ART VAN GO BLOGSPOT

Exhibition and Workshop Programme

2012-01-12T11:27:00.000-08:00

Just in case you wondered, Viv is very busy working on the new Workshop Programme at the moment - she couldn't ACTUALLY give me the date it'll be finished - but I think we're talking days, rather than weeks!
I called in today - not just to nag her and drink tea, but also to collect posters and invitations that Kevin very kindly produced for the exhibition that's running from 7th February to 3rd March

I admit to having a vested interest in this - I am one of the members of SPECTRUM - it's our very first exhibition!
Anyway, hope you manage to get to see it - and maybe you could pick up a workshop programme at the same time.

Catalogue

2011-11-26T15:38:00.000-08:00

I'm afraid we are totally out of paper copies of the current 2009/2010 - and it will be next year before the next one is available. In the meantime, however, the whole catalogue is available on the website here - and if you can't find what you want, just give the shop a call.

Art Van Go at Harrogate - THEN AND NOW!!

2011-11-23T01:17:00.000-08:00

I must say, Viv kept this very quiet. She didn't mention it to me, but thanks to one of my spies (and no, it's not anyone involved in the NOTW phone hacking scandal - what kind of friends do you think I have???) I got to see this...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbKRcMjsuMg&feature=related

It's Viv and Ruth at the Knitting and Stitching Exhibition at Harrogate in 2009!

How's that, a free tutorial and burst of colour for you.

Hopefully it'll whet your appetite to go along to the AVG stand at Harrogate this week - it runs from Thursday 24th (that's tomorrow!) until Sunday 27th November.

Like you didn't know that.
Anyway, you can find AVG at Stand TG620 in the Textile Gallery. Also, make sure you go alng to the Artists In Action area, sponsored by Art Van Go, and see a vertiable multitude of artists doing their stuff -
and, in no particular order (as they say on Strictly) we have .....

Jill Flower

Sue Chapman

Dionne Swift

Fiona Wilson

Lynda Monk

Pauline Verrinder

Sarah Burgess

Val Hughes

( I just hope I've not left anyone out - it was a last minute phone call to Kevin - so blame him if I have!)

Current Exhibition - Jeanette Appleton

2011-11-12T16:38:00.000-08:00

I'm sorry it's been so long - I've not been able to get to the shop for a while, but I went along to take part in the Lynda Monk workshop on 1st November (which was brilliant, incidentally - Lynda manages to cram so many wonderful techniques into the day and is such a lovely lady).

I wanted to let you know about the current exhibition, SOW:SEW, featuring the work of Jeanette Appleton, a textile artist specialising in felting techniques.

I took just a few photographs while I was in the gallery -

But these are just a taster - if you can, do go along and see the whole exhibition - it's brilliant - full of colour and textures, and it's on until 10th December.

It's all very hectic at the shop at the moment - almost as soon as the van returns from the Knitting and Stitching in Dublin, it'll be restocking and dashing off to Harrogate for the K&S for 24th - 27th November.

Who says Viv and Kevin never get a holiday?

New Workshop Programme

2011-08-21T07:28:00.000-07:00

The new programme of workshops being held from August through to December is out now, and online. For details of all the exciting workshops on offer, click here

but just to whet your appetite, we have-

* Christine Benson, a popular AVG regular tutor presenting a two day workshop entitled the The Silk Sensation starting on 31st August

* Gillian Hand, a tutor all the way from Australia making Four Fabulous Artists' Books on 6th/7th September. See examples of her work on her website here

* Jo Mabbutt, who will be at the Studios on 8th September, to teach Mixed Media Metallics, examples of Jo's work can be found here

* Jill Flower will be teaching Paper Fabric - Recycled and Stitched on 12th/13th September. Have a look at Jill's website here

And that's only the first two weeks!!

Last week saw Kim Thittichai tutoring one of our three-day Summer Schools, entitled Hot New Surfaces for Stitch. I managed to sneak in after Day 2 and take some photographs - the surfaces looked fabulous -

For more photos of the students' work, and also a description of some of the techniques used , have a look at Kim's blog

Right, I'm off - going to have another look through the workshop programme myself!

2011-07-16T11:09:00.000-07:00

A belated post about Ruth Issett's summer school - a wonderful riot of colour as you'd imagine. I didn't take part but I did call in to see them and everyone was having such a good time they'd almost staged a sit in. We had to drag them out to the pub just to be able to shut up shop.

Here's just a small selection of the work produced

Fabulous work and hopefully we may get to see how some of it develops at the next 'Made at AVG' exhibition.

