As part of the growing Derbyshire Open Arts weekend 15 Banks Mill artists will be showcasing their work to the public, including fine art, photography, illustration, ceramics, jewellery, textiles and fashion design.
During Spring Bank Holiday, Saturday 25 to Monday 27 May between 11am-5pm you can visit the mill to see a variety of artists in their studios, all of whom will be happy to talk about their work and what inspires their creations.
Banks Mill Studios is the only city centre venue where you can visit and see a diverse range of work all under one roof.
You can visit Louise West, who will show you how she makes and designs her hallmarked fine silver jewellery from silver clay. Louise not only designs jewellery, she is also a traditional bobbin lace maker which seems to be a dying art in this digital age.
Tanya Burdina is a fashion designer maker who specialises in exclusive made-to-measure tailoring and dressmaking. Tanya starts at the designing stage, making all of her own patterns to finally hand making special, bespoke outfits for all occasions.
Tanya comments: “I gained some really valuable and positive feedback last November during the Banks Mill annual open studios event. This is the first time I’ve participated in the Derbyshire Open Arts festival and I’m really excited to be taking part and talking to the public about my designs again.”
Also on show will be artwork from one of our newest members, Sujata Aten. Her paintings are based on collected experiences and memories of being born and brought up in India, her travelling and having lived in England since 2000. Landscapes, nature and wildlife are her source of inspiration.
Take a visit to studio 1.7 and you’ll find not only a ceramics studio with a potters’ wheel but also bags, ties and home accessories made out of recycled fabrics. Jayne Woodbridge doesn’t let anything go to waste and transforms unwanted clothes, curtains and fabric offcuts into beautiful accessories.
Laura Williams, who manages the Evolve Incubation Centres comments: “It’s a great opportunity to showcase the creative talent of Derbyshire artists. The open is a chance for the public to speak to our artists and makers about their work and how they hand make their creations, and you can also purchase unique, one-off products.”
Since its small beginnings in 2006, the Derbyshire Open Arts weekend has grown, with 306 talented, creative people signed up for the event this year. There is free entry to all venues and visitors will have an opportunity to see and buy original works of art – be it paintings, sculptures, jewellery, textiles or ceramics. Many local artists and craftspeople will accept commissions and also offer workshops, demonstrations and talks.
Derbyshire Open Arts has produced a colourful and informative 66-page brochure. The clear-to-read instructions and location maps enable visitors to find and plan routes around the venues over the three days. Brochures are available free in all tourist centres and libraries, and from participating artists.
To view a list of all our participating artists please visit: http://banks-mill.evolvederby.co.uk/events/derbyshire-open-arts-weekend/
To find a full list of Derbyshire Open Arts participants visit their website www.derbyshireopenarts.co.uk.
For more information about Banks Mill Studios ring 01332 – 594170 or visit www.evolvederby.co.uk