A chance to meet Gwynedd artists at work

Members of the public can visit 26 artists’ workshops and studios throughout Gwynedd this month as the Helfa Gelf /Art Trail scheme visits Gwynedd for the first time.

As part of the scheme which runs across Gwynedd, Conwy, Denbighshire and Flintshire, 112 artists are taking part by opening up their studios to the public so that they can show how they go about creating their work.

Over three weekends in September, you can forge your own art trail around the area. You can call in on painters, sculptors, photographers, jewellery makers, woodworkers, potters, textile workers, glass makers, basket weavers, printers - each one with a highly individual skill.

Take this great opportunity to hunt down those undiscovered art treasures and see how they’re made – whether you are just curious about what artists and craftspeople do in their studios, or want to start your own collection of interesting artworks bought direct from the makers.

Gwawr Roberts, Gwynedd Council Community Arts Development Officer said:

“The Helfa Gelf /Art Trail scheme gives members of the public a unique opportunity to visit artists at work in their studios. This is the first time for the scheme to visit Gwynedd, and will give visitors a chance to chat to the artists and craftspeople about their creative process.

“This will be an exciting opportunity for the public to see the beautiful and varied locations of the studios and to buy works directly from the artists themselves. We hope that these events will offer a unique chance to learn more about art and craft in the company of artists, as well as supporting the sale of Gwynedd producers as well as supporting the local economy.

“We would urge anyone who is interested in learning more to visit some of the locations which are part of the Helfa Gelf /Art Trail scheme.”

Also as part of the Helfa Gelf /Art Trail scheme, there is a chance for a member of the public to win a £500 art shopping spree. All entrants are expected to:

- visit a minimum of 3 artists' studios in order to get 3 different secret codes

- choose which of the participating artists' work you'd like to win

- enter your 3 codes and art wish list into the on-line application form on the Helfa Gelf /Art Trail scheme website

Sabine Cockrill, Project Coordinator for Helfa Gelf/Art Trail noted:

“We wanted to give people a different perspective of the art while going to look at the studios. Too often arts and crafts are seen as something that is unreachable for the general public. I have often seen pieces that I would love to own, but that are simply way beyond what I can afford. This is a fantastic chance for art lovers to actually take those coveted pieces home with them!”

A winner will be chosen at random from all completed entries once the event is over. Ask the artists or visit www.helfagelf.org for more information.

As well as the Open Studios, a special exhibition will be held at Oriel Pendeitsh, Caernarfon from Friday, 11 September until the beginning of November which will include a selection of works by artists from Gwynedd, Conwy, Denbighshire and Flintshire. Work by 34 different artists and craftspeople will be on display at the exhibition.

Also, during the weekends of the Open Studios, local artists will be at work at the gallery and members of the public will be able to discuss the work with them. Oriel Pendeitsh is open from 9.30am to 4pm.

The Open Studio events for local artists will be held Friday to Sunday on the last three weekends in September 2009 across Gwynedd, Conwy, Denbighshire and Flintshire.

Helfa Gelf Art Trail 2009:

Friday, 11 September – Sunday, 13 September 2009

Friday, 18 September – Sunday, 20 September 2009

Friday, 25 September – Sunday, 27 September 2009

all days 11am-5pm

with selected special late opening on Fridays, 7pm-9pm

For more information about the Helfa Gelf/Art Trail visit: www.helfagelf.org or by contacting Sabine Cockrill at sabine@helfagelf.org


Picture: The work of artist Wini Jones Lewis from Morfa Nefyn will also be on display. Here is her piece “Bore Oer”