Art Fair Cheshire starts tomorrow (May 26), showcasing the region’s finest creative talent.
More than 1,000 pieces of artwork will be exhibited at Macclesfield Town Hall every day (10.30 am-5 pm) until Sunday, June 5. Admission is free.
Three galleries – one dedicated to emerging artists – feature a variety of original artwork, while schoolchildren have created a ‘Field of Sunflowers’, the East Cheshire Hospice emblem.
Art Fair Cheshire, with AstraZeneca and Little Greene as headline sponsors, is run entirely by volunteers.
This year 150 helpers will be involved, while artists donate at least 40 per cent of sales to the Hospice helping support its art therapy unit.
Art displayed in the Assembly Room gallery covers landscapes, abstract, still life and surrealism while Capesthorne Gallery features craft work such as jewellery, glassware, photography and millinery.
Greeting cards are available and there is a pop-up café.
Special guest Nikki Parmenter is ‘Talking Textiles’ between 2-3 pm on Saturday (May 28), explaining about materials and techniques.
Among 80 exhibitors is Sue Asbury who paints from her Bollington garden studio. Her work covers abstract and figurative styles.
Sue Asbury whose art studio is in her garden.
She said: “I had a career as a graphic designer in London before moving back north and developing an interest in painting. I studied at Wilmslow Guild and really enjoy both figurative and abstract work.
“I’ve gradually built more of a profile over the years. This is the second time I’ll have exhibited here and it’s great to be able to contribute to a charity like the Hospice.”
Gazing out from her studio in the attic at her Macclesfield home inspires artist Francesca de Campora who has sold work in New York, Rome and Barcelona.
Artist Francesca de Campora whose work features at Art Fair Cheshire.
Italian-born Francesca, an illustrator and graphic designer, said: “I’ve been painting and drawing since I was a child. This is my favourite place to live – it’s such a lovely community and I love the outdoors. From my window I can see the hills while I paint.”
Papier mache models by art teacher Patty Callaghan will be on display. Patty, from Macclesfield, has featured at the event for many years.
Papier mache expert Patty Callaghan.
She said: “Most of what I use is recycled and I like working in 3D. I draw anyway so it’s an extension of that. I always enjoy doing the art fair. You see lots of other local artists and it’s a nice community event.” Patty’s website is folksy.com/shops/PapierMachePatty
* Visit www.theartfair.org.uk/