Victorian Market at Rotherham Minster

On Saturday 27th November 2010 the team were part of the annual Rotherham Minster Victorian Market held within the Minster itself.

Unfortunately it snowed overnight which one would think would be perfect in creating an ambiance and a reason to attend, resulting in a packed church , unfortunately the Minster was undergoing renovation work which rather restricted access albeit in a small way. but as those who know it the Minster is right in the centre of the towns shopping area which is a good thing but it is also on an elevated position with steep steps to one side and a sloping cobbled roadway to the other side providing its main access from the shopping centre which throughout the day remained covered in ice restricting access to the Minster which was felt by the exhibitors through a lack of visitors.

This was not to say that the town was devoid of shoppers as witnessed by the author who checked the shopping centre it was just that they had difficulty getting up to the Minster, plus there seemed a distinct lack of marketing in the town on the day to inform the public of what was taking place, after all this is an annual event and was supposed to raise the profile of Rotherham and bring in the visitors as well as raising funds for the Minster.

It would be interesting to see how the Lady Mayor who opened the event arrived.

In fairness to Rotherham Corporation they did start spreading grit around the Minster around 3.30pm to aid the stallholders leave early due to lack of visitors, and they did have free car parking.

A wonderful opportunity to turn weather conditions to an advantage was lost.

Sorry Rotherham could have done better.

"A Silent Conversation"

Have you considered what makes a gallery? does it have to have a specific layout with spotlights and a hanging system? does it have to be dedicated and defined as a gallery? This was the thought that occurred to our reviewer when he came came to write this preview.
On Thursday night (25/09/2010) we attend a preview of "A Silent Conversation" being the latest combined art exhibition by Mick Foster, John Ledger and Mikk Murray in the West Yorkshire Village of 'Honley' just outside of Hudderfield.
The exhibition is self was located in 'Holme Valley Warehouse' situated on the main road running through the village, the name of the premises initially gave the mental impression of it being an industrial warehouse which proved to be erroneous, for these are commercial shop style premises which upon entering proved to be a treasure trove of art, sculpture and object d 'art fighting with, yet complementing each other for space on the lower floor but at the same time having some of the upper rooms totally dedicated to art work including the current exhibition.
The owner of the premises (another 'Mick') deals mainly in old style furniture comprising Wardrobes, Chest's of Drawers, Pews, etc, either in their original state or which have been refurbished as well as unusual and quirky pieces for the garden and home which have been placed in some cases where there is room, giving the premises an almost emporium feel.
You may ask what does this have to do with a contemporary art exhibition, the fact is that this mix of solid wood furniture belonging to another generation , quirky objects and this specific exhibition of modern art incredibly fits together, which caused us to ask "What make a gallery"?.
As usual the answer lies with you the viewer so rather than us posting a personal review of the exhibition itself, feel free to go along and visit the premises and exhibition, then tell us what you think.
Add your comments or opinions on the blog.
The Premises are situated at 11 West Gate, Honley, Huddersfield HD9 6AA
t.n 01484 667915 and is open Monday- Tuesday, Thursday-Saturday 10.00am-5pm, closed Wednesday & Sunday.
The Exhibition runs until the 8th October 2010.

"20x20" at Access

Entering its 5th year the Access Space's 5th exhibition has 48 pieces of art work on exhibition by various artists based on a mount of 20x20 in size hence the title.
The subject matter and style are left to the individual which had produced an eclectic mash of 20x20,s from paper mache' to prints and textiles, however surely this is what it is all about, the unknown and unexpected ranging from the figurative to the obscure or even tenuous.
Being a IT centre the exhibition has to be viewed in part with IT work taking place but this is not a detriment for as can be seen from some of the work the connection beween digital photography and IT work can sometimes be blurred and taken out of contex, but who is to say that it cannot or should not happen, we are talking artistic interpretation which relies on presenting that work to the viewer for judgement and criteque, that space none of it would happen.
The Access Space is open 11am-7pm and is situated at 3-7 Sidney Street, Sheffield

"The Working Artist"

