Spam, spam, spam, spam, spam!

We are about to close the fishbone arts forum, not because we want to, but because it is plagued by porn merchants, viagra peddlers and other low life...

The genuine members have been faced with a torrent of rubbish and consequently the forum is all but a wreck. We have had to continually ban and strike the rubbish posts, put in place a system of membership by application only and now, of course, have a torrent of membership applications coming by mail from the same idiots

If you want to keep the forum open then please contact us and express your support. We will then do all we can to make sure this can't happen.

If we do not get the support we need then we will close the facility a fortnight from now

Thanks

Asha Bantan BBC Interview

Here's a link to a BBC piece about the current show ~

Asha Banton

We will get a copy of the full interview with Asha screened on Midlands Today last Wednesday evening and put it on the website at some point.

Asha Speaks - Asha talks about his life and collection

On Saturday 14th November Asha Bantan will be at the gallery from 2pm till 6pm to deliver a talk about his life and the collecting drive that has filled his house to bursting point with African artworks and objects. There will be a Q&A session afterwards too!

Anyone who couldn't make the private view last Thursday, missing the chance to talk to Asha one-to-one, should come along and meet this wonderful man.

Admission is £3 on the door, Refreshments available.

Post Private View

'another one bites the dust' Thursday saw the latest private view at the gallery. As ever we were still rushing around up the very last minute, that really adds to the excitment of the evening - well that's what I keep telling myself anyway.

The evening was exceptionally fine - we saw a great deal of new faces, which is always a pleasure.

Asha loved the night - he was holding court to his vast array of admirers - everybody wanted to speak to him and hear his story. As soon as one person left him, another was there to hear it all again. He was like a movie star for the evening...the 9 o'clock end went out of the window and its was probably more like 11 before the last person left.

One of the best private views we had so far - a fitting beginning for the 2nd year of the gallery.

Judy

Asha Banton's Collector's Journey - Radio and TV coverage

Asha Banton's Collector's Journey is now the subject of both a radio and TV interview.

Tonight at 6pm, BBC's Midlands Today runs a feature focussing upon Asha at his home and an interview with Jeff at the gallery.

Tomorrow at some time between 11 and 12 noon, BBC Coventry and Warwickshire (94.8 FM) air an interview with Asha, also at his home.

Don't miss them!

Judy

Tuesday, Wednesday then transformation Thursday

Its only a couple of days until the private view for the next show featuring Kate, Jon, Asha and Jeff. Looking at the gallery in the midst of preparation its difficult to believe it can be ready for visitors after only 48 hours - a secret best kept I think....The prep' for the show had an interesting turn yesterday, Jeff was contacted at the Gallery by BBC Coventry & West Midlands Radio, they'd heard about the show and wanted to know more.

I spoke to Asha (Chris) & as a result of the interest he had an interview this morning, after speaking to Asha again this evening he mentioned that they were going to air the interview before the private view on Thursday... so a little more publicity for the Fishbone - onwards and upwards.

And yet there's more... but I'll tell this little tit bit of info' tomorrow.

Have to go Zena making treacle toffee at home - old family recipe - full of fattening stuff - yum -yum -yum.....

I'm back the toffee is looking goooood....

A few hours later - still here Jon, Kate and Kev arrived a few hours ago - Kate with her prints which are going up on the wall as I write. Jeff arrived back from fishing about the same time just as we opened the first bottle of wine - his timing is unbelievable - but then we polished off the curry before he returned so all was not lost.

I have a feeling this is going to be show to remember....

A title at last...

It's taken some debate a couple of silences from Jeff but we've finally come up with a title for the next show...see the main website for the full details. The private view is on the 05th November, and we're now back in the midst of once again getting ready for the next installment.

Brrrr its 'wintertery'

Am in the gallery - and OK I know I haven't updated the blog every day as promised - but then I was never in the girl guides so my promises don't always count...but to go back to what I was saying - I am in the gallery its 10 at night and it's b*****dy freezing - we have got to put on the heaters... by the the time the next PV comes along on the 05th November we should have got the place to an ambient temperature.

So you might ask yourself how is the next exhibition shaping up - well thank you for asking it's coming along very well - Kate has taken some great pictures for the publicity to which we are adding the final touches. Hopefully if all goes to plan the invites to the PV will be winding their way out to one and all very soon - unless the post goes on permanent strike then we'll have a bit of trekking to do.

The forum - (have a look on the website!) has just been de-porned - we unfortunately had an infiltration of weird and wacky and frankly 'ugh' ...but now it is as innocent as the dawning day (how poetic - I think the cold is getting to me!)

I've just updated the book post mainly so I can boast that at least I have finished the selected book from the last meeting of the Fishbone Book Club - I shall leave it to the others in the group to read this (because - lets face it it's the only thing they are reading!) to feel duly guilty - it may well be that I'll be talking to myself about the merits and low points of 'Birdsong' by Sebastian Faulks. (only kidding folks :-)

Monday - busy day at the college - literally not much time to do anything - still ploughing through the marking of the 1st assignment from my students - 34 scripts - help meeeee - I'm sinking fast........

Judy

missed a day - so much for promises

Hi all

Well I failed miserably and although I said I would up date this blog daily - there was no entry yesterday...anyway moving swiftly on - I trailed over to Hinckley yesterday to collect some carpet tubes from a friend who has a carpet warehouse - the reasons for which will become clear once you visit the show. Armed with numerous cardboard tubes - which in another way is my contribution to the recycling of the nation, and after getting hopelessly lost in Hinckley I found my back to the gallery and presented my finds to Jeff - like a hunter back from the field...

This evening Jeff has transformed very imaginatively - well its not that Jeff has transformed himself more like he's transformed the tubing...

Great photos from Kate came through - and we're all getting together tomorrow to design the publicity and plan our campaign....it feels good to be back preparing for an exhibition.

Till tomorrow or perhaps Saturday as we're off to the Greyhound tomorrow evening - and anything may happen then.

Judy

My excuse - its the beginning of term...

Ok so that' not really an excuse however it's the best I can do with regard to my lack of contributions to the blog recently.

So, what you may ask has been happening in the world of Fishbone recently. Jo's show finished and we decided to give ourselves sometime to re-evaluate the whole process of the art world - well the little bit that's attached to Jeff, myself, the kids and Longford - and of course not forgetting the rest of the people that have invested in us over the past year.

