Thank you to all the artists, visitors and the staff Samlesbury Hall for making our first Summer Art Fair a great success. We had such an incredible turnout, and visitors were delighted by the quality and range of work. With a first event in a new venue it always hard to know just what the response will be be but it’s always a good sign when the café has to make a special journey to buy more supplies!
We had 25 artists displaying a huge range of art from sculpture, painting, illustration, ceramics, jewellery and more. It was great to see everyone enjoying the day. We could not have done this without the terrific support from Samlesbury Hall, the artists, the support of the local media and sheer public enthusiasm for locally-produced art and craft. We believe that great work deserves a fabulous setting and we carefully choose the venues we use. We want the events to support them too in helping to preserve these destinations as an important part of Lancashire’s heritage. We hope to be back at Samlesbury in 2017.
As we move into the second half of the year, we are busy preparing for our late Summer, Autumn and Winter events. We return to the charming village of Scorton for our third Summer Craft Sunday on Sunday 21st August, before teaming up with the artists of Higherford Mill and Pendle Heritage Centre for the Pendle Art Fair & Open Studio weekend of 8th-9th October. We round off our year with our Winter Art Fair at Lytham Hall. This year’s event will take place over two full weekends of 19th-20th and 26th-27th November and is a golden opportunity to buy unique artworks and gifts for Christmas. We have had a great response from interested artists so far and those fairs will continue to provide a platform for the best of north-west art, craft and design.
In Spring 2017 we will be launching a new event, a handmade wedding fair showcasing the incredible range of work specifically for wedding celebrations helping create a unique and special big day. More information to follow in the Autumn.
And finally…Hopeful and Glorious has made it to the finals of the Enterprise Vision Awards (EVAs) for New Business in the North West. With hundreds of nominations and applicants, it incredible to get down to the last seven. The EVA Awards Ceremony is in late September so watch this space for more news!