If you love to buy unique and handmade art and craft, make a note to visit the Wessex Guild of Craftsmen event taking place at Upham Village Hall in August 2024, as part of the annual Hampshire Open Studios.
Beautiful gift ideas will be presented by 15 members of the Guild, all of whom have reached the standards required to join this prestigious organisation. This is not ‘just another craft fair’!
Whether you are looking for a treat for a loved one, a special commission, something perfect for your home, or to see how exquisite crafts are created, Guild members will be pleased to meet you.
Chat with members about the work on display and enjoy delicious, freshly made refreshments from Annabel Bakes Cakes while you decide on your purchases. Different members will be demonstrating at various times across the two weeks of the show.
A broad range of skills will be on display, including stained glass, fused glass, textile bags, textile pictures, pottery, woven baskets, turned pens, lino-cut prints, needle-felted pictures, digital art, jewellery, wicker sculptures, abstract paintings, painted ceramics and fine illustration.
Win a £50 voucher
On Friday 16 August from 6-8.30pm we will be holding a preview evening with drinks and canapés to launch this spectacular event. Everyone is invited to join us and have the first look at this impressive exhibition. There is also the chance to win a £50 voucher to spend at the local pub, The Brushmakers Arms, so look out for the forms and hand them in.
Meet the artists
Linda Banks, a talented stained glass artist, creates stunning pieces that captivate with their intricate designs and vibrant colours. Her work uses traditional techniques but with a modern twist, bringing artistry and fun to many of her pieces.
Elise Barkes is a textile artist with a lifelong love of sewing and a passion for beautiful fabrics and colour. Each piece she creates is a unique work of art, often using recycled fabrics, beads and buttons to showcase her exceptional skill and creativity.
Sheila Barrow specialises in textile art, producing beautifully artistic pictures and cards using hand-dyed fabrics, from fine silk chiffon to velvet. Her work is characterised by intricate patterns and a delicate touch, making each piece a testament to her craftsmanship.
Jo Berryman, a potter, brings her creativity and expertise to life through her ceramic works. Her pottery pieces are known for their aesthetic appeal and functional design, reflecting her passion for the craft.
Dorothy Borland’s glass designs stand out for their innovation and beauty. She is skilled with fused glass techniques, which she combines with contemporary aesthetics to produce unique, eye-catching pieces that are both decorative and functional.
Louise Brown is a skilled basket maker whose handcrafted items are as functional as they are artistic. She weaves in English willow to make beautiful baskets that showcase her attention to detail and dedication to her craft.
Ron Caddy excels in woodturning, creating beautifully crafted wooden pens that highlight the natural beauty of the material. His carefully made, functional pieces demonstrate his accomplished craftsmanship.
Jo Cheer specialises in Lino-cut designs, producing detailed pictures that reflect her flair for design and colour. Her work often features carefully hand-crafted patterns inspired by nature, each piece making a unique statement.
Nicky Heard’s textile work is known for its intricate patterns and detailed craftsmanship. She creates beautiful pieces that combine various textures and techniques, using wool to ‘paint’ her highly realistic pictures of wildlife, resulting in stunning textile art.
Vicki Hunt, an accomplished artist, is celebrated for her vivid and emotive paintings. Her work often explores themes of nature, using bold colours or fine black-and-white detailing to create captivating pieces.
Nic Monks takes a unique approach to the creation of his exquisite jewellery, which is made from silver and recovered materials. He produces one-of-a-kind pieces that bring new life through recycling and are highly sought after.
Jacqueline Rolls brings a fresh perspective to traditional crafts with her mixed media sculptures. She works predominantly in woven Willow to create pieces that are both visually striking and thought-provoking.
Wendy Smith’s acrylic paintings are known for their bold colours and dynamic compositions. Her work often explores semi-abstract themes, using vibrant hues and expressive brushstrokes to convey emotion and movement, often inspired by the sea.
Susan Ware’s delicate artistic touch and sensitivity can be seen on her carefully painted porcelain wares. Her work often features soft, muted colours and intricate details, creating pieces that are both beautiful and serene.
Vanessa Wells’ illustrations and textile designs are whimsical and detailed, showcasing her creative versatility. Her work often features playful themes and intricate patterns, making each piece a delight to explore.
Event details
The official exhibition opens from Saturday 17 August to Bank Holiday Monday 26 August 2024 from 10am to 5pm daily.
Upham Village Hall is at Mortimers Lane, Lower Upham, Southampton SO32 1HF. It is near the junction between Mortimers Lane and the Winchester Road, close to the Alma Inn. There is lots of free parking next to the hall.
Bring your shopping list! 🙂
Images: A small taste of some of the art and craft made by the 15 Wessex Guild members taking part in Hampshire Open Studios at Upham Village Hall. To find out more about a particular artist, visit the profile on the Members page.