We have some workshops coming up with one or two spaces - next Thursday 21st July Gina Ferrari will be going back to basics with "About The Stitch" - a workshop dedicated to perfecting the various stitches used in Machine Embroidery. I would really love to do this one myself as I am definitely in need of it, but I can't make the 21st unfortunately, so I shall keep an eye out for a re-run of that one.

Sharon Osbourne will be 'In Residence' on Friday 29th July - and will be happy to demonstrate techniques or answer any questions you have - there's no charge and no need to book - we'd love you to drop in.

Frances Pickering, book artist extraordinaire and author of Page After Page is teaching a four day workshop entitled "Summer Lovin'". You will make a book with a durable and creative cover, using wallpaper lining paper and powdered water colours, which will then be embellished with stitch, and Frances will give you masses of guidance and inspiration on how to create a celebration of Summer in a beautiful book.

Oh, incidentally, Viv may be looking for someone to assist with admin stuff in the future - like the workshop programme and organising the diary. (Actually, just finding the diary would be a start)

The job is part-time and you'd need to be local - and flexible. Some of your work could be done from home, but you'd need to be able to work from the studio too sometimes. If you yearn to produce order out of chaos and believe you could succeed in organising Viv, where others have failed - we'd love to hear from you.

Oh, and there's no truth in the rumour that Viv mislaid her last assistant under a pile of papers.

Bobby Britnell Summer School - brilliant!

2011-06-19T05:45:00.000-07:00

I've just had a fabulous four days at Summer school entitled "Locating and Abstracting" run by Bobby Britnell. (I recommend you check out her website!)

Bobby's workshops are always very popular, but I was lucky and managed to book while there was still a space.

The programme said we would be introduced to processes and techniques in mixed media using paper, fabric and stitch, leading us into unknown territories and producing individual textile work or a series of smaller pieces - intriguing!

On Day One, we started working in tone, with shading and line, which was a relaxing and absorbing way to 'limber up' for the workshop. We progressed to finding ways of making expressive marks using graphite and charcoal, before experimenting to make a full composition using some of the elements we had learnt during the day.

On Day Two we started with some drawing - always a bit worrying, but it was nothing too daunting - just 'little drawings' from some of the interesting source material Bobby provided. (We could have gone outside in the garden, but to be honest it was a bit too cold and wet!)

We then moved on to print making - making our own print blocks from our drawings and printed onto paper and fabric

On Day Three we did some artist research - Bobby had brought piles of really inspirational art books for us to look through, in order to progress our work. Later we did an exercise in three dimensional drawing which was great - I think we all learned loads from that.

Finally on Day Four, we worked towards a final resolved piece of work, or series of pieces. Here are photographs of just some of the work that we produced during the course of the four days.

- and of course we all went away with sketchbooks stuffed full of ideas and inspiration.

Thanks Bobby - it was a wonderful inspirational four days - and I, for one, will be back!

Kev was noticeable by his absence - he had taken the van to Windsor for the East Berkshire College Diploma show. It is sadly, to be the very last Windsor show - definitely the end of an era.

And of course, as he was swanning around in Berkshire, enjoying himself - Viv was having to work EVEN harder than usual!

So if all this talk of workshops has whetted your appetite - coming up soon - on Friday, in fact - is Goldwork Embroidery for Accessories run by AVG's very own Lucy Reed. Learn stunning goldwork techniques, to work on a design to adorn a special bag, from a kit supplied by Lucy herself.

Then the following week two tutors will be showing different approaches to the subject of 'sketchbooks'

In 'Sketchbooks for Embroiderers', Marian Murphy who will be showing how to start a sketchbook in an easy and fun way to record ideas and making some stitched samples.

The following day, Vanda Campbell, will be showing how to make 'Scrummy Sketchbooks' using mixed media, quick pencil sketches, collages and montages. Make yourself a sketchbook to be proud of! (or, a sketchbook of which to be proud - if you're pedantic!)

Extended Exhibition

2011-02-27T07:35:00.000-08:00

Just a quick update - the current exhibition showing the work of Fen Edge Textiles is now to be extended and will run to 12 March 2011, so you have an extra week to call in and see their fabulous work!

And, a quick picture I took of Viv and Kevin at Textiles in Focus on Friday.

I spent the day there with my sister and we had a fantastic day, meeting up with lots of friends. We did a workshop called "Mini Textile Masterpieces" tutored by Bonnie Osbourne, and I actually came home and finished mine.