"The Working Artist" is a joint exhibition by 7 young artists working in collaboration with each other to mount an exhibition of their work aided by collaboration with Barnsley Council in providing an empty shop situated within the town centre for the promotion of the arts by such individuals or groups such as this exhibition on display in the aptly named POD1.
The range covers photography, installation and fine art dealing with various subject pertinent to the artists own interest.
Artist exhibiting are Carys Bryan (Photography and drawing) Kate Burton (Photography)
Fiona Helen Halliday (Fine Art) Jessica Jones (Fine Art) John Ledger (Drawing) Sophie Littlewood (Sculpture) Lisa V Robinson (Fine Art)
For further information contact the Northern Young Artists at fiona'norhternyoungartists.co.uk

Review of Northern Futures 10 Award

The preview evening for the shortlisted entrants of the Northern Future 10 Award look place within Barnsley's newly built Civic building which hosts a number of galleries and exhibition rooms adding to the status of the town as an up and coming place for the arts.
The exhibition featuring four categories under Fine Art, 3D design, Film, and Fashion. showed that not only does the North have a huge range of artistic talent but it has the facilities to do them justice.
It is not the purpose of this review to go into detail or extol the merits of any individual exhibitor but rather to comment on the fact that not all roads lead to London.
The exhibition runs until the 10th of September,

Review of Mikk Murray Exhibition at Gallery 4'33"

Mikk Murray had the honour of being the opening exhibitor at the preview of the new gallery (4'33") FourThirtyThree on Mowbray Street, Sheffield
The brainchild of artist Mick Foster the gallery is situated within an industrial quarter creating and rejuvenating a new lease of life to premises in what would have been ignored and overlooked yet once again reflects what artists can see and do with nothing.
Mikk's exhibition is rather potent yet thought provoking in the message it is getting across.
For some time bees have been subjected to a mite which has decimated colonies across the world and whilst you may say "So what?" think on this, No bees=no pollination=no crop set=no crop=no food=starvation=extinction. Yet only £250.000 has been allocated to research in the UK from which a large cottage industry and food producers rely on bees.
Only a suggestion but perhaps Mikk's next bee themed exhibition in the not to far future may have to be called
"We know where the bees went but what did we do about it?"
The reviewer can see this gallery becoming a venue as the conscience of those who care about what we have, where we are going, and how we are getting there.
We look foreward to reviewing further exhibitions from 4'33"
The exhibition runs until the 20th August 2010

"Old Bones Dark Waters"

The photographic exhibition "Old Bones Dark Waters" by Alan Melling at the Coterie Gallery in Shefffield opened on the 16th July 2010 to a well received viewing from a cadre of interested patrons.
Taking a totally different outlook on what is there but not usually noticed be it animal vegetable or mineral the photographer has isolate a part or details of the whole and produced an image which illuminates parts of the subject matter yet giving it an appearance of being suspended in a fathomless void.
Whilst this may be sufficient for most photographers Melling takes it to an even further stage by catching the highlights of certain parts which pushes the background deeper whilst pulling parts of the subject foreword in such a manner as to be almost resembling an oil painting.
Some of the subject matter of old bones from where the exhibition obtains its titles may seem an unlikely subject matter but that is the whole point of the exhibition where coming across the unexpected and seeing shape and form within what nature and life casts aside and creating a new visual life form has produced an exhibition of photographic merit.
Whilst Melling embraces the use of digital photography he is still an exponent of the traditional film and many of the images have been created from an old 35 mm camera which has accompanied him on many of his journeys around the world where the light can produce stunning visual effect not seen in the UK which can give rise to presumptions that digital imagery has been employed to produce the effects.
Entry to the exhibition is free.
Prints are for sale from a little as £40 which are mounted and framed ready for hanging, or prints and mounts only.
All prints are produced using best quality inks and paper which carry a manufacturers guarantee of being fade free for 70+ years.
The Gallery is situated at the bottom of Pack Horse Lane, High Green, Sheffield S35 3HY, and is open Monday - Friday 9am-5pm directions can be found on the website www.coteriegallery.co.uk
It has free parking, full disabled access, craft shop, cafe' and backs onto the Westwood Country which combined with its next door neighbours indoor children's play area makes it a pleasant few hours for the individual or families. during the school holiday.

