Four members of the Wessex Guild of Craftsmen took part in the Fareham Art Group’s Art and Craft Fair at Titchfield at the end of October 2021. Fareham Art Group is celebrating its 70th anniversary and marked the occasion with a move to the Titchfield Community Centre halls in Hampshire for this year’s event.
Fareham Art Group also decided to invite local craftspeople and artisans to provide the craft part of the exhibition.
The event started on the Friday evening with a Private View for invited guests. These included the mayor of Fareham, who selected a prize winner from the Fareham Art Group members’ paintings and pictures on display. Visitors were treated to refreshments and speeches, as well as browsing the wide range of art and craft on offer. There was also a tombola with many prizes that proved popular with guests.
The Wessex Guild was represented by four members, each of whom was selling a different and unique selection of artworks and gift ideas.
Bridget Bradshaw had a sparkling display of her original jewellery, made with precious metals and stones. Her one-off pieces included necklaces, earrings and bracelets, all of which would make a perfect gift for Christmas.
Long-standing member Susan Ware presented her exquisite painted ceramics. Many pieces had a delicate, Christmas theme, such as tiny holly leaves. There were many items suited to the Christmas table, including large platters, snack trays and jugs. Alongside these were Christmas decorations and festive tea light holders.
Elizabeth Saunders‘s stand held a flamboyant array of her original textile art. She had pieces ready to frame, framed artworks and many textile art cards for sale. There were also creative packs to inspire others to have a go.
Stained glass artist Linda Banks had a stand near a window to show off her glasswares to best effect. Her display ranged from original animal and bird sculptures in stained glass, to jewellery, light catchers and decorated vases. Her Christmas selection included 3D Christmas trees in bright colours, angels and holly decorations, plus snowmen sculptures and hangers. Her cats and robins proved particularly popular.
Fareham Art Group made the craft exhibitors very welcome throughout the weekend and their marketing of the event ensured a great turnout of visitors to see the paintings and crafts on offer.
If you missed the show, why not visit the Wessex Guild members’ pages via the links above? There is still time to buy or order something beautiful and handmade – you could tick off everything on your Christmas list!
