23T02:58:00.000-07:00

The Community Art Competitions planned to involve more Crowborough people - young and not so young - in the Festival are still open! So - all you leisure painters and young Picassos - start painting now!
There are three categories for children - Pre-school/Reception and Yrs 1 &2/Yrs 3 - 6. The theme is "My Favourite Book" and we want paintings or drawings maximum size A3 showing perhaps one of the characters or a bit of the story. There are prizes and certificates for the best entries and these will be presented by the children's author and illustrator, Jane Hissey, who is famous for her "Old Bear" stories.
There are also three categories for Secondary School and Adults - Yrs 7-11/Yrs 12 & 13/Adult. Your theme is "Sussex in Summer" - which couldn't be more appropriate at the moment! Give us work in any media including photography to a maximum size of A1. Prizes for the best entries will be presented at the Festival Launch Night on Friday 17th September.
If you want to enter, write your name, category and contact details on the back of your picture and hand it in to the Arts Festival Stall at the Farmers' Market on Saturday 28th August.

Open Gardens - Fund Raising Event

2010-07-13T07:35:00.000-07:00

Something for all garden lovers! On Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th July, thirteen varied and beautiful gardens in Tubwell Lane and Clackhams Lane, Jarvis Brook, Crowborough will be opened to the public as part of a fund-raising effort for the Festival. Supported by Millbrook Garden Company, visitors are invited to park at the Garden Centre in Tubwell Lane from where they may purchase their map of the easy route round all the gardens and receive a voucher for a FREE cup of tea or coffee at the GreenCafe. All this for only £5 per adult with children entering free of charge! There will also be a treasure hunt for the children and a prize donated by Millbrook Garden Company. Recent rain will have refreshed everything and you have a horticultural treat in store. Don't miss it!

Open Studios - Jenny Meyrick and Crowborough Creative Arts Group

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Crowborough Creative Arts Group starts its third year on 1st October, meeting at the Main Hall, All Saints Church, Chapel Green on Fridays from 9.45 am until noon. The group was started by local ceramicist, Jenny Meyrick and her aim is to expand her members' art experience into areas they may have not tried before. So far, members have experimented with painting, collage, ceramic work, sculpture, textiles, stitchery, mosaics, wire and textile sculpture, wood-carving and felt work - and much more is on the horizon.

Jenny - HND Creative Visual Arts - works in mixed media including textiles and ceramics and her work, along with a wide selection from members of the CCAG, will be on display at 15 Springhead Way, Crowborough TN6 1LR during both Festival weekends 18th - 19th and 25th 26th September from 11 am - 4 pm. This Studio will offer visitors a feast of exciting and varied art and craft work in an outside workshop and in the garden. Anyone wanting any more information about the event or her group should contact Jenny at jendt@tiscali.co.uk

Music on a Summer Night

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This fund-raising concert attracted an audience of almost one hundred people and everyone enjoyed a great evening listening to the glorious voices of Jacqueline Evill and Angela Vernon Bates accompanied on piano by Christopher Harris. It was an extremely successful event as a fund-raiser and thanks are given to the United Church for hosting the concert, the artists for giving their services fee of charge, the organisers and all their helpers, the generous donors of raffle prizes and, most of all, the audience who made the whole thing worthwhile. Hope to see you all again soon!

Photography exhibition secures headline sponsor!

2010-07-07T09:07:00.000-07:00

We are really delighted to welcome Redbox Cameras of Tunbridge Wells as our headline sponsor of the 'My Sussex' photographic exhibition and competition.

Redbox will also be providing the 1st prize for the photographic competition, a very generous £300 high-end compact digital camera.

Competition details will be announced very very soon, so stay tuned for that.

'My Sussex' Photographic exhibition
Café Baskerville - Saturday 18 September - Saturday 02 October 2010
Part of the Crowborough Arts Festival.