If you didn't get to Cottenham you missed a great day out, so you'll have to keep your fingers crossed that Pauline Verrinder can be talked into organising it again next year!

Fen Edge Textiles Exhibition

2011-02-21T10:43:00.000-08:00

I can highly recommend a visit to Art Van Go to see the current exhibition - showcasing recent work from Fen Edge Textiles - there's some really fabulous and varied work - and as an added bonus, some beautiful sketchbooks to accompany the work. Do try to get to the gallery - the exhibition runs to 5th March

Also, don't forget, we will be at the Textiles in Focus show at Cottenham Village College this coming weekend, Friday 25th to Sunday 27th February. For more information, see www.textilesinfocus.com

Hope to see you there - it's a lovely friendly show!

2011-01-26T12:13:00.000-08:00

With a huge sigh of relief we can finally say that the spring/summer issue of the Workshop Programme is now out! Many apologies to all those who have been wondering where on earth it was, and thank you for your patience.

spring/summer 2011 programme

currently includes fully detailed workshops scheduled through to the end of August - more workshops to be 'spliced' into the programme over the coming months.

There are half day, one day & two day workshops.

Summer Schools run for three or four days.

You can see the Workshop Programme on line by clicking HERE

2011-01-13T16:08:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

I have been authorised to pass on three bits of exciting news.

Firstly, new radiators have been installed in the gallery, which will make it much cosier to work in when there's snow on the ground.

Secondly, Kevin has asked me to advise you that the toilet is now connected to mains water pressure, so it now flushes as it should!

(Oh it's mod cons all the way for 2011, believe me!)

Thirdly, in the not TOO distant future, you will get the opportunity to experience these 'facility upgrades' as Viv tells me that the new workshop programme is imminent. (I'm sorry, I tried, but I couldn't get her to be any more specific than that)

In the meantime, if you're quick, there is still time to see Ruth Issett's gloriously colourful exhibition.
And if you needed any more incentive to visit the shop, Art Van Go will not be passing on the VAT increase during the whole of January - so what are you waiting for - come along and stock up now!

An Invitation!

2010-11-09T11:08:00.000-08:00

Sorry it's been a while. The "Blogging Dept" of AVG have been travelling the world - but I'm back now and would like to invite you to the Private View of Ruth Issett's AWASH WITH COLOUR exhibition at the Studios on Friday 12th November, from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. We really hope to see you all there.

Oh, and I promise not to bore you with my holiday photos.

MADE at ART VAN GO

2010-09-04T11:38:00.000-07:00

I called into the shop today to see the Made at Art Van Go exhibition - it looks fabulous, the standard is really high and the work is really varied. If you are anywhere near AVG you really should try and go along to see it for yourself. The exhibition runs until Saturday 25th September.

My other reason for visiting the Studio today was to see popular AVG tutor Pauline Verrinder, who was on hand to give visitors to the gallery the benefit of her advice and expertise in creative embroidery. She was working on a cutwork vessel when I arrived and had produced some beautiful pieces of jewellery.

There was also an example of the kind of hanging that you will be able to create on one of Pauline's forthcoming workshops - date to be arranged.

Oh, and Pauline has her own website now, so don't forget to visit - www.paulineverrinder.com

Whilst I'm mentioning forthcoming workshops, Frances Pickering is tutoring at a three day workshop from Tues 19th October to Thurs 21st October. Students will create a fabric book, with gesso and fabric paint, with machine and hand stitching. This workshop will coincide with a major exhibition of work by Frances Pickering in the gallery, featuring artwork from her book "Page After Page" Her exhibition runs from Wed 13th October until Saturday 6th November.

Everyone who has ever attended a workshop with Frances can't wait for the next one - so book now to avoid disappointment!

Workshops and Drop-Ins

2010-08-31T13:23:00.000-07:00

While I was wandering around trying (unsuccessfully) not to spend money at the Bead Fair on Sunday, I bumped into Sarah Lamb, who you may be aware of as the creator of some of the beautiful jewellery on display in the gallery. Sarah told me that apparently there are still a few spaces on her Creative Metal Clay workshop on Friday 17th September. If you have some basic knowledge of silver metal clay, or have been on one of Sarah's introductory sessions - this is the perfect workshop for you, to help you develop your skills and creative ideas. Sarah told me that she intends to introduce colour into the pieces you will create, by incorporating some of her dichroic glass beads. Here's a photograph to show you an example......

and to see more of Sarah's work - visit her website or, of course, you could just call into the gallery - maybe while you're visiting the current MADE AT ART VAN GO exhibition.