Jeff has been using the gallery as studio space to produce some more work, which is coming along nicely - he still hasn't a show however - his dates keep being moved along...

We have really enjoyed the time since we've been operating as the Fishbone and it's only right after what is coming up to a year we should question our presence - and we have in no uncertain terms. And although our common sense tells us that we should cut and run - we honestly can't do that the gallery is an integral part of our lives and we shall continue. We are busy with artist shows and busy with visitors... it is a big responsibility however to run the gallery and at times it can be exhausting - we feel however, even if it's only in a small way, we make a difference to some peoples lives...mainly artists and people who like samosa's (you'd have to come to a PV to understand the last reference)

Sooooo... with this in mind we should announce that our next show will be the long awaited Exhibition of a "Collection" - I shall say no more than this for the time being but suffice to say that the private view is the 29th of October and we shall once again be starting what is coming up to our 2nd year with as much gusto as we have always had.

The people concerned with this show are very close to our hearts, they have supported us constantly since we have opened - they don't really know (i think) how much that is appreciated...they are however nervous as the next artist would be...it's a roller coaster ride of fun, frustration and frantic wine buying...ahhhh!!

I shall try and update this blog daily to let you start to feel how franatically (I know that's not a word but just humour me!) hectic an exhibition can be....

Starting with tomorrow - Jeff and co are off to see the 'Collector', Jeff & I are off to a local carpet shop for some carpet tube...and (this is the best bit!) Jeff said he'd make me tea in bed in the morning - now really, which one of these is the most unlikely to happen?

...you shall be informed

Till very soon.... Judy

Fishbone Book Club has begun

This evening saw the first meeting of the Fishbone Gallery Book Club - as promised there was good conversation - not all bookish strayed onto films etc & fine(ish) wine. It seems to me that sometimes we have to be told to take the time to read, I certainly can always find something else to do - reading and possibly taking yourself away from your normal day to day seems to be more and more indulgent. I really en joyed talking this evening it was a good night to have...anyway after great debate (well not really - randomly picked from selection!) we choose to read 'Birdsong' by Sebastian Faulks - not the latest but certainly one I never read - so its off the Amazon to buy bulk buys. If you want to come along to the next meeting it would be great to see you...whoever you might be. Have a read and check the website again soon for the date of the next meeting...

BTW Jeff out fishing tonight - not back yet - I know its possible to fish at night but where is the comfort factor - brrrrr.

ttfn Judy

Fishbone Book Club coming soon!

 The Fishbone Book Club will be holding its first meeting at the gallery on Tuesday 22nd September at 7pm. If you are interested in literature and want to join then just come along and participate. There will refreshments laid on and plenty of conversation about bookish things!

See you there!

Judy

Gallery closure.

Please note that Jo Powers installation 'Recursion' has now ended and the gallery will be closed until our next show, details of which will be published as soon as we have all the information.

In the meantime Jeff is using the gallery as a studio so that he can get some work done on his own material, something he has been unable to do since we opened the gallery to the public last November.

Thanks,

Judy

Back from the Avon

Hi

Jeff and I managed to get away for a couple of days recently - Jeff for fishing and me for not thinking about anything vital.  Kate & Kev came along for one night and even though it poured down, we decided to stay over for two more - there's something quite very therapeutic about being stuck in a tent looking out the rain especially with a couple bottles of vino. Am glad to say the tent and our very ingenious awning did not collapse under the strain of the mid summer monsoon.  

Jeff was very happy as he managed to catch a 'beautiful best' of a 9lb Barbel  and Kev' who hasn't angled for over 12 years caught 8 different types of fishes - Kate has the evidence on film so photo's are a coming...

Kate and I went off the Stratford and found a great new Italian Cafe, great food & atmosphere.

Meanwhile back at the ranch Jo Powers has been busy (to say the least) installing her piece for the next exhibition.  Not only has she done this, but along with others has completely repainted the whole of the gallery, still light upstairs and dark downstairs, come along this Thursday for the private view to see the results.

Jeff off to London today for 2 weeks work, so lots of time to myself...so not more time for this.

See you on Thursday at PV.

Judy

Fishbone forum

We've created a forum for the website so that all those who want to talk art, chat nonsense, post notices about upcoming shows, et al, can let the world know. Please join up and make it work - it'll be worth it!

Fishbone Arts Forum

There's a bug going round...

The most difficult hang imaginable, is what it was. Lots of work, each piece of which required its own breathing space and with late entries making an early and relaxing hang a redundant idea. It was all done on time though and on Thursday night a fair few people came through the doors to view the show - not quite so many as we had predicted due to a horribly unpleasant weather front passing through and dousing us all. But Jeff did well with an improvised ciggy shelter from his fishing umbrella, which proved popular with smokers and non smokers alike.

As an open exhibition it was a first for the gallery. We kept the show small so that we could learn from any mistakes without the mistakes costing us dearly - if we had been inundated with submissions then we may have hit some real problems.
As it was we only really had a couple of grumbles - of which one wanted to submit a large number of prints but also wanted to negotiate on the cost of submission - obviously a 'no goer' one rule for all on this one. The other was a different matter in relation to submission fee and commission.

We're not sure where the idea came from that we were renting out wall space - something we have never done, the £10 submission fee was, and will be in the future, an administration fee. It goes someway to paying for publicity, man hours for the hang and hospitality for the private view.
We did our research before deciding to do the open and followed the general theme - most submission fee's varying between £6.00 to £15.00, with commission at around 25-30%. So we, with our £10.00 and 22% (2% percent of that commission walks out of our big red door and makes its way across the road to our principal benefactor - a donation to St Thomas' Church...) can sleep easy in our beds.

It may be the norm' to think that galleries are all out for making a fast buck on artists, if we really wanted to make a quick buck let's face it we really wouldn't have gone into the gallery business. I reckon the bloke selling the Big Issue outside M&S makes more than we do at the moment...

But above all of the stress, we have a great exhibition of photography and that's all that is required. Our thanks go out to all those who have contributed to the show and have made it the success it is.

Judy

Red Spot Submissions today

Red Spot News

We are having no luck on the website front. We don't currently have the software to manipulate the web files and so the exhibitions page is rapidly going off. The only reason we can update the news is because jeff has embedded this blogspot blog in the news page to make it possible to update news from anywhere we might be just by logging in and typing it up and not having to do anything to the actual page at all. He'll send you the code if you ask...

