We were pleased to learn that our own Sue Evans was featured in the Sheffield Telegraph in the run-up to Christmas.

Sue was exhibiting as part of the annual Christmas Crackers exhibition at the Millenium Galleries.  The newspaper must have been quite taken with her work because they gave her almost a full-page spread, under the headline "Wood works for Sue".

If you are interested to read more of Sue's story, including her penchant for using driftwood, there's a copy of the article attached below.

You will be able to see more of Sue's work at our upcoming "Currently Crafted" exhibition at the Orangery in Wakefield at the end of March.

Quite a number of our members have work on display as part of the Creative Connections exhibition, hosted by the Cooper Gallery in Barnsley.  The exhibition opened in January and runs until Saturday 17th March.

The exhibition is themed on "sport and movement", and it is fascinating to see how the different artists have interpreted this in their own ways, ranging from highly dynamic sports photography through to abstract representations of movement in nature.

Here are various photographs of our members' work taken in situ at the exhibition.

Now that the excitement/pressure/trauma of Christmas is over, it's a good time to report on the success of our 2011 Wonderfully Made exhibition and the final amount donated to our most welcoming hosts at Silkstone church.

The bar was set by the 2010 event, when we raised almost £2000.  Could we do better amid the pervading atmosphere doom and gloom that had beset the country as a whole? 

Yes.

The cakes sold like (er) hot cakes and tea never tasted better (thank you ladies);  the raffle tantalised us and the bands transported us; and, most importantly, the sales tills were in meltdown.

All in all, this year saw us donating £2,725 to the church. 

A wonderful effort, wonderfully made, and our thanks go out to all.

We might just do it again next year.  And it might just be running from Thu 7th Nov - Sat 9th.  You might like to make a note in your diary.

Our life drawing sessions have finished for this year, but there is still chance to join us next year. We begin again at 7.30pm on Wed 25th January in Crane Moor Chapel.

Further details here.

This is both a gentle reminder for the regular attendees and an invitation to any newcomers who want to try life drawing. 

All abilities are welcome.  It's not just for pen/pencil artists either.  Indeed, life drawing is one of the best ways of improving the way that you represent the human form in whatever medium you usually work. 

So why not join us and give it a try.

Here are the pictures from Wonderfully Made that we promised in yesterday's blog.

We've had an excellent start to the event, with sales at the end of the second day up 25% on last year.  Given the economic climate, that has to be amazing.  We must be doing something right.  What more reassurance could you want that there are some beautiful items on show?

The other good news is that the sales figures mean that we have raised over £500 for the church's projects fund already.   The church was buzzing with people a few minutes ago, so that figure is totting up by the minute, and there is the raffle to add on to that. 

Don't forget that there is a rather tempting array of cakes, buns and sandwiches on offer in the cafe area.  It's worth coming in just for those.  There really is a lovely atmosphere in the church, so linger and enjoy. 

Tonight's entertainment is from Knock on Wood, who will be playing a selection of West African rhythms on traditional instruments.  Entry is free, but if you would like to make a small donation to support the work of Medecins Sans Frontieres in the drought sticken areas of Africa, they will be delighted to pass it on.

Wonderfully Made got off to a flying start with last night's Preview Evening, and it looks like being every bit as good as last year's event, if not better.  Lovely to see so many people.

There will be photographs coming shortly (we tried to take some last night, but too many people in the way.  Nice problem to have.)

We are running from 10am till 10pm today and tomorrow, and from 10-4pm on Saturday, so plenty of time to pop along.  

Our friends the Red Parrots did us proud last night with their folk music, and they will be performing again this evening.  It's worth coming along just to hear them.  It's toe-tapping stuff, and it's free!

Tomorrow night brings a change of music:  still ethnic, but moving far south to West Africa for drum-based rhythms from Knock on Wood.

Preparations for Wonderfully Made are now well underway.  The list of exhibitors is now confirmed, and we are now putting together the schedule of entertainments and demonstrations.  There are also photo's of last years event.

We still have few places available for a wire working workshop being given by Helena Sharpley.

Contact us if you are interested in taking part.

The workshop is to be held near Thurgoland and will run from 10.00 a.m. - 4.00 p.m.  Cost is £20.

Participants don't need to have any sort of artistic training, just an interest and willingness to have a go. 

Helaina has done several workshops in Primary Schools, if this is any encouragement to those fearful that they may not be "arty" enough! 

Take a look at Helaina's website to see the sort of work you will be creating.

A number of our members hope to be taking part in the exhibition of art being held as part of the Wortley Hall Remembered celebration.
The exhibition will run from Wed 5th October to Wed 12th October 2011.
No further details at present, but check out theWortley Hall website in due course

Put it in your diary.  November 3rd - 5th.  More details coming soon on the current
web site