Coterie Open review

Taking in two galleries the second 'Coterie Open' art exhibition opened with a preview for exhibitors, their family, friends and invited guests.
The exhibition has an eclectic mix of genres, and styles, including photography and textiles with a extra display of freestanding
textile work in gallery 'B'.
For many exhibitors this provided an opportunity to meet with other artists and exchange information on artistic styles and methods as well as providing a platform for further exhibitions.
During the course of the evening certificates and awards were presented with commended certificates and prizes awarded to Alan Jackson . Vicky Gray, and Joy Barnes. the highley commended award went to Loretta Cusworth for her painting 'Ghost Ship'
Vicky Gray Loretta Cusworth Alan Jackson

The public have an opportunity to participate and become a critic by voting for the 'Public Favorite' during the exhibition period which runs until Thursday 15th July

See News Events & Exhibition pages for additional details

"Accessories"

The start of the Ulley Groups exhibition "Accessories" got off well with a good turn out at their preview on the Friday night.
Attended by many friends, colleagues and interested parties the evening proved to be enjoyable, and a launch pad heralding the start of this artistic interpretation of everyday objects.
As to be expected some nerves were evident as is usual when exposing work to the comments and scrutiny of our peers and public, but this is part of the agony as well as the ecstasy.
On the positive side this exhibition will no doubt be an incentive for members to continue to exhibit and produce fine art.

The Rotherham Art Gallery hosting the 4th Annual 'Rotherham Open Art' exhibition has once again proved to be a delight of talent from across the region with a variety of artwork to suit all tastes.
Well hung and presented this free exhibition situated in the Central Library and Arts Centre, on Walker Place does the gallery and the town proud in presenting a showcase of what it has to offer in bringing art and culture to the area.
With over 73 pieces on display most of which are for sale this is an event which supports not only the town but also the artists taking part as well as affording the public an opportunity to own original art.
Like all public events the emphasis has to be on the public in supporting it in order for it to survive so go along and see it.
The exhibition runs until the 12th June 2010
Further information can be obtained on 01709 336633 e-mail cliftonparkmuseum@rotherham.gov.uk

Shelley Iqbal at 'The Bloc'

The latest exhibition by Shelly Iqbal seen at 'The Bloc Studios' consists of a series of paintings part of which follow her interest in the Gothic but have recent additions in the form of paint poured onto stretched Viole in a colourful geometric pattern the effect of which when hung and lighted produces a further shadow pattern on the wall within the frame giving a 3 dimensional effect.
It seems to be an extension and further development of her study into naturalistic shapes and forms combining with that of designs prevalent on stained glass but this is no heavy thick black lines but delicate and light, which is in total contrast to her other work in the Gothic.
Her recent work 'after Klimt' of 'The Kiss' has the grim reaper scythe in hand standing alongside the lovers no doubt in a symbolic gesture over the frailty of love, or could it be a love which never dies. either way the choice as with all art is with the viewer.

"Dead Guilty" a Ecclesfield Priory Players Production

It must be said that of all the plays by the EPPic theatre we find them to be guilty of another fine example in their latest production which ran until the 15th May, in fact it could be said they are 'Dead Guilty' which happened to be the title of the play written by Richard Harris and produced by the Ecclesfield Priory Players own Tom Travis.
With a cast of four this psychological thriller relies on the two main characters to carry it off which it has done admirably in the shape of Wendy Martin and Debbie Cockayne.
Set in the living room of Julia Darrow (Wendy Martin) who is convalescing from injuries received in a car crash in which her married lover John Haddrell suffered a heart attack and died, we are introduced to John's widow, Margaret Haddrell, (Debbie Cockayne) apparently trying to make sense of her husbands death by visiting Julia.
Initially portrayed as a nervous timid creature set against Julia's self confident caustic character we see over time the emergence of Margaret's Jekyll and Hyde persona well presented by Debbie Cockayne who delivered the lines with the appropriate infliction of tone and but supplemented it with body language that took her role from timid to the psychotic,.
Meanwhile Wendy takes Julia through a physical degenerative metamorphosis which by the end has her transformed on stage to a physical and mental wreak.
Like any theatre production the stage has to be set and as usual the rest of the team did a superb job in the design and construction which as we have commented before would leave any West End Production green with envy, shame it has to be taken down.
Another fine production by the Priory Players to which the author has already booked for the next one in October.