We promised that forms for the Red Spot open and our terms and conditions would be available on the website but it looks like we wont be able to do this now so submittees will have to come along and do the contractual stuff at the gallery. It's not much work, just a quick read through and a couple of signatures.

Red spot Photography Open Exhibition call for Submissions

The Red Spot Photography Open commences this coming weekend with photographers delivering work on Saturday and Sunday. We want to fill the gallery to bursting point with work from all photographers regardless of what it is they do - if they like it enough to submit, then we'll hang it on the wall! So, if you are a photographer and want to have your work in the show, or know a photographer who does, then please come along over the weekend.

There is a handling charge of £10 per submission, but only sensible limits as to size or number of works you can hang. Please have mirror plate fixings attached to the frames at the sides, though other forms of fixing can be accommodated. Also the earlier you come along, the better the wall space you will secure...

Form an orderly queue at the big red door!

Judy

PS. the web stuff is not getting updated because of the problem with puters we've recently had, but, Jeff is working on it

Back in the saddle

You may have noticed a distinct lack of news updates on the website or lack of response to emails sent to us.

We'll, we lost the Mac a fortnight ago, and all the fishbone data went down with it, so we have had no way of communicating for some time. We are a few weeks behind schedule in just about everything and with such a busy month in the offing that's a royal pain, but we have purchased another and will be back in the saddle ASAP.

Thanks for your patience

Jeff

Life drawing this Sunday coming

There's a life drawing session taking place at the gallery on Sunday morning, 10 am - 1pm. Do come along and draw Bryony Lewis, the professional life model who runs the class, she is according to Jeff easy and natural, holds poses for as long as necessary without movement, and is very good to draw. The picture above is one of Jeff's from last month's session. Jeff is available for guidance should you need it.

We don't provide easels or drawing materials so please bring your own along, but we will make you a cup of tea!

Film night - tonight!

There will be a screening event tonight from 6pm - 9pm, featuring a selection of local short films, including The Moustache, and many others from Coventry film making network, Call The Shots, and its members.

Principally, the night will mark the 3rd year anniversary of a film called Cat Kong (Neil Westwood's homemade epic). They'll be wine and nibbles going around and a big free standing Cat Kong cut out along with some limited T-shirts which will be put up for raffle or sale (proceeds will go to Cats Protection League thingy).

Confirmed films so far include:

Polar Bear performance film - Short Night Films/Tin Angel
Run - Dan Browett
Debut - Lyle Jackson
Invasion - Neil Westwood
Egg - Brian Harley
Welcome To My Country - Richard Wood
The Moustache - Brian Harley/Short Night Films
The Moustcahe Trivia & References featurette
The Moustache Behind the scenes montage
Call The Shots Promo film
and of course
Cat Kong - Neil Westwood - Celebrating it's third year anniversary!

Say Hello to Cressida!

We have taken on a new member of staff, Cressida Haughton, who will be working with us over the next three months and helping out with the workload created by the intense program of shows and events taking place over that period. Cressida is an artist living and working in Coventry, in fact she will be showing her own work here next year.

Summer snaps

... f-11 the first Fishbone Photographic Arts Group Exhibition ~ since forming this group has undertaken a number of projects set as briefs at the monthly meetings. This exhibition will be an expose of the work they have produced in response to these challenges.  

Ohh - we can't wait...

No, we really can't - Jeff's work is in the bog, as it's the best place for him.

The Carravagio interpretation produced by Kevin, Gaz and Jon, has to be seen - if you see only one thing this year it has to be this!

Exhibition starts with the private view (all welcome) on the 25th June and goes on until the 10th July.

and...not only that but also

The very first RED SPOT open will be taking place from the 11th July - this first open is a photography only exhibition (the next will be fine art).  The aim of this show is to ~

a) exhibit populist imagery 

b) produce sales for exhibitors 

c)  to stimulate the moribund art market 

d) to be inclusive of all photographers at all levels 

e) to have fun and fill the gallery to bursting point with work

So, we need you to make this first exhibition of its kind a roaring success - let make it so!

Bring your work along over the weekend of the 11 July... here comes boring bit ~ to make this initiative a success we have to charge a tenner per submission. 

It's going to be a busy couple of weeks - I'm already 'knackered'  but bring it on...

Thats all for now...Judy

(btw Jeff's work is not really in the loo - but it is true to say that as the gallery owner he is the last person to be allocated a space - quite right too!!)

 

WEEKEND IN WALES

You may or may not know that we recently arranged a 'field trip' for the Fishbone Photography group.  Now, often it is the case that groups talk about this type of thing - someone suggests a trip, everybody is equally enthusiastic and then it comes to naught.  Well... to buck this traditional trend, we at Fishbone, being the proactive group that we are did actually manage to arrange and depart on our trip.  OK so it was originally Whitby that we had in mind, but after travelling to Hay on Wye for a night I personally felt this would be too far to venture over a weekend - and anyhow Whitby is Yorkshire, being a native Lancashire lass there is always the possibility of turning to stone should I venture across the border to the 'dark side' (no offence intended here btw)

So a new plan was hatched and we decided on Shell Island in north(ish) Wales - last Friday Kate and Kevin meandered down (or is it up?) Jon and Gaz followed later the same evening, Jeff and my good self followed on Saturday as did Pete and Lynn...oh I forget along with this heady crowd of boho types came a pack of hounds - Molly with us, Colin with Kate & Kev, Dylan with Gaz and Pru & Alfie with Pete & Lynn.  Both Jeff and I have children and I was quickly reminded of what it's like with little kids on holiday.  Nicking balls - bikering - food - jealousy - and that was just the men!  No actually the dogs were great entertainment - Molly was a complete 'tart' teasing Pete's dog Alfie, with her female ways!!  Colin was just cute, a real teddy bear.  Pru was the head mistress - supervising from afar and Dylan was the 'dodger' of the crew - boy could he jump, reckon Gaz should put him for high jump for 2012.

The weather was brill', the camping area found by Kate and Kev was great - about a mile from the main area - it was lovely and quiet.  We had a fire basket, a barbie, lots of wine (for Jeff) and a good time was had by all - was there any photography - well yes there was and you will see the result of it very soon. 

 

One draw back of going away is having to come home to reality - both Jeff and I were sat in the back garden on Sunday evening wishing we'd taken an extra day off work and stayed an extra night.  

Back to real news -  Film night on the 18th June - 6pm until 9ish - an eclectic mix of short films from 'Call the Shots' a local film group - there'll a big cat (you have to see it to believe it - think 'Goodies' circa 1972) - food and vino - oh and some films - come along will be good!  I'll miss it as working 'till 9 - sympathy please for the worker here!

and...announcing...

