Newsletter December 2014

As the end of an exciting and busy year draws to a close, it is it’s my great privilege to write to you as the new Chair for Drawn to the Valley. It has been wonderful to have worked for the last two years on the committee with a great team. Bev Moody has been an inspiration and such an asset to Drawn to the Valley, she will be sadly missed on our forthcoming meetings and events. However, as we move forward into 2015 we are lucky to have a new and equally fabulous team who are dedicated to Drawn to the Valley. As a committee we are here to represent all our members, if you have any thoughts, ideas or feedback, please do not hesitate to contact me. Throughout the following year we will be looking to hold the cornerstone events that have been established and as ever, we greatly appreciate your help whenever you are able to spare it. No matter how little, any help ensures the continuity of Drawn to the Valley's growing success and the all important support for fellow artists. On behalf of the committee we wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Clare Law - Chair

Contents: A word from the chair 1

Up-coming Events 1

Committee Members 2 & 3

Teresa Wicksteed News 3

Featured Artist 4

Bodmin Christmas Exhibition 5

Stoke Christmas Exhibition 5

Terre Verte, new gallery 5

Mad Hatters Workshop 6

Plymouth Watercolour Society 6

Melanie Guy Exhibition 6

Contact Details 4

Image for December Anita Townsend;

Robin Singing

Up Coming Events Ongoing Rolling

Exhibitions at: - Cardinals Hatt

Membership Renewal January 2015

First Pentille Draw-ing Day Wednesday 18

th February 2015

The Committee for 2015 Clare Law, Chair After graduating from Falmouth College of Art with a degree in Illustration, I moved to London where I worked as a freelance Illustrator. From here I developed a greater love for the fine arts; I worked over a two year period on 6 exhibitions throughout London. Once my husband and I began to plan for the future I worked on private commissions while also working as Examinations Manager for the Royal Academy of Dance, one of those jobs that arose from the right place at the right time! Here I was able to embrace both my creative and organisational skills. Once our two boys were born, I became a full time mum, taking the opportunity to explore and rekindle my love of oils. We moved back to Cornwall in 2010, from here I have thrown myself back into my work, continuing to exhibit in London and most importantly being a member of Drawn to the Valley. During this time I have found my work to be more enriched and prolific than ever before. I greatly value being a member of the committee, over the couple of years it has been inspiring, productive and most enjoyable.

Roger Croxson, Treasurer Now semi-retired after an interesting career: from international money markets to renowned author and teacher of complementary medicine, sound en-gineer to doctoral research in economics of ship char-ters and recently designing web sites, inclusive of product photography. I have ended up taking photo-graphs and playing with them – digital art! I also love flowers and they are always my challenge, my perfect pizza, never reaching the exact result as the fun is in the journey! I have experience of many groups and as treasurer of several over the years and feel my very varied skills can help DTTV move forward.

Gay Kent, Committee Member My journey with art started in my 40s with ‘A’ level Textiles, where I discovered a love of colour, texture and pattern, eventually studying Fine Art at Falmouth. I love silkscreen, etching and all types of printmaking and feel privileged to work alongside Mary Gillett and the inspirational members of Tamar Print workshop. As a yoga teacher I am interested in places which hold a sense of mystery, beauty and uncertainty and strive to create that atmosphere in my work. I share the Plymouth representative job with Jan Brewerton and feel very excited about building up the Plymouth Arts Trail within DTTV.

Mary Toon, Committee Member Having taught in Inner London for nearly a quarter of a century, we moved to Devon to open a record shop. Sadly it failed, and as well as teaching intermittently, I picked up on something I had started at Goldsmiths in London, felt making. It has been fun pioneering and promoting this nomadic tradition over the last twelve years or more, and seeing it develop into a craft, the process of which, most people are now aware of, or have tried, themselves I teach a wide range of people and have experience in galleries and display generally. I like to be of practical help and putting likeminded people in touch.

