Members of Ryedale ArtWorks are holding an exhibition of work at the North York Moors National Park visitors centre, Danby.
I've spent a good part of today labelling, stringing and wrapping work to go to Danby. It has been really hot today, so I was glad of an excuse to be indoors; our house is surprisingly cool, which is great.
My dining room now looks like a gallery store. Not all the work is mine; there is work belonging to three other artists there too. They dropped their work off to me as they are unable to deliver for various reasons and I'm happy to help. Liz Bailey, one of RAW's members has so very kindly offered to pick up my big painting in her van, which is lovely of her and saves me having to hire one. I'll put the smaller pieces in my car and head off to help with the selection process, once my large painting has been safely strapped into Liz's van.
The exhibition opens on 25th and runs until 17th August and there is a meet the artists on Saturday 26th July from 12 noon until 3 pm.
I'll post some pics of the selection and placing of works when I've taken some, tomorrow.
An unexpected break in the build due to lack of funding has given me a week of peace at home to think about and plan the next few months.
I met with our Creative Economies Officer Yvette Turnbull yesterday with the first notes for my Arts Council application, which will be to help develop my re-emerging carreer in the next few years. First draft was deemed a good start, now I have to crack on and finish it for my deadline in early November. It will be a burst of frantic research and writing, but I am looking forward to it.
My schedule for the solo show at The Gallery, Ryedale Folk Museum will be tight; it allows me eight weeks in the studio to make work after Christmas, as well as managing the design, copy and print of the accompanying publication - provided I am awarded the grant, that is! Nothing will stop me making work, I just need a bit of support to make things even more professional and then there is that pressing need to earn some cash.
I have a couple of ideas for the show that I am excited about and after all these years, I finally feel that my carreer as a fine artist is going to be real and full time.
It was so helpful to be able to sit down and discuss all this with Yvette, what would Ryedale artists and makers do without her unswerving support and encouragement, I wonder? Her knowledge, committment and understanding are exceptional; she is the best arts officer I have ever worked with.