Summer Opening Hours

Please note that as of today Jeff, who is at the gallery every weekday, has decided to change our opening hours to suit the Summer conditions having noticed that most visitors now turn up in the afternoon, with some visitors turning up well after the old closing hour of 2 pm. 

The gallery will now open from 12 noon and close at 4pm on weekdays, but open as before from 10am - 4pm on Saturdays.

Thanks

Was that it?

Saturday in the gallery and its seems that 6th June is the end of the summer - its freezing and raining and just yuk!  Really trying not to be tempted to open a bottle of red to compensate. The current exhibition is generating a lot of interest, it was featured in the telegraph last night so hopefully this will generate yet more visitors.   

Photo Shoot

Ben (reluctantly) and Zena (enthusiastically) had their photos taken by Kate last week - my mum's birthday brought up the usual situation of trying to find a suitable gift and Kate has come up trumps - check out some of the results on Kate's blog  when I asked my mum to choose some she liked she's come up about 15 - decisions, decisions... Zena and her friends have been inspired - Zena had a sleep over last night, they all dressed up and went down to the park to take photo's - very 'next top model'...

Talking of camera's Zena took Jeff's camera along to a Girls Aloud concert last week - it came back broken - Zena of course claimed it "just broke" ummmm! very suspicious.  Anyway after a suitable time of mourning Jeff brought another camera from Jessops (stick with me this story has a purpose) on Saturday last.  Lovely camera - great pictures etc...he took it fishing, you might be able to guess what happened.  The moral being make sure if you're near water and fishing don't leave your camera in your pocket and wade into a lake waist deep after a carp...so now we're in yet another period of mourning - black is so in this month ;-) Bloody fish !

We went along to the degree show last week at Coventry Uni' there was some interesting work and we've confirmed with Denise Startin her first solo show at the Fishbone.  Denise's work was the strongest (in my humble opinion) in the fine art section, but then I'm sure others will disagree.  Unfortunately we missed the MA show - it being held at the Herbert the closing time was strictly adhered to and the doors closed dead on 8 - the people running the Herbert should get their act together - its an ideal venue to remain open into the evening - normally closing at 5 its a wasted opportunity.

Afterwards we went on to Whitefriars and then on to the Lebanese restaurant next door with Kate, Kev and Jon - Jeff got drunk - it's good to see somethings never change...bless!

Jenny from Browns is looking for artists to show work in the bar - there is a small charge pop in and ask for more details.  Good exposure...

'Sod it' I'm opening the wine - see ya!

off to see Take That on Monday -  so just in case I'm spotted by one of the lads and whisked off to an exotic life on the road you may not hear from me again - sorry and all that.

Judy

New Exhibition and a lot to catch up on

Ok..so once again I have left it a while since my last blog entry... any excuse - nope!! But that said, we have been very busy visiting other galleries and setting up the next show in the Fishbone.  The PV for the latest exhibition was held on Thursday and it was fab' (I kid you not!!)  we had oodles of people visiting the space to see Jim & Jo's work - a lot of credit needs to go the both of them for promoting the event...a quick estimation would be of around 150 -200 visitors - great - ran out of food, beer and just about kept in with the wine.  It was a beautiful night and Hurst Road became a extension to gallery with visitors spilling out onto the street. The great thing is that we numerous new visitors, the word is spreading...

We've had a number of weeks visiting other galleries - one in Hay on Wye (Oriel Contemporary Art) and another near Corby (Fermywood), both for Private Views, both very interesting.

Another idea we've had recently is to held a conference on the state of the arts in Coventry - we have our reasons for this - which we'll make clear in a later blog.  The reaction to the idea from people we've spoken to is very positive, there's clearly a lot to discuss.  

Anybody reading this please contact me either from the blog of my email.  

As the Fishbone is still fully independent we are confident that we hold a valid and vibrant discussion...without having the potential to offend the hands that feed us.  

If you get chance come down and see the exhibition - if you're quick you'll still be able to smell the oil on Jo's work.

All for now.....

Judy

Hi 

Been a little while since I last updated this but we've been busy, busy, busy... The show for Cheryl and Frieda has now finished and it was well received after the private view.  Since then we've also been visiting galleries around the country...we're looking at touring a couple of the forthcoming shows so been sourcing some venues.  Watch this space for more info' on this.  Have also been dipping our toes into writing funding bids so thus another reason for the delayed update to the news.  

Our next event is the weekend of the 16 May, with a Coventry University degree show with the performing arts students..so if you're around on the Friday or Saturday come along - the students are charging a small entrance fee - nothing too excessive though - couple of quid.  

Also on the 17th we have are starting a regular event which is a life drawing session - details on the web site...there are limited places on this (due to the size of the gallery) so if you're interested then send me an email.  

And...on the 21st our next private view takes place, which is an exhibition of new work from Jo Bannister and Jim Botton...again details on the web site.  

All for now

TTFN....Judy

Frieda on air!

Frieda Van De Poll talks on Radio 4 about her current installation project in Coventry City centre in collaboration with Shiam Wilcox

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006qtl3

Feature in Cov' Telegraph

 Current exhibition featured in the Coventry Telegraph....

Life Classes - Briony interviewed by the Independent

Briony the life model who's running life drawing sessions at the Fishbone from the 17th May was recently interviewed by the Independent newspaper 

Interestingly, Alan Kane, the driving force behind the TV programme the article is about, was one of the head technicians at St Martins while Jeff was studying there, and according to him, is a really nice bloke, once you get to know him...
 
Briony's life classes are untutored and will be 3 hour daytime sessions from 10am until 1pm- see Briony's website for contact details and more info'.

To register you name as an attendee either contact myself or Briony.

Judy

Easter

Hi all

It has been around a year since we started negotiating the use of the Frank Moore rooms for a gallery and what a year it has been (to coin a phrase!) We've probably done the last major refit, the stairs area - all is looking really well, we've even got a 'posh' new desk to use in the office area - very 'Cork Street'.


Jeff before medication...


...and after medication!

