As it starts to feel a bit like spring is on the way, I relish those mornings when I go up to see to my horse when it’s not actually pitch dark any more! And snowdrops and daffodils are starting to appear, which always lifts the spirits. So, feeling more like looking ahead to the coming year now, I thought I’d jot some lines about some of the events that I’m looking forward to taking part in this year.
There is nothing like actually having a stand to display my work and see people’s reaction to it. I’m flattered to say that’s it’s almost always very positive but, art is always personal, so some are more positive than others! I particularly like those people who are animal lovers when I get comments like “This one looks a bit like Rover!” or “That could be Felix!”. I love that my work has triggered happy memories for them. And if that results in a commission, even better! Makes all the effort of preparing, transporting and setting up my stand so worthwhile.
Cuckoo Fair – 3rd May
The first of the events this year will be the Downton Cuckoo Fair on Saturday 3rd May. It is held in the town centre and parks (the road through is closed to traffic!) and it’s as much a carnival as it is a market. It’s great to see this super event back as it didn’t happen in 2024 (due to a lack of volunteers, I understand).
Based on previous years, there are likely to be dancers, several bands and at least one choir, as well as stallholders like me selling artisan products and delicious food. It’s a really popular event so can get crowded but the atmosphere buzzes. It’s not ticketed so you can just come along!
Trout and About – 3rd August
Stockbridge High Street will be given over to Trout and About again on Sunday 3rd August. Specifically aimed at being a food and craft event, it celebrates the very best of local produce and producers. It’s also run by volunteers so any proceeds can go to local good causes, and it’s free to attend as a visitor. Many hundreds visited last year and, I have to say, the shuttle bus to out of town parking seemed to be doing a regular trade. Sensibly, they closed the High Street completely, which I’m sure saw many more visitors come along. I can’t wait – keep your fingers crossed for the weather!
Hampshire Open Studios
For the umpteenth year running, I will be taking part in the annual Hampshire Open Studios in August, too. The whole event runs from Saturday 16th to Bank Holiday Monday 25th August; I probably won’t do all ten days but I’m thinking I shall do the final weekend, Thursday 21st to Monday 25th.
Last year, I decided to host in my own studio, rather than at St John’s Church, Farley Chamberlain. Although I missed my fellow artists, it was lovely not to have to move my pictures! And I still raised some money for the Church by selling flowers and homegrown produce from my lovely friends. So do come and see me in my natural environment – at my home studio – if you can!
App Art – 5th – 20th April, open daily 10am-5pm admission FREE
Although this isn’t an event where I take my trade stand or display my pet portraits it is an opportunity to enter some of my other artworks into an exhibition. This Exhibition takes place at Priors Field School near Godalming just off the A3, Priorsfiled Road, GU72 RH. I took part last year with two paintings, this year I have another two smaller artworks that have been accepted. Its a lovey exhibition with sculputres and loads of indoor artwork. To make the journey more worthwhile too really close by is the famous Watts Gallery too that has a lovely cafe.
So, those are my main events in the diary for this year. After the lovely Hambrooks Christmas weekend, I’m hoping there might be the opportunity to return this year but we await details. Plus I’ll probably take part in anything else interesting that crops up! I’m always open to other opportunities, of course, so I may pop up at an exhibition or event in the meantime as well – do let me know if you know of something that you think might suit my art! Hope to see you at one of them!
(If you haven’t seen my review of 2024’s events, do have a read here).
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