Also, a quick reminder of the Drop In session with Pauline Verrinder this coming Saturday. No need to book - just turn up, we may even make you a cup of tea!

Don't forget the exhibition!

2010-08-12T14:23:00.000-07:00

I've done mine - have you done yours??

Yes, I've completed my submission form for the Made at Art Van Go exhibition, which is to be held from 31st August until 25th September. Applications need to be in by Friday 13th August - so visit the AVG website and download your form. The only criteria is that you've been on an AVG workshop and the work submitted reflects this. It can be from a single workshop, or inspired by a combination of workshops.

You can drop your completed form into the Studios, or you can send it by post or email.

I decided to drop my form into the shop, so I got to see the 'impromptu' exhibition on at the moment from local artist Sue Pegg.

Handmade papers form the base of many of the pieces, which take the form of layered surfaces, using wax and plaster to seal and submerge text and imagery.

You should all have received your workshop programme by now - and there are some exciting ones coming up. In the near future, there are still some spaces on Dionne Swift's "Developing Devore" two day class on 25th and 26th August. You may have seen Dionne at "Art in Action" - her work there has prompted a number of people to come along to learn the basics of devore, moving on to during the two days to explore all of it's possibilities. (And as a bonus, most of the materials are provided - so a very limited 'requirements list' if you come along to this workshop).

Also, one or two spaces left on Jill Flowers workshop on Friday 27th to 'Make a Brooch in a Day' using papers and stitch. I saw Jill's work at the last Knitting and Stitching Show - it was very impressive and having chatted to her, I just know you'll have a brilliant day at her workshop.

Another date for your diary (it's in mine!) is the Pauline Verrinder "Drop In" day on Saturday 4th September.

(Not sure if Pauline will thank me for the photo! She was wearing the snazzy headgear for Textiles in Focus)

Pauline will be demonstrating and offering her expertise during the day, and there will be machines available for you to try your hand at machine embroidery. We have classes coming up later in the year with Pauline, so this is a great opportunity to come along and meet her. There is no charge for this session, and no need to book.

I think I mentioned that I called into the shop on Wednesday. Viv managed to grab five minutes for a cuppa and a chat in the garden - which was looking lovelier than my previous photos as Viv had spent the weekend planting. (I expect Kevin was asleep in a deckchair) Anyway, when we came back inside, Kevin had unearthed this ...............

It's Viv in her 'Sheena Easton' days in case you didn't recognise her. She said "Oh that's good, I wanted some memorabilia for the Made At AVG exhibition". I said I didn't think anyone would remember that far back.

It's a wonder I've got any friends.

Let the Ground Force Be With You

2010-08-03T14:58:00.000-07:00

Do you remember the redundant space outside at the back of the studio? Well, it's been transformed. First of all Kevin (AVG's small-but-perfectly-formed answer to Tommy Walsh) pruned and chopped and dug and cleared. And planned. Here we are at the planning stage ...........

Then, after several weeks hard graft by the lovely guys from Cutting Edge

it now looks like this.....

How about that for a transformation!! (Now, if we can just stop Viv from dumping piles of paper out there...)

So now, when you're at a workshop, and its a sunny day, you can sit outside for lunch. Well, I suppose it doesn't matter if it's not sunny - we have a canopy!

There was to be a grand garden opening, but due to sad family events, this didn't take place as planned, but there are now plans for a little garden party during the time that the 'Made At Art Van Go' exhibition is on, from Tues Aug 31st to Sat Sept 25th. Invites will go out to all exhibitors, so if that's not a good enough reason to submit some work into the exhibition, what is? You ARE going to submit work, aren't you?

Talking of exhibitions, a quick update on the current exhibition, which runs until 7th August, the Stanley Andrews Retrospective. So far, almost £5,000 has been raised for The Prostrate Cancer Charity, and The Paul Strickland Scanner Centre, Mount Vernon. This money was raised from sales of Stanley's work, and from a raffle drawn at the Private View held in the gallery on Friday 16th July. It was a lovely gathering of family, friends and collectors of Stanley's work. The prize - one of Stanley's watercolours - was won by an absolutely delighted Aileen Lawrence - a good friend of Stanley and Cindy Andrews, and a wonderful watercolour artist herself, whose work we regularly show in the gallery.

New Workshop Programme

2010-07-27T11:06:00.000-07:00

Just to let you know, the new workshop programme is winging it's way out to all the names on the mailing list.