Jeff and I went to the Lake District over the Easter weekend - wedding in Ullswater - the weather was brill' and the place - breathtaking - not quite Longford. However after driving down to London on Good Friday and then up to Cumbria on the Saturday I was a little knackered - my poor car! my poor bum! Great day though - very romantic - completely lost on Jeff who's only thought was to how he couldn't fish - having left all his rods back home - ha!
(Shoes were great, lots of comments - see previous entries)

Back to arty things and once again we've had great support from the Telegraph, with a full page in the arts section today! Well done to Julie for great copy and Jeff for pictures. To end on a quote... Fishbone Gallery - 'the gallery to visit this month'.... oh yes!

for now....Judy

First weekend of new exhibition....

Thursday just saw the private view for our 4th show - Frieda and Cheryl's work was very well received, the show runs from the 4th April until the 01st May. We're now in the midst of organizing the next show, of which details will be on the website very soon.
I'm looking forward to having some time away from the day job (easter vacation) although I anticipate some of the days will be spent devising funding applications for future exhibitions - at least I should be able to get through the two weeks without having to mark students work - I'm actually up to date - hooray.
We're off to the Lake District this weekend - Easter Sunday wedding to attend, thus the need for my new shoes (see previous blog entry) Ben and Emma are looking after the gallery and having the house to themselves for the weekend - hope they remember to open up....we are, btw way open all over the holiday weekend with the normal opening hours.
TTFN

Judy

Thursday 2nd not Wednesday

Those amongst you with keen eyes may have noticed that there is a slight error on one of the emailed invites - to confirm the 2nd April is a Thursday not Wednesday.

All Jeff's fault of course!!

Today has been spent hanging Frieda's work, a really vibrant show is the result and once Cheryl has brought her work along for the bottom gallery we will have one of our most energetic exhibitions to date, but then that's just my opinion - you'll have to make up your own mind!

In between the two exhibitions we have yet another piece of art work - Jeff has been working on the staircase having taken up the wine stained carpet. Lots of sanding, painting and varnishing later, it's looking good - not quite there yet - we have still the landing to complete -so temporary measure - yet another purchase from Ikea, how many rugs can one store stock? And tell me why is it impossible to go into Ikea and only buy the exact product you need - does everybody end up buying candles? or is this just a terrible weakness only I can admit to. "Hi my name is Judy and I am a Ikea 'nick knack' addict" - there must be a support group somewhere...

We've had some great news with forthcoming shows - the word is spreading and we've had talks with two artists looking to show into the new year. We've also confirmed a summer showing of work from an Indian artist who we met at the recent arts fair at the Canal Basin.
And btw... for the girls out there, as a result of the arts fair...on the weekend I went over to the studio belonging to 'Trash Blooms' - Claire makes designs bespoke shoes and bags - using second hand & vintage shoes she'll tailor a design to suit your exact requirements and with a forthcoming wedding in mind, a bargain was had - £40.00 - great deal. Picture on the way...

See all and many at the PV - that's this Thursday the 2nd April 6-9pm

TTFN Judy...

A bit of Bach....and cake

Last Sunday we held the inaugural Fishbone Classical Event - If you look at past postings you'll see the details of the event. It was a very hectic day - actually a very hectic weekend.

Saturday saw me having a meeting with curator Gerard Mermoz, who has curated the current exhibitions at the Herbert - 'Through Other Eyes' , Gerard came to our last private view and wanted to talk about using the gallery for a future show. I spent a delightful morning with him and his partner Anna - who gave me some excellent insights into the business of the arts along with many fearsome facts on funding. It was a masterclass! only issue was Gerard served the most yummy coffee and now I am yearning for a coffee machine that turns a simple cup of coffee into an event - can't afford one - gallery needs a new floor! - drat!!
Meanwhile while I was furthering the Fishbone brand and contacts - Jeff with his trusty friend & fisherman in arms - John, spent the whole day and into the evening by the river at Bretwood catching pike & chub. I wouldn't mind but when they arrived home - the whole evening was given over to a postmortem of the day, it only ceased when we popped down to the Nasha for a curry! - double drat!

Saturday led into Sunday, a beautiful day - Emma from the Lock Gallery in the Canal Basin must have been lighting numerous candles to the gods for them to look down on her...today was the 2nd Coventry Arts Festival - when we arrived at the Canal Basin, it was buzzing with visitors at the numerous stalls set around the canal. We had arranged for a narrow boat to leave the lock at midday to take people down to the Fishbone to see the exhibition and sample our hospitality. Jeff & John perched on the end of the boat started their leisurely trip back to Longford. I, on the other hand made my way back to make sure the ensemble were OK for the concert in the church at 2.

The concert was a great success - Jane and her crew of musicians were fantastic, there was great humour when all went wrong during one of the Bach pieces. The crowd really appreciated the effort made by the players and I know the players really appreciated the audience. A 'win win' for all concerned, the Edsel now have a home in the church and will be having open rehearsals, every month and we can look forward to more Sunday concerts.

We had two cohorts of visitors during the day - the people who arrived on the boat about, 30 people and then after the concert about the same for post event drinks. The one thing both groups had in common was the love of home-made cakes they 'wolfed' them down, so we have our formula for Sunday events - tea and homemade cake.

The student show is coming an end this weekend - Jeff and I held a 'crit' for them last night, both ourselves and the students have learnt a lot from this exhibition and we're looking forward to seeing if our input will be evident at their degree show. We have certainly taken on board the experience and will ensure all work from now on, is hung in plenty of time for the PV - no more last minute additions...well that's our intention !!

TTFN

Judy

Closed for refurbishment 21st March - 4th April

Please note that the gallery will close after the current show finishes on the 21st of March and will open again when the next show starts on 4th April. We are going carry out some essential work on the carpeted staircase which after just a few shows is looking very grubby, with blackened red wine stains and road muck turning it a nice post-industrial grey. It won't last another show so we are taking advantage of this break to strip it out and varnish (heavily) the lovely pine stairs hidden beneath, and also lay a new floor upstairs, all work that will take at least a week.

It will all be done by the PV of the next show on 2nd April.

All activities, such as the photography groups who meet in the evenings downstairs, are not affected, and will carry on as usual.

Cov Uni PV

Hi to all

This time last week we were setting up the student show - it became a little of a case of 'good cop' 'bad cop' with Jeff becoming a little (justified) irate with the lack of progress with the installation of work. Anyway as they say 'all's well...' and Thursday opening private view was yet another successful event. The great benefit of a group show is that the artists bring along a new cohort of visitors and indeed this was the case, we had a good number of Fishbone 'virgins' who I hope will come along to other shows and more importantly spread the word about us. The best (and cheapest) publicity available is word of mouth and personal recommendation, the web stats certainly are looking healthy -- this is my new obsession - checking out the numbers of visitors to the web page - of course, i do take all the credit with my witty blog entries!!!

