While I’m sat enjoying the spring sunshine I thought I’d write and tell you about last Saturdays ‘Artisan Market’ in Market Harborough, Leicestershire, that I was excited to be part of.
The markets are held in the Spring and in Autumn/Winter and take place at the top of the windy staircase, that leads you inside the quaint Old Grammar School, an iconic building that sits in the center of the bustling market town of Market Harborough.
The markets are organised by Bridget from Wistow Gallery https://wistowgallery.weebly.com/ and Alison from Simply Shaker https://www.facebook.com/SimplyShakerLove/ who enjoy bringing local artists and makers together.
Wistow Gallery have a stall at each market where they showcase a wealth of local talent. At this market there were art prints, ceramics, mosaics, felted animals and glass pendants on display (a mere hint at the breadth of work available in the actual gallery….do pop to Wistow for a look).
Simply Shaker had a range of lovely and beautifully simplistic wooden Shaker style creations. On display were decorations, bird boxes and mini wooden houses that Alison hand makes in her home workshop. I love the stars and crow themes.
Next to my stand was the lovely Feltings http://feltings.co.uk/. Another Alison, who uses the wet felting method to create a beautiful range of pictures, vessels, phone cases, brooches and cute booties from bonded wool fibres, with a floral theme. Alison also runs regular workshops and will soon be taking part in the Art House Art Trail in June http://www.art-house.org.uk/home.html.
Standing opposite me was local artist Maria Bragoli http://www.mariabragoli.com/ . Maria produces atmospheric fine art photography… “Painting by Camera” as she puts it. Her subjects include Trees at Wistow; photos taken on a misty and snowy winters day and created in a style inspired by the etching style of printmaking.
Next to mention is local artist Paul Hainsworth (ph@paulhainsworth.co.uk). Paul uses watercolour and creates ‘simple and naive’ works of art, depicting local sporting teams and scenarios, including his favourite Tigers rugby team. Paul has also created some 3d works of art of burly football and rugby players, that compliment his style of artwork perfectly.
Next up is Anna Calvert https://annacalvert.co.uk/. Anna creates stunning handmade silver jewellery in her studio and her pieces are inspired by the English countryside. As a lover of all things silver I had to stop myself from buying her simplistic rings, ruffle earrings and pod necklaces.
It was lovely to also meet Richard Jarvis http://www.richardjarvis.me.uk. Richard is an award winning wildlife artist, who’s inspired by wild birds and nature and uses these passions as the theme of his amazing range of lino cut prints. Richard also holds regular workshops at Wistow Gallery, where you can also see his collection of artwork.
The next stand featured the work of Market Harborough artist Jason Keeble https://www.keebleart.co.uk/ Jason paints quirky cartoons and illustrations incorporating characters he’s created, based on sayings, quotes and phrases from our wonderful English language that have caught his eye!
It was lovely to connect again with The Paper Creative https://www.thepapercreative.co.uk/ . Talented Childrens illustrator Sarah produces beautiful line drawings with a soft colour pallet that ” evoke a playful nostalgia”. Alongside a card and print collection, her calendars (I have one hanging in my own kitchen!) and even her own illustrated book, Sarah also had beautiful handmade dolls and fun painted pots holding cute cacti for sale.
Finally I suppose I ought to mention my stall Sarah King Art & Design! I had my lovely new card stand on display, as created for me by the fabulous Rustic Bespoke in Blaby https://www.facebook.com/RusticBespoke/ Jason also made my three tiered shelf for me last year, that I had my new original animal artwork displayed on (see image below!). Alongside my card range, mixed media floral and simple collage prints, limited edition prints in my browser, I also had my Grammar School original artwork, prints and matching cards on display. It was so nice to finally step foot inside the building that had inspired my artwork last year!
The markets restart in October and roll on Saturday December 1st when I’ll be back selling my cards, prints and original artwork and feeling all festive!