There are some really exciting workshops coming up as part of our 21st birthday celebrations, so if you can't wait for the programme to arrive, you can always look here on the website.
As you know, some workshops get filled really quickly, so don't miss out, we are standing poised, pen in hand, just waiting for your call!

Gina's Razzle Dazzle workshop on Thursday

2010-07-09T16:40:00.000-07:00

This Thursday, we had another fabulous Razzle Dazzle Machine Embroidery workshop, with one of our ever-popular tutors, Gina Ferrari. To see the fantastic work that the students produced, take a look at Gina's own blog, Fan My Flame

Gina will be tutoring more workshops at Art Van Go this year on 16th September and 28th October, and again next year on 9th February and 30th March. Come along and be inspired.

New Exhibition

2010-07-05T02:57:00.000-07:00

If you are visiting Art Van Go in the the next couple of weeks, don't forget to call into the Gallery, to see the new exhibition. It opens tomorrow and goes on until 26th July.

In fact, maybe you should pay a visit to the studios, even if you weren't planning to. All proceeds from the sale of paintings will be going to The Prostate Cancer Charity, and the Paul Strickland Scanner Centre at Mount Vernon Hospital, both very worthy causes.

A Tribute to Phil

2010-06-19T07:54:00.000-07:00

Those of you who are regular visitors to Art Van Go studios, will already know of the sudden and unexpected death in March of this year, of Viv's dad, Phil Arthur. We felt that it was only right to pay tribute to Phil, as he had such a great 'supporting role' in Art Van Go.

The following tribute was read by Viv at Phil's funeral -

My Dad was a big man - maybe hard to believe for those who only knew him in the last few years -but he was! He was strong with a strong handshake that was there right to the end.

His hands looked strong - Mam says it was one of the first things that attracted her to him - but he could be so gentle. As small children we can remember Dad gently stroking away the pain, or soothing us to sleep.

Dad was away for several months at a time during our early years but he would return with presents from his travels. As a marine engineer he was involved with the sea and ships all his life. After serving in the merchant navy during the war, part of it transporting aviation fuel around the Mediterranean, he became one of the youngest Chief Engineers of his time. We also know that Dad was involved in ground-breaking projects like the transportation of liquid gas by sea on the Methane Pioneer in 1959, and later on the Methane Princess, but the times he loved to talk about most was of early voyages to sea up and down the China coast on a little ship called the Volcella.

This small steamship - the engine room was apparently so small "they had to have condensed milk in their tea" - it's Chinese crew and the adventures he had (most of which we could only guess at) - probably gave Dad his love for all things Asian and Oriental. He loved Chinese, Japanese and Indian food long before these sort of restaurants were common in Britain and he taught himself to cook using individual spices and lots of garlic. Our friends reckoned they could smell our house long before they reached our front door.

Dad was an engineer through and through. If it had a motor or an engine he could repair it. We had a fridge, bought second-hand in the States and shipped across in the fifties and thanks to Dad's determination was still going strong 40 odd years later!

As an engineer it was always function over aesthetics. If Dad could repair it what did it matter what it looked like, and he certainly wasn't going to buy a new one! Almost anything could be held together with enough carpet-tape or lashed with plenty of string. He took the same approach to personal first-aid. Using anything to hand whenever he drew blood from the slip of a knife, screw-driver or hammer, he was rarely seen without carpet tape or string and rag dressings.

Dad was always there for us. He helped so much with Art Van Go, even though he did think it was a madcap idea of mine that wouldn't last. He would help with the van, and together with Mam would travel to different parts of the country helping to build and set up stands at shows. Even in the last few weeks he has been bottling, packing and cutting products for us. Whenever we were feeling overwhelmed with work Mad and Dad would be there, like the cavalry coming to the rescue to help out. This is the 21st Anniversary year for Art Van Go and I know he would have loved to be part of the planned celebrations.

My memories are full of noise - that could be fiery arguments between me and Dad - but mainly of laughter! Dad could so easily be brought to tears with laughter, either because of a story he was trying to relay or a joke he was trying to tell. He rarely got to the punch line without having to struggle. In truth he really only knew about 3 jokes - all shaggy-dog stories that have now become part of family folk-lore - but we would always end up in agonies of laughter because it was all in the telling!

Dad loved cartoons, especially Tom and Jerry; he loved Shirley Bassey; he had a love-hate relationship with golf; he loved good food and good whisky and sharing the craic over a couple of pints, and we know he loved us!