Kate started her second group of beginner photography sessions Monday gone - around 7 people turned up which is a good number to work with.

Talking about visitors to the web site, two of my students were asking about the gallery on Tuesday, possibly just trying to get out of doing their actually class work. Anyway they seemed quite interested and foolishly I offered to invite them and the other 13 students to the next PV - might make that a day time outing instead though. The discovery of the website does mean that I shall have to curb my language and watch my P's & Q's if the students are reading -- after all teachers aren't actually human and of course they couldn't possibly have a life out of college - surely !!! - Ah if only they really knew the truth.
See you soon....Judy

Frieda Van De Poll & Cheryl Portlock

Just confirmed and finalised, we'll be mounting a fascinating double solo exhibition of the work of two artists, both of whom utilise narrative forms and saturated colour, but with very different effect. Van De Poll's 'Feast of Beasts' is a personal bestiary in various media that includes all kinds of fabulous and mythical creatures, and Portlocks "Oh darling, don't be ridiculous of course it's African" is a collection of personal stories in acrylic from her early life as a colonial child in Zimbabwe and South Africa.

More detail soon...

Life drawing sessions are go!

The life drawing sessions are now going ahead offically...

For those experienced artists wanting to hone their draftsmanship or those wanting to try their hand at life drawing for the first time, we are offering untutored life drawing and painting sessions. The sessions, organised by experienced professional life model Bryony Lewis, start on Sunday 17th May 10am -1pm, and follow on the 3rd Sunday of every month thereafter. Our reasonable rates are to be announced very soon.

Interested in the sessions? Then don't hesitate to book your place.

Life Classes

We had an email last week from someone interested in starting some life classes - Briony Lewis works as life model and has asked us if we can accommodate her over the summer months - Briony seems very enthusiastic and has great experience working with different groups, Briony's sessions will be untutored and are due to start on the 17th May (Sunday) each session will last for 3 hours from 10am until 1pm. Email your interest to the normal Fishbone address.

Working our way up to the private view this Thursday - have just been down to order the food so that's the main thing sorted !!

Also Jeff and I went to an exhibition taking place in the Alan Berry building at Cov' Uni' worth a visit during your lunch if you are around the area. Spoke to the artist, Jiancheng Ma, he expressed an interest in using Fishbone in the future to show his work along with that of his fellow artists from his home collective - wonder if we could get an Arts Council Grant for a fact finding trip to China - worth a try!!

One last thing - went to the auction raising funds for the degree shows - went on impulse - spent too much - ouch! Now Jeff is threatening to spend the equivalent money on fishing paraphernalia - how many rods can one man need - double ouch!!

Post again after PV.

TTFN Judy

Fishbone proudly presents...

The Edsel Ensemble, who'll be playing a recital in St Thomas' Church on Sunday 15th March. The Edsel Ensemble is a new chamber group that specialises in classical masterpieces, new players are always welcome and their aim is simply to get to the end together ... ! We're terribly excited about this event, and so is Father Paul of St Thomas' who is himself a bit of an organist, and just as enthusiastic about Bach, as Jeff.

The running order is as follows ~

Bach - Double Concerto for Two Violins - Helen Albrow and Emily Howard soloists
Mozart - Eine Kleine Nachtmusik
Bach - Brandenburg Concerto no 3

And there's possibly a surprise piece as well...

Well, the 2nd movement (largo) of Bach double concerto is reckoned by many to be simply the most beautiful tune ever written, and rated by most as the most lovable piece in Bach's entire concerto repertoire.

Mozart's Eine Kleine Nachtmusik is so famous that its title has become the only German phrase readily translated by all English speaking people...

And the first movement of Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No 3 is his signature tune, his biggest hit, interestingly Brandenburg Concerto No2, with the impossibly difficult piccolo trumpet part, was the first tune on the solid gold disk sent into space on Voyager in the hope that one day an alien intelligence would find it, play it, and understand just how wonderful it is to be human. That is how highly rated these concertos are!

Let's hope that when the disk is found, it is not found by some dodgy intergalactic scrap metal merchant!

Jeff

The Fishbone Old Piscatorials...

Contrary to Judy's prior proclamation that I won't be starting a fishing club, well I am now! Y'see I'm yer typical boy, told not to, will do! So, I reckon a club is three members or more, and I know of some very good fishing hereabouts, and not only do I want to share my knowledge, I want to nick yours into the bargain!

First meet is a gudgeon match at a time and a venue yet to be decided. Ten points for each gudgeon and minus eleven for any other species...

We need these key members ~

1. El Presidente - the oldest member

2. Keeper of the Teapot - Makes the splosh, will need a big Kelly Kettle, first degree in applied pyromanics desirable

3. Head chef - responsible for cake and biscuits

4. Second Mate - the navigator, sits in first car of convoy, directs driver to get there, or thereabouts

5. Health and Safety Officer - creates, and pulls members out from sticky situations

6. Boy - provides a level of idiocy, and therefore hilarity

7. Totter-upper - keeps the scores, needs a mathematical brain of the highest order, an unflappable constitution in cases of dispute, and some rusty, sorry trusty scales

Are you raving for redfins? Craving for chavenders? Pining for pickerels? Wistful for old whiskers?

Wanna take a gander at a big hairy zander?

Join F.O.P - and we'll go a'fishin, instead of just a wishin!

((regardless of what the missus (or indeed, Mr) says))

Jeff

So bad....

...at updating this ( so much news - so little time)

excuse (those reading this !) for my tardiness in updating the news on our blog..

the photo group went extremely well last Tuesday - just a slight panic when we couldn't find the gallery keys though. Around 20 people arrived - the best thing being there was a great variety of knowledge present - students, academics along with people with a keen interest in the medium of photography. All seemed to get something from the evening...the project for next meeting is a self portrait - something Jeff will have no problem with I'm sure!!

I had a meeting with Jane Howard (Emerge Magazine) about the up coming music recital we're arranging for the arts fair weekend - it should be an excellent event. To give a low down on what is happening here goes...

