Bags of ideas at craft show
SOME of the best craftsmen and women in the Midlands have their work on show at the Herbert Art Gallery in Coventry.
There's a wonderful spread of crafts by this talented lot which includes newcomers as well as craftsmen with national and international reputations.
You can't fail to notice Chris Rhodes' sparkling bright resin brooches of the Spice Girls, Princess Diana and Elvis, complete with wings ready to fly up to heaven.
Nor can you miss Eyv Saunders' brilliant handbags, bristling with colour and flowers.
Jon Williams has some extraordinary earthenware on show - Bottle and Bump, huge jars with bulbous decorations.
But it was Melanie Brown's appealing pink 'witches hat' teapots that had sold, along with white earthenware jugs by Karen Rough and Jhan Stanley's ceramics, moulded on disposable plates and plastic cups. Prices from pounds 7.
At the other extreme, there is a wonderful woven ash screen with mother of pearl inlay by Sean Feeney (over pounds 5,000), a steel and sycamore table by Neil James (pounds 1,920) and a witty piece of machine embroidery by Karina Thompson (pounds 2,200).
But never mind the prices, just go and admire.
There's jewellery, glass, weaving, felt work and willow baskets.
There are wonderful mechanical sculptures by Rachel Higgins and John Grayson, fantastic 3D textile pictures by Adele Christie and lovely silver and enamel work by Jane Moore.
There is just so much to see. This contemporary craft exhibition only comes round once every three years. You've got until September 17 to see led flexible strips it - and it's free.
NEW SHOWS
BARBARA BARRETT has her art and craft work on show at Braunston Stop House, near Rugby, until August 31.
Barbara, from Braunston, has animal paintings, glass painting, wind- chimes, mobiles, cards and prints on display.
Open 9am-5pm Mon-Fri and noon to 4pm at weekends.
SAND is the new exhibition to delve into at Warwick Museum.
The light-hearted exhibition looks at everyday uses of sand and the objects it has been used for over the years, taken from the museum collections.
On until Nov 4, 10am to 5.30pm. Admission free.
Peter's new career
TYGER, TYGER, is one of the paintings by Peter Lewis on show in Kenilworth from Wednesday until the end of August.
Peter has drawings, paintings, reliefs and ceramics in the exhibition at the Jane Powell art studio in High Street.
Peter went to school and technical college in Coventry and worked in the car industry until he took a change of career - and became an art teacher in his late thirties.
He says his own art career began with an interest in derelict buildings, sheds and old cinemas! His work then moved into the world of the imagination, after being influenced by the paintings and poetry of William Blake and Dylan Thomas.
EXHIBITIONS
COVENTRY
The Herbert Art Gallery: Go to it! Working for Victory on the Home Front, until Sep 17; Talking Traditions, celebrating Irish music and dance, until Aug 29; Made in the Middle, Midlands craftsmen and women, u
Other articles:
http://www.ccncct.com/Blog/View/?991
http://www.mycdu.com/Blog/View/?432