by Jacky Pett
Our wonderful Summer Exhibition at The Hillier Gardens came to a close, and less than a week later we are on display — actively — at the Dovetail Centre.
Exhibition hits the heights
Despite the heatwave, there was a steady flow of visitors. Thankfully the temperatures dropped a little for the final weekend. Total sales were in the region of £6000, and a great many cards were in that total!
When I visited I gained an excellent impression from the layout. Obviously, most art groups that use the space have the same general flow, but the hanging was particularly well done. The Seascapes were beautifully brought together and provided each other with more distinction as a result. Each contrasted with the other, and the different media emphasised the manifold aspects of the sea.
In other areas, someone with a particularly good eye for colour, contrast and surprise had used their talents well. I don’t remember being so impressed with the impact of the display in the past. And the ceramics have gone from strength to strength. Maybe it’s just me.
I wonder how we are going to improve on that!
And so to HOS
Hampshire Open Studios started on Saturday, and the turnaround from Hillier to Chandlers Ford was achieved seemingly without any pressure at all. I doubt whether the organisers would agree.
I visited on Monday, after a busy weekend with good sales, and most were anticipating a few more visitors than had arrived. It’s just Monday in Chandlers Ford I think. The displays were all excellent, but unlike the exhibition, there is the opportunity to talk to the artists about their work, and watch them as they create it. This is not only interesting, but you get to learn some tricks you might not have thought of yourself. All this, and refreshments too!
The exhibits change daily, with some artists doing one or two days, some maybe more when space allows. Altogether we have fifteen artists taking part this year, with only two days not fully booked. I’m on standby, but I doubt I’ll be needed! Thank you to Alex for all his hard work on this event, which has its own complications, not least liaising with the HOS county team for most of the year.
Thank you to everybody who takes part, in front of the public or behind the scenes. It’s a terrific effort, as the results show.
Our HOS studio continues until 4 pm on Bank Holiday Monday.