Emma O'Brain (Lock Gallery) is organizing the 2nd Coventry Art Fair, this is taking place on Sunday 15th March - Emma held a very successful fair just before Christmas with over 500 people attending during the day - the times for the event are 11am until 4pm. (www.thelockgallery.co.uk)

Inconjunction with this event we've both arranged for the canal boat (Coventarian) to take people from the Lock Gallery in the canal basin to the Fishbone - its a great way for people to experience all that both galleries have to offer and even better the boat has a bar - yeh hay!! Once in Longford there'll be time to look round the gallery, (Coventry Uni' Applied Arts Exhibition) benefit from our very generous hospitality ( which if you've been to one of our private views, you'll know means fine wine & food) and then (and this is very, very special) pop over the St Thomas's Church for a performance of Bach, Mozart and Lloyd Webber...no no no (don't worry only joking about Mr Wolfgang Amadeus! hehe...) Just to repeat myself, it is going to be very, very special, then to top it off the boat will take people back to the Lock Gallery when another exhibition of Applied Arts is having its private view - what more booze? - 'fraid so - gulp!!
Anyway tickets for the boat trip are available from the normal Coventarian outlets. Will post the links very soon.

The recital will start at around 2pm and should last approx' 1 hour - if you've never been to a classical concert before come along and of course visit the gallery at the same time, we're planning a very informal event and best all its free.

A couple more news items:

Starting next month will be the Fishbone Reading Club and the Fishbone Fine Arts Club - and although Jeff is desperate to arrange one, we wont' be having a Fishbone Fishing Club...just yet!!!

Kate, Jon and I had an excellent meeting with Chris on Thursday - we'll be working with Chris to show his collection of African Art and developing a very exciting project which will be held during October - more on this when we've collated all our ideas - of which there are many...

Till Soon....Judy

Photographers Group at Fishbone

Depict Photography are now running a photographic arts group at the gallery. The group will meet once a month (from 17th february onwards) for all kinds of activities including crit sessions, projects and group discussions around every imaginable aspect of contemporary photography. This is a unique opportunity for anyone interested or currently practicing in photography in the Coventry area to meet new friends, have their say and receive the essential criticism (constructive of course!) that drives all art ideas forwards, and upwards. Come along and contribute!

Tea and biscuits supplied, of course!

Judy

Saturday update

So, with having Thursday as an unexpected day off work (snowbound) I'm refreshed and ready for the world - until next week of course. I've done the right thing and actually bought myself a yearly planner for the wall -I've gained great satisfaction from completing the months with the upcoming shows. As mentioned we've had to re-jig some of the dates but all is looking really great for an exciting year ahead. The student open will be from the 21st June - we're composing a letter to go out to all school as I type this, then after the school open we have the drawing show in which we're inviting submissions from the public, this will commence on the mid July.

Kate is starting her photo club on the 17th February - so if you're an artist who's in need of like minded chat and critique then come along on the 17th - very informal, but constructive. See the events page for more info'

I had a meeting with Emma from the Lock Gallery today, Emma put on a very successful Arts Festival in December and is doing the same on the 15th March. We're working together to showcase the work in both our galleries and to that end are arranging for the narrow boat based at the Canal Basin to run from the Lock Gallery to the Fishbone. I'm also looking into the potential of arranging a recital in the church on the Saturday evening - just in the process of arranging so more of this later. Hopefully we'll have music on the boat also.

Talking of music Jeff and I ventured in areas we dared previously not go last night - drinking pals from the Grey Hound mentioned their friends were playing in the pub over the road from us (The Coach and Horses) so we plucked courage and wandered across. It was a great night - the band (Rewind) were excellent lots of familiar numbers, the pub contrary to our previous belief wasn't too bad -just been taken over by new managers. So once again things are looking up in Longford.

TTFN.....Judy

Let it snow....

OK it's white, it's pretty and it's cold, but does that really mean that the whole of the country has to grind to a stop....yes, it seems it does! hurrah :-) Jeff has reverted back to childhood checking the window every 10 minutes to see if the world has completely stopped. He's soo cheesed off that it hasn't. Yet!

Anyhow enough of this weather trivia, back to the 'real world'...Fishbone news.

Cristina's show has had to be postponed until later in the year - and so we are now in the process of sourcing new artists for the April slot - an opportune meeting with Frieda Van de Poll, who showed us her latest work allowed us to book the light gallery and stairwell with her 'Feast of Beasts' exhibition - more information on this once we have confirmed definite dates. The original reason behind the meeting was to discuss an installation for the new year, the work of which is still in development.

Last Friday's Coventry Telegraph had yet another double page spread of the latest Fishbone exhibition - rock on, Telegraph!!

And finally... for those of you reading this with any kind of soul - to let you know (and pity me) my faithful yet troubled washing machine has finally gone kaput. I spent the whole weekend in the laundry - 8 loads (I kid you not) the owner of the place ended up supplying coffee and cakes I was in there so long - so much for the glamorous world of art.

all for now....Judy

Educated at Fishbone

Kate from Depict Photography held her first (of many!) digital camera classes this evening. With around 8 people attending it was a success. Checking with Kate after the session all those attended were happy and went away with more info' on which buttons to press for what effect. The great thing is the more of these types of events we have the more people are made aware of our existence., not to mention more people see the work on display.

Kate is also planning to put on some photography 'crit' sessions. These will be regular slots where people either studying or working in the field or even keen amateurs will have the opportunity to show & discuss their work to like minded people. After talking to numerous people over the last couple of months it seems there is a need for both photographic and artistic crit sessions, Jeff will be looking at arranging a similar event for artists soon. Once the date is known I'll publish it on the web. The provisional date for the first photography session will be the 17th February - times to be advised. Well....I say the 17th this may change as this date is Kate's birthday...so if it is confirmed, all those attending are obligated to bring 'oodles' of cakes.

Jon popped in to class today to drop over a dvd of photos taken at the last private view and also during the film event on Saturday. They'll be linked to the fishbone site soon.

The idea of flim nights at the Fishbone is gaining momentum...I reckon all it will take is a meeting in the Greyhound, couple of pints and bag of smokey bacon crisps and the plan will be set.

We've had some great response to the premiere on Saturday night - hey we even had a red carpet to greet the guests - how good is that!!? Mind you, my lounge floor feels rather chilly without the rug. ('lounge' sounds rather grand btw -it's more like a postage stamp!) The photos are great - they'll be up on our web very soon, but if you just can't wait check out Kates blog - see above.

