A vibrant celebration of creativity, resilience and renewal is set to take over Plymouth this May Bank Holiday, as more than 150 artists and makers bring the ‘New Beginnings’ Spring Exhibition to life.
The ‘New Beginnings’ exhibition is open from 10am to 5pm at the Hyde Park Social Club on Saturday May 2, 12 noon to 4pm on Sunday May 3 and 10am to 4pm on Monday May 4. Refreshments are available and entry is free.
Visitors to the exhibition will have the opportunity to meet the artists and discover their background and inspiration. The Drawn to the Valley group embraces an eclectic mix of talented local artists from traditional painters, print makers and ceramicists, to textile artists, jewellery makers and others working with metal, papier maché, glass and mosaic.
They meet regularly in Plymouth and beyond, for talks, workshops and outings and for organising shows such as New Beginnings.
Art shaped by life, loss and renewal with ‘New Beginnings’
Among the artists exhibiting their work is Jane Athron is an exciting artist, whose work recently won a prize in the Outsider National Exhibition at the Walsall Gallery and subsequently at Christie’s in London. The theme of ‘Shelter’ inspired Jane to paint a powerful painting on canvas depicting a mother cradling a baby wrapped in what could be interpreted as a shroud, which she dedicated to the children murdered in Gaza.
From adversity to artistic expression
Stuart Morrissey is a larger than life character who has been through a lot. Following an accident which left him permanently disabled, and subsequent mental health issues, he has fought through, raising over £110,000 for charity on his 125cc motorbike across the UK as ‘The Mad Rider.’ He has discovered his creative side, making mosaic panels and table tops, metal sculptures and much more, often reflecting his military background.
Capturing calm in the natural world
In a more traditional vein, Anne Blackwell Fox is a painter and printmaker, inspired by the natural world and rivers, where she finds time for reflection and capturing the experience of the place. Her works are calming, immersive, soaked in colour. From tiny intimate works to larger canvases, in acrylic or oils, they are all meticulous and magical.
These are just three of the 150 or so talented members of Drawn to the Valley group of artists and makers who will be exhibiting their work over the May Bank Holiday weekend. Everyone is welcome to enjoy the show, and pick up a bargain or two.
For details visit www.drawntothevalley.com