Janet Tamblin, Committee Member I studied Fine Art at St. Alban’s School of Art before working with Herbert Lank, London, as an easel paintings conservator (9 yrs). During time in London, trained in contemporary dance; choreographed and designed two ballets; created painted designs that appeared in Vogue and Guardian. Gave first public magic lantern shows at the Little Angel Marionette Theatre, Islington. In 1974 I moved to Bath as a freelance conservator, 1979 met and married the late Mike Bartley and together we created the Magic Lantern Theatre, Monmouth 1981. We created and performed magic lantern shows. Also, we made many T.V and radio programmes, films etc., including a film of the 'Fantasmagorie' for the previous Museum of the Moving Image, London. In 1987, we moved to Plymouth when I became Keeper of Conservation at Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery. I retired in 2008. In 2013 I fulfilled a long held wish to join DTTV! I joined the committee in 2014 and hope to continue to bring many useful skills acquired over the years to the job of DTTV committee member!

Nikki Crabb, Committee Member Having graduated with a BA (Hons) Degree in hot glass, I use glass as a medium to challenge concept by creating sculpture, as well as producing site specific installation. I am mesmerized by the process of working with molten glass; I use the material as a canvas for colour experimentation, creating elegant sculptural vessels as well as petite collectors’ items. I have exhibited throughout the South West and further afield, and I have been fortunate to have won awards and commission for my work. I enjoyed being on the committee in 2013, and after taking 2014 off to work abroad, I am now pleased to be able to help Drawn to the Valley in 2015, I really enjoy meeting and networking with other artists.

Neil Young, Committee Member Born in Cornwall, the son of a sculptress, I went to Art School and was a contemporary of Brian Clark, and then I studied Art and Design at Bedford College, while training to teach. After gaining a place at Pembroke College, Cambridge University to read Art History, I left the East Midlands and returned to Cornwall to pursue a career in teaching. Education then dominated the mid part of my life and it is only now that I have returned to concentrate on the source of my original interest. I live in rural North Cornwall with my wife, Nina, a painter and former teacher and Art Advisor. We both look forward to our work on the committee of Drawn to the Valley.

Sarah-Jane Lincoln, Arts Administrator (non member/committee) I was thrilled to be chosen for the freelance post out of over 80 candidates! back in March 2013. I have really enjoyed the last two years and look forward to serving the new committee and membership in 2015. My background before moving from North Devon to Tavistock was as a HR Manager and prior to that as a PA/marketing assistant. Whilst I am not an artist, I am creative. My little cottage which I share with Mark, a cat and an old tortoise is filled with my ‘dabbles’ into different art-forms. I have made friends and wonderful artistic acquaintances through Drawn to the Valley and I really appreciate all the support and positive comments I have received, it has made me feel very at home in a new area. Please do contact me if I can be of assistance. Sarah@dttv.co.uk

Nina Young, Committee Member I grew up in an artistic family where self-expression through the visual arts was regarded as an everyday part of life. Painting has always been my preferred vehicle for self-expression but over the years I have developed a love of textiles and enjoy working with fabrics and thread as well. My working life has been spent mainly in education; specialising in the visual arts. I have worked for Cornwall Education Advisory Service as an Advisory Teacher for Art and Design; as an Artist in Residence with the National Trust; an Adult Education tutor for Devon and Cornwall Adult Education Service as well as tutoring in numerous private art agencies such as 'Outlook' and the 'Indian King Arts Centre'. I also provided 'In Service Education Training' for many teachers in all aspects of Art and Design for the Local Education Authorities in Devon and Cornwall. In 2010 I was trained as an Artsmark Assessor by the Arts Council of England; visiting schools in Devon and Cornwall to assess their Arts provision. Throughout my career in education I continued with my own work and for many years I belonged to Cornwall Craft Association, exhibiting jewellery and textiles. My work has been exhibited extensively throughout the West Country. In 2014 I left education to concentrate on my own art work. I live in rural North Cornwall with my husband Neil who is a sculptor and a fellow member of Drawn to the Valley.