Open Studios and Garage Galleries - "World In Need"

2010-07-06T08:31:00.000-07:00

Here is the first of the Open Studios that will feature in the Festival.

"World In Need" is a local charity started in 1991 by Ron and Nan George, a Crowborough couple who, having worked overseas and seen for themselves the suffering and hardship resulting from ongoing conflicts throughout the world, decided to do something to help.

Mark Aldrich, Operations Manager, tells us about their current work with young artists in Afghanistan. "They attend the Child Care Centre in Kabul which is run by local volunteer, Jihanne Niazmand. In this place of safety and learning the children - aged between 6 and 14 - many of whom have lost family in the fighting, can experience the joy and therapeutic benefit of oil painting under the supervision of Ali Khan. Some children show remarkable talent and many of their paintings reflect scenes from their homelands."

Over half of the money raised from the sale of the paintings goes directly back to the Centre and is used as an investment in the children's lives. The programme has recently seen its first success with Hamida who has been offered a place on a teacher training course specialising in art at Kabul university. The same is true about the handwoven Persian rugs made by women widowed in the conflict. The overall aim of the programme - and the Charity - is to help people like these find a way to sustain themselves by their own efforts and regain belief in their abilities to survive and prosper.

"World In Need" will be opening its offices at Trinity Hall, Mill Crescent, Crowborough TN6 3BD (off Park Road/Croham Road) for an exhibition and sale of paintings, rugs and other craft items for the whole of the Festival week 18th - 26th September Mon - Fri 9 am - 5 pm: Saturdays 10 am - 3 pm: Sundays 11 am - 3 pm.
Examples of the work can be seen on their website http://www.worldinneed.co.uk/ and any enquires will be welcomed by Mark at info@worldinneed.co.uk

Festival at the Town Fair

2010-07-04T10:14:00.000-07:00

Crowborough Town Fair
Goldsmiths Park, Saturday 17th July

Come along and meet us at the Crowborough Arts Festival stall at Goldsmiths on Saturday 17th July.

We will have information about all Festival events and tickets available for most of the shows and kids can join Cathy to make birds!

If anyone is coming to the Fair and who might be able to help on the stall during the afternoon , please get in touch with Ally Cook on 01892 662673

See you there

Open Studios and Garage Galleries

2010-07-01T08:02:00.000-07:00

We have a host of exciting artists, professional and otherwise, planning to open their studios and home galleries to the public at various times over the Festival period. An amazing selection of work will include paintings over a wide range of subjects in oils, watercolour, pastel, charcoal and pencil - collage - lino prints - fused glass - jewellery - weaving and textiles - felted work - ceramics, mosaics and sculpture of all kinds - wood carving - furniture - and art and craft from overseas. Wow!

Find out later who these talented local artists are when they are introduced to you on this Blog.

Music On A Summer Night

2010-06-30T01:45:00.000-07:00

Crowborough Arts Festival are holding a fund raising event to raise money for the first ever Crowborough Arts Festival to be held in September of 2010.

MUSIC ON A SUMMER NIGHT
A Convert of Vocal Duets

Saturday, 10th July at 8pm
The United Church, Croft Road, Crowborough

Prepare for a magical evening of music in aid of Crowborough Arts Festival.

Local opera singers Jacqueline Evill and Angela Vernon Bates have often performed together professionally and have joined forces with well-known pianist and organist Christopher Harris to provide an evening of unforgettable music, from well-loved operatic duets to romantic pieces from Victorian times.

All artists are giving their service for free to raise funds for the Festival.

The concert is on Saturday, 10th July at 8pm, at the United Church, Croft Road, Crowborough.

Tickets with a complimentary glass of wine are £10, from 01892 664 534 or on the door.

Welcome

2010-06-16T14:39:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Crowborough Arts Festival blog.

This will act as an up-to-date resource for all the latest happenings and news on the festival.
For other information, please see the main website at: www.crowboroughartsfestival.co.uk.