TTFN

Judy

Film night success

Last night (24th) we had the first view of the short film by Jon Randle and Hugh Robinson. Once again another great night at Fishbone...The dark gallery was set up as a mini cinema and upstairs as before became the social area. It was a great opportunity for Corinna and Kev to have yet another mass of people seeing their work. Corinna came along, which was great, Kev couldn't make it up from London which was a shame as he would have loved the three (4 if also count 'CatKong') films shown. It was decided to have two showings as the first view was so packed with people - great if your 6ft8! - not so much if you a bit smaller. Having the two showings was a good idea as the second, shown a few hours later was less manic and enabled late arrivals a chance to see all the films

Hugh brought along his kids which made for a family feel - although his young son complained about having to watch the film again - 'not again - didn't like last time' kids are the greatest of critics!!...having the kids there gave Jeff and I a seed of an idea, which once we've investigated will tell more of. I do now know, however that the success of the evening will make for a regular slot of movie nights - short original films - possibly every month. So keep an eye on the news to see what is going on.

The films shown last night were:'Mid-table Mediocrity'(Mind Riot Productions), 'EGG' written by Brian Harley and featuring Alan Wales, and 'Invasion' by Neil Westwood (Nebula Films@dsl.pipex.com). Nebula also showed a sneak preview of 'CatKong'

Judy

A visit and future project

Thursday - nearly weekend - yea!
Had a visit this evening to the gallery of two dance students from Coventry Uni' they'd been advised by their tutor to visit the gallery with the view to using the space for their final project. Dance is something we'd never contemplated - as I said to the visitors - putting dance work into the gallery would be a challenge. They didn't shirk from this and seemed to relish the idea...so dance may be coming to Fishbone...

We are also in discussion with a local musician...yet another connection made at the private view. Jeff is a Bach freak, as am I but in much smaller doses. Jeff's fav is the violin concertos, which he's been learning on the guitar for, what seems forever...he did buy a violin but I nicked the strings before he had chance to start his conversion. I on the other hand find the Brandenburg concertos ( or as I call them Battenburg concertos) tummy turning - great stuff indeed. Anyhow what has this to do with the gallery? you might well ask, Jane (the musical person) plays with numerous classical ensembles, we've asked if she might come along to play hopefully in the church (St Thomas - Longford) or in the gallery. We hoping to tie this in with the Coventry Arts Fair which is taking place in the middle of March. So, even though I might waffle on a little, every thing in the end is connected to the promotion of arts in Coventry and in particular Longford.

Kate is starting her photography classes next Tuesday - she's had a fair response, the group formed should prove productive.
All the info' is on the website as are links to Kate's website.

All for now for today - Judy

Mid-Table Mediocrity - Short film premiere on Saturday night

Wednesday... already where do the days go? - we at Fishbone are looking forward to the weekend when Hugh and Jon (two media lecturers at Henley College) are showing their short film 'Mid-table Mediocrity" If you read this and fancy coming along check out our website for all the info'. I've spent some time with Jon as he's kindly helped me edit a short film for college - well I say help he's done it all really - I arrived in the class armed with jaffa cakes and coffee and basically said yes and no in the appropriate places.   
Corinna sent over some pictures from the last private view, which are great.  
Kevin who is showing his work in the dark gallery at the moment also rang us this evening - it took him a few days to recover from the show, he travelled down to London last Friday after spending the day with Jeff and John fishing on the Avon.  I'm not sure what he enjoyed the most the fishing or showing his work - I think the former was the least stressful.  Anyway, after giving himself  a few days off he's now back to painting, so we await the second chapter - as you have to wait for the next news - until then... Judy

Monday morning blues....

Heard on the radio today that this Monday of all those in the year is the most depressing of all... failed New Year resolutions, cold weather and lack of funds.  I can't believe it, I'm still on a high from the private view and on a roll with all there is to do.  Kate from Depict Photography sent some photos over, one of which is very incriminating (Jeff, I'm speaking to you here!) Two photos have gone over to the Coventry Telegraph for the arts page, look out for Corinna and Kev in all their glory.  See the great picture of our gallery mutt Molly - wet after a post view walk to the pub.

Today we've had interest from a dance group, who are looking for a space - Core Fusion (Cov' Uni') may be strutting their stuff one evening soon...and last note is for Kate from Depict Photography - Kate's classes for new digital camera owners (and those who need a refresh) are starting on the 27th January at 6pm - informal classes on getting the best from your camera and achieving the photo's you really want - posh biccies, tea and cake provided courtesy of Fishbone (& M&S!) Contact Kate on 07733226439 to book your place. 

See you there... all for now....Judy 

Fishbone Gone Blog

We at Fishbone have been open since the last week of November - however we've been updating our news much too slowly and so have decided to embed our new blog in the website (code on application!) simply because it works far more efficiently than what we had before. 

As it stands today we've had our second private view to launch...well our second exhibition!! Corrina Spencer and Kevin Nunn are showing some excellent work - the PV went well & we've made some good contacts through it.  This post is being written on the following Sunday, since the open we've had a good number of people through the door...Jeff and I had to visit London yesterday & we left Ben & Emma in charge - they did, as ever, a great job. 

 

During our visit we met up with John Parker - a life long friend of Jeff and an established sign writer (he did our signage on the gallery door) and gilder.  John took us into the British Museum where he showed us some paint work he'd done on the staircase - great work John - couldn't even see the joints!!... we then wandered over to Cork Street to "check out the competition" - a great opportunity came our way when we were invited into a gallery which although closed had the owners still in the process of finishing a hang for a show due to commence next week.  

They wanted our opinions on the hang - John was 'chuffed' when he was automatically viewed as an 'arty' type - Jeff and I were obviously too smartly dressed!!  We walked into a space with over 50 Rodin sculptures - Jeff (as did I) thought the numbers present must have meant they were copies, but no....wow!!   My business head came in gear and began to calculate the insurance costs..but then gave up.  

Also on show was lovely work from a Russian artist - alas we left without getting the name of the gallery - they had no cards printed ...I did however waste no time in handing out my contact details - plying them for info on shows not yet taken in the midlands... the gallery owner was also very interested in Kev's work which was great.  John managed to wag an invite to PV for the Friday! so he was like a cat with cream...with this we wandered over to the 'Stockpot' for food - liver, bacon & mash - bliss! 

Am waiting for pictures of the private view last week but will post them as soon as I have them. It was a great success, obviously not as busy as the previous view but with around 70 people through the door it could be counted as a "pat on the back" and four of pieces of Corinna's work sold. 

Come along - it's a good 'un'....tis all for now....