Sean Williams in exhibition

Following on from his successful group exhibition at the NGH Clock Tower Gallery last year, Sean Williams new solo exhibition opened on Friday 6th May 2010 at Swinton Lock Gallery, Rotherham, and runs until the 4th June 2010.
Sean's speciality is in small pieces of artwork depicting everyday things around us but which may go unnoticed to the untutored eye, he takes the big overall picture and compresses it into a space of a few inches yet he will also go into a detail of the the overall picture providing us with an enlarged view in miniature.
Sean works in acrylics on carefully prepared board in a pointillist style bringing together thousands of tiny dots to deceive the eye into forming a picture, no mean feat in regular size paintings so imagine the same on a 7"x5"and you will have some idea of the skill, attention to detail and the time consumption in producing a single painting.
On the plus side Sean must be the only artist in the area who is able to carry his exhibition in his pockets, however from the viewing of this current exhibition he will now need a suitcase, having moved up in scale with some of his works.
Whilst still retaining a pointillist style it is noticeable that especially on some of the larger works the paint has been overlapped and merged producing a slightly different style which is a little more traditional but without losing any of the attention to detail, indeed if anything it enhances the luminosity and dappled effects of the summer shadows thrown by the leaves on the walls in the pastoral scenes or the dark dank walls under the bridge of the city scape's, giving an almost photographic quality in which the masterly user of chiaroscuro and the build up of layers has produced a great depth of inner perspective taking the viewer deep into the painting itself.
This is an exhibition not only for aficinados of the genre but also for students of detail, however we do have a criticism as to why this artist greatly undervalues his work.
On the basis of the time taken in the production of each painting their worth in monetary value is far in excess of that which is asked, but Sean obviously follows the maxim that as an artist his achievement is to strive to surpass himself and for his work to be worthy of his own approval, and in this respect we think he succeeds.
The Gallery is open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm and can be contacted on
http://www.swintonlock.org.uk/
info@swintonlock.org.uk

Review of "ArtS64" exhibition at the Clock Tower

"Art S64" is the current exhibition at the 'Clock Tower Gallery, situated within the grounds of the Northern General Hospital. and running from the 26th April to 19th May 2010.
The exhibition covering both floors of the gallery is a joint effort by a number of artists having a common link with Swinton Lock Activity Centre, based as its name implies at Swinton in Rotherham. www.swintonlock.org.uk
Taking a wide range of styles, and mediums covering a wide spectrum of art genre's it would be remiss to detail any specific work on display, suffice to say that the very nature of the exhibitions diversity caters for a wide range of public taste in art.
The exhibition itself has been well curated and themed with the work affording a relaxing atmosphere in which to browse, for a hospital this is has to be a bonus which needs to be exploited both for the benefit of the exhibitors and the gallery (Hospital board take note)
curators can do the impossible but miracles need help.
Overall a well balenced exhibition worth visiting.
Further details of the artists exhibiting or activities at the gallery contact Kerry Blackett on e: kerry.blackett@sth.nhs.uk or Swinton Lock www.swintonlock.org.uk