Teresa makes news in the Herald ‘From Darkness into light for Painter Teresa’ Artist and one of our founding members; Teresa Wicksteed had a double lovely feature; on her life, her art and wedding venue business at Polhawn Fort, Torpoint in the Plymouth Herald 22nd November 2014. The article makes for interesting reading, if you would like a copy please let me know. Visit Teresa’s website for more information on this stunning location wedding venue: http://www.polhawnfort.com/ For Teresa’s art visit: www.teresawicksteed.co.uk/

Page 2 of 4 Newsletter

Having lived much of my life in northern England, I have now returned to my family roots in the Launceston area. Inspired and taught by west country watercolourist, William Lyons-Wilson, I exhibited regularly from York to Edinburgh in the 1970s before embarking on a successful career as a director of environmental organisations, national regeneration programmes and climate change planning. I have always maintained my practice as an artist and a writer, and more recently I have held one man shows; in Birmingham's Custard Factory ( 2002) and at Piccadilly Place, Manchester (2014) . My first book, a collection of poetry and digital images, 'Emerging From Anaesthesia', will be published on 6th December. I am delighted to have returned to the beautiful Tamar Valley region in 2014 and have been working hard to create a studio and gallery. Terre Verte is a new art gallery being established in Altarnun on the edge of Bodmin Moor in North Cornwall. The gallery will hold exhibitions and events that profile the work of contemporary artists, some local, some from further afield in Britain and beyond. The gallery will be fully open from May to December, opening in May 2015. As a preview, the gallery is opening for two weeks in December 2014. An exhibition, showcasing several of the artists whose work will be exhibited in 2015 as well as pieces by gallery owner, Richard Sharland, will run from December 8th to December 20th Monday to Saturday 10.00 am to 5.00 pm. Artists including Sarah Healey, Liz Doyle, Tessa Sulston, Stephen Lunn, Pete Ramskill, Pete Bousdell and Lin Deacon will have work in the exhibition. Terre Verte's website is still under construction but you can email the gallery at terreverteinfo@gmail.com or call Richard on 01566 880405 Terre Verte, Pooleys, Altarnun, Launceston PL15 7SJ

Featured Artist – Richard Sharland

Ask the Artist Where is your favourite place? is Big Sur, California. Halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, the Big Sur mountains come right down to the sea, creating a spectacular coastline, beautiful colours and the mysteries of sea fog and deep green canyons. Big Sur is the southern end of the ecology of the coniferous redwood forests and the northern end of the desert ecology, it's wilderness is stunningly beautiful,a place for painting, writing, walking, meditating.....

What would you take with you to a desert island? a case of the best champagne, a big sharp knife, a telescope and a tuning fork......so I could celebrate when I needed to, always carve and create, look at the stars and make musical instruments!

What irritates you? Climate change deniers; computers and their passwords when they don't work; my own impatience.......

Who would be your top two dinner party guests? poet/singer/songwriter Leonard Cohen; author/ campaigner Arundhati Roy

What is your hidden talent? not so much is hidden now......I make a really good curry, I like daaaaaaaaancing, I could have been a jazz pianist, if only....... What is your favourite motto? "the wheel is turning, it can't stand still; if the thunder doesn't get you, then the lightning will "

Twilight, Still Inlet (above) Sun, Wind & Stars (below)

What’s the best work related thing that you have done recently? Best recent work........I just published a book of poems and digital images dedicated to my late wife, Jan Sharland, who died of breast cancer in 2011. Many of the poems were written over the forty years we were together, the images made on the iPad recently as I wrote the later poems about coming to terms with losing her.