Previewing the Happy Dabblers

Saturday the 24th April saw the Coterie Gallery playing host to members of the Original Monteney Art Group at a private viewing to the start to their exhibition which runs from the 23rd April to the 13th May.
The day was fine and warm with wall to wall sunshine giving an added bonus to the event not that this group needed it as it was an ideal opportunity for a social gathering, and to renew acquaintances not seen for some time as well as making new friends.
For those not in the know the Monteney At Group is a long established group who were originally based on the old Monteney School site, now long gone, hence their commitment to their roots by emphasizing themselves as the 'Original Monteny Art Group'.
Eventually they ended up at their present location situated at the Scout & Guide building on Salt Box Lane, Grenoside where they meet every Wednesday morning between 10.00-12.00pm, however somethings do not change and one of them is their mentor and tutor in the form of Artist Richard Clark who's commitment and skill has produced from the members some fine artwork and inspiration to higher things over the years.
All to often the work of local groups are sometimes hidden as is their work so it is pleasing that they can be afforded the same opportunity as professional artists with a full three week professional exhibition.
Some of the artwork is for sale at ridiculously low prices so this is a good opportunity to buy, however they will be pleased just for people to attend, see their work and leave comments.
Further information about the group or the exhibition may be obtained from the Gallery
www.coteriegallery.co.uk anthony@coteriegallery.co.uk 07981 851174 or 078746 718658
The Gallery is open Monday to Friday 9am-5pm Entry and parking is free, it has full disabled
access, Caf'e, Craft shop, and backs onto Westwood Country Park

Car Boot on the Campus

The start of the famous Campus car boots started its season on Sunday the 11th April to a dull but dry day, however this did not prevent the early birds from setting up well before time nor did it stop the bargain hunters turning out to catch the pick of the offerings from some 35 car boots and stalls in attendance.
Not a bad turn out for the start of the season which will no doubt build up as the monthly events progress.
By 9.30 the sun had broken through adding a pleasant feel to the event which obviously relayed itself to the public judging by the increase in the number of people turning up.
Out on the patio between the sports hall and the cafe', refreshments were taken at the outside tables giving a picnic atmosphere which come summer will be almost carnival.
Judging from the number of bulging bags many people found a bargain which no doubt will be repeated at the next events and those following so it looks like a lot more work on the day for the indomitable Jackie Hall (but she can do it)
The Campus can cater for many more stalls and cars so pass it on.
The next boots will be on the first Sunday of each month from 9am-1pm set up 8am
Cars £6.00. Car & Trailer £8.00
For bookings contact reception 0114 284 4444 or, you can turn up on the day but you take your chance on a space.

Hullaballos 1st birthday party event

"Havoc and Mayhem at Hullabaloo's"

Well what did you expect when a couple of hundred kids were let loose at Hullabaloo's first birthday party event.

To celebrate its first birthday Hullabaloo's premier children's indoor play centre based on the Campus at the bottom of Pack Horse Lane, High Green held a free open event taking in the whole of the campus building and grounds with a huge craft fair and activities.

The day was blessed with brilliant sunshine favouring the outdoor mini fair, climbing wall and cycle doctor, whilst the newly revamped secure inner quadrangle resembled a teagarden rather than a kindergarden where the kids were able to indulge in play activities whilst parents partook of a dose of culture in the art galleries current exhibitions and craft shop, browsed the numerous craft stalls, and relaxed with a drink and something from the B.B.Q. as if that wasn't enough the fire brigade arrived in the afternoon which proved a massive attraction.

However as to be expected the Hullabaloo's play centre's free open day proved to be an outstanding success for the kids judging from the amount of noise, little wonder that some parents needed to go outside to have a walk in the Country Park.

All in all the day was an outstanding success not only for Hullabaloo's and the Campus but also for the Charities who will benefit from all the fundraising on the day.

Michelle Ward the manager of Hullabaloo's and the person responsible for organising the event

would like to thank all her staff, family and friends for all the hard work they put into making the event happen, she would also like to thank the sponsors and donors of the prizes towards the fundraising and hopes to see everyone back at the Campus soon.

For further information contact Michelle on http://www.hullaballos.org.uk/ enquiries@hullaballoos.org.uk 0114 2848921

"The Horse in Art"

The setting for this review is the North Light Gallery situated at Armitage Bridge, just outside Huddersfield and the subject is a solo exhibition by equestrian artist Carol (Caro) Ward.
Caro is an exponent in the structure and movement of the horse producing huge drawings and studies of these animals having researched and explored equestrian anatomy during her time at University which shows in her execution and rendition of these magnificent animals, a fact which was unfortunately unrecognised at the time due to art schools obsession with theoretical abstract art.
We are reminded of the saying "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder" but the beholder needs to see the beauty.
In this exhibition she explores the horse and its relationship with humans through various stages of history in contemporary form, yet in part it takes on an almost allegorical rendition which reminds one of Walter Crane`s "Neptune`s Horses" whilst another takes us to an age of chivalry with an almost mythological unreality.
In contrast to this display of raw energy, in some of her recent work it almost appears that this energy has been spent and it time to relate to a gentler period.
Minimalistic brush strokes carefully executed over a Mosaic of almost cavalierly thrown splashes of colour create an impression of horses charging through the canvas from another dimension into reality, yet this is relaxing artwork making the viewer feel at ease.
An unusual feature during this exhibition will be tuition by Caro in drawing the horse, quite literally with a live horse as a model, it`s concept and actuality being made possible with the open minded experimental attitude and cooperation of the gallery, helped of course by having a gallery able to cater for this type of life drawing, but "If you have it, Use it" which is something that we hope they will continue to do.
The exhibition runs from the 5th March to the 29th May 2010.
Further information about the gallery and the exhibition can be found on http://www.northlightgallery.org.uk/ e:northlightgallery.co.uk
Caro can be contacted on http://www.caro-artist.co.uk/ e:info@caro-artist.co.uk

Exhibitions at the Clock Tower Gallery

Two new exhibitions have just opened at the Clock Tower Gallery situated within the grounds of the Northern General Hospital, Sheffield taking in the upper and lower galleries.
Running from the 1st to 21st March 2010 for both exhibitions, the ground floor is showing an exhibition of photography by Charles Everest of the 1970 Isle of Wright music festival.
Charles was the "Press Liaison" photographer at the event allowing him access to the artists taking part and behind the scenes activity.
This placed him in a unique position from which he has been able to produce a historical record of the festival and of the stars not seen before in this first time exhibition.
A must see for photographers and fans of Hendrix and Diaz.

In the upper gallery is a another first time solo exhibition by Yvonne Lindley, a much sought after painter who combines her love of art with her work as a care assistant.
Yvonne has carried her signature landscape poppy theme through to this exhibition with new work but has also introduced abstract works which seems to take the viewer into detail, yet still identifies its author with thin lines representational of flower stems.
Thick impasto crafted paint carefully placed, gives a 3 dimensional image which is enhanced with the use of primary colour to give vibrancy that is given added impetus when viewed in diptych and triptych presentation.
We are not too sure where she is going with a new introduction of landscape involving scenes of waterfalls but we await further developments.
We cannot see these paintings being unsold for long and would suggest an early viewing.

Further details and sales can be through the arts coordinator/curator Kerry Blackett on e:Kerry.Blackett@sth.ngh.uk

EPPic Theatre News

The next production of the Ecclesfield Priory Players at the E.P.P.i.C is the farce
"I'll Get My Man" running from Tuesday 16th February to Saturday 20th February 2010.
Produced by Ray Thompson tickets are available priced £6.50 (Concessions £5.50)
0114 2402624.
The 'Coterie' critic will be submitting a review later.

Our in house artist Les Bell has a current solo exhibition in the Bell corridor (no connection) at the Howarth Gallery, Accrington. from the 13th January - 28th February 2010.
Speaking about the exhibition "Shadows and Reflection of London" which is figurative collection n oil on board, Les stated " These paintings endeavour to capture the unchanging nature of the architecture, the bustle of the populous, the volitile whims of the weather and the resulting play of light and shade, shadow and reflection.
Whilst the original artwork is not for sale the Howarth have a number of limited edition prints on Olmec Archival 230grms paper and set off with Ivory mounts priced at £20.00 each, or mounted on Rosewood and gilt frames at £40.00
For further information on the exhibition go to the Howorth web site www.hyndburnbc.gov.uk
or Les at the www.coteriegallery.co.uk