Terre Verte Contemporary Art Gallery Preview Exhibition, December 2014 Terre Verte is a new art gallery being established on the edge of Bodmin Moor in North Cornwall. The gallery will hold exhibitions and events that profile the work of contemporary artists, some local, some from further afield in Britain and beyond. The gallery will be open from May to December, opening in May 2015. As a preview, the gallery is opening for two weeks in December 2014. An exhibition, showcasing several of the artists whose work will be exhibited in 2015 as well as pieces by gallery owner, Richard Sharland, will run from December 8th to December 20th Monday to Saturday 10.00 am to 5.00 pm. Artists including Sarah Healey, Liz Doyle, Tessa Sulston, Stephen Lunn, Pete Ramskill, Pete Bousdell and Lin Deacon will have work in the exhibi-tion. Location: Altarnun is quarter of a mile from a junction on the A30, a short drive through Five Lanes following the signs. A bus service operates from Launceston. Terre Verte is located on the village street in the building that was once home to Pooleys Stores, close to the Post Office and village hall, near the old Methodist chapel. Parking in Altarnun is limited: there are a few spaces outside the gallery, some further down the village street and by the entrance to the church. Please re-spect people who live in the village by not obstructing entrances and doorways.

Contact: Terre Verte's website is still under construction but you can email the gallery: at terreverteinfo@gmail.com or call Richard on 01566 880405

Christmas Exhibition Shire Hall Gallery, Bodmin

To Tuesday 23rd Decem-ber, from 8.45am until 2pm, Monday through to Friday. It's a great chance to support local artists and makers producing lovingly created unusual and unique Christmas gifts. Artist Jen Bradley is one of the artists exhibiting.

Were on the Web! www.drawntothevalley.co.uk

Drawn to the Valley provides a great network for artists. A way of keeping in touch and exhibiting work inspired by their passion for the beautiful Tamar Valley Area and beyond.

Our artistic community is continuing to grow, please spread the word.

PLEASE SHARE YOUR NEWS AND LATEST WORK ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE Facebook - www.facebook.com/Drawn-to-the-Valley Twitter - Drawn2Valley

To book workshops contact Sheron King

Phone 01752 291260/ 07795805520

Email: sheron@madhattersstudio.com Workshops coming up.... Up cycled textile and found object jewellery workshop Sat 17th January 2015 10-4 £48 with Sheron King Come and learn how to make stitched cords and some textile bead techniques and design and make your own unique necklace. Also -please tell anyone you know with children or teenagers Young people/children `Make and Create` parties 8-10 children from £12 per head -materials included as well as juice and homemade cake/biscuits. BOOK NOW FOR ONLY £10 PER HEAD! Hen events also available. Come and make a bridal keepsake or corsage or decorations for the big day...a range of possibilities. Bring your own wine and I will provide some delectable goodies to eat! Why not have a tailor made workshop or event ?

The Plymouth Watercolour Society is holding an art fair at Plymstock library from Friday 19th to Monday 22nd December. A number of DTTV artists will be showing work all of which will be for sale. Contact Paul Kemp for further information: paulakemp5@sky.com

Thanks for all of your help and support this year

Drawn to the Valley Arts Administrator: Sarah-Jane Lincoln

20 Mill Hill Cottages Mill Hill

Tavistock Devon, PL19 8NW

Phone:0780 8813492 Email:sarah@dttv.co.uk

Designer Crafts at the Mall 2015 at The Mall Galleries

The Mall, London SW1 (near Admiralty Arch off Trafalgar Square)

Melanie Guy Exhibits

The Society of Designer Craftsmen is pleased to announce the 25th Designer Crafts exhibition at the Mall Galleries.

Private view - Thursday 8th January 6-8pm. Thursday 8th January to Saturday 17th January

Open daily 10am to 5pm Closes at 4pm on Saturday 17th January.

The exhibition will provide visitors with the chance to view, buy, or commission work from exhibitors from a range of crafts including textiles, jewellery, furniture,

ceramics, metal and glass and mixed media. In addition to the exhibited pieces, a wide selection of designer craft works will be available to buy and take away from the

“Shop within the Show” Do email me for any queries - meljoyguy@hotmail.com -

best seasonal wishes to you all