Dad was very careful with money, and he was stubborn, but he was also silly, funny and loving. He loved life.

My Dad is a big man - I am proud and I love him! "

* * * * *

I'm sure you'll agree that was a fine tribute, to a fine man.

Phil had always been so fit and healthy, but in recent years had suffered from heart trouble - angina, and a heart attack resulted in him having a triple by pass - but he came through the operation with flying colours, and appeared to have a second lease of life. His breathlessness had gone - he had bags more energy and was able to walk further. So it was with great enthusiasm that he and Joan, Viv's Mum, moved from Orpington to their new home in Knebworth. The family were looking forward to spending more time together, and made lots of plans for the future, but sadly this was not to be.

Phil was supportive of, and involved in, Art Van Go from the time it started, and in fact it was a loan from Phil that enabled Viv to get the business off the ground. And he continued to be totally supportive until the end.

(Incidentally, the photo of Phil, on the Order of Service above, was taken by Kevin in 1989, the year that Art Van Go began.)

Speaking as someone who worked at Art Van Go, I could see that as much as Viv was proud of her Dad, it was clear that he was immensely proud of Viv, and of what she and Kevin have achieved over the last 21 years - so maybe Art Van Go was not such a hare-brained scheme after all!

Personally, I will remember Phil as a kind, hardworking and witty man, who never refused a cup of tea, and had the most wonderfully infectious chuckle.

Finally, as Viv said in her tribute to him, in the late 1950's, Phil was part of the Technical team which brought about the ground breaking development of transporting liquid gas by sea, in "Methane Pioneer" - a ship that had to be converted for the purpose and later, the Methane Princess. It's a bit of a long shot, but Viv would love to know more about it, but a search of the internet has so far been fairly fruitless, other than the technical aspects of it. We're just hoping that someone out there, who had some connection with the ship, or the project, or knows of someone who was, reads this and gets in touch.

Rest in Peace Phil.

Exhibition News

2010-06-11T11:16:00.000-07:00

This is a quick update to let you know about the current exhibition in the Gallery "Personal Statements" from Alysn Midgelow-Marsden, which runs until 3rd July .....

Alysn works primarily in copper, and pewter metal shims and woven metal fabrics of bronze, stainless steel, brass and copper; often altering the original surface by burnishing, texturing, printing, patterning and patinating, before moving on to stitch, twist, knot, pleat and otherwise manipulate the metal.

Try and get along to see the exhibition, and you are sure to be inspired to sign up for Alysn's forthcoming two day workshop on Thursday 22nd and Friday 23rd July entitled "Revealing and Concealing". Students will create collages using image transfer and manipulation techniques, before moving on to use distressing glazing, bonding, simple stitching techniques and incorporating metals, which will result in a surface which conveys a personal meesage.

Textiles in Focus at Cottenham

2010-03-03T14:26:00.000-08:00

As you know, Art Van Go was at Textile in Focus at Cottenham again this year. It was, as always, a fantastic event organised by Pauline Verrinder and her team, with a brilliant workshop programme, many and varied traders and great exhibitions to look at and admire. For those that weren't able to get there, here is just a very small representation of some of the work on view.

(Apologies for the standard of photography - I'm not a professional like Kevin, just an enthusiastic stitcher with a digital camera - and not much technique!)

Firstly a small sample of the work from MESCH - a group comprising of artists Marian Murphy, Liz Evans, Margaret Starr,Vanda Campbell and Mavis Howard ....

and, to see more of their work, MESCH are holding an exhibition at -

THE TAVERN GALLERY

8 High Street Meldreth, Cambs SG88JU

1st April - 3rd May 2010

Wed to Sun 10am - 4pm (closed 1pm - 1.30pm)

Next is work from the Fen Edge Textile Group, formed in 2002, and currently with sixteen members who are fortunate to have Pauline Verrinder as their Mentor/Co-ordinator.

Fen Edge Textile will be exhibiting at the gallery in Malden from 8th September to 10th October 2010 - see their website fenedgetextiles for more information

And finally, some photos of the work of textile artist, author and the guest speaker at Textile in Focus, Isobel Hall.....

Check out our workshop programme - a number of the artists in the above mentioned exhibitions, including Marian Murphy, Vanda Campbell and Pauline Verrinder are coming to Art Van Go to take exciting workshops for us in the near future.

And finally not only a huge thank you to Pauline and her team for Textiles in Focus, but also a big congratulations - the Tombola in aid of Multiple Sclerosis raised an amazing £708 which will all go to the charity. Well done!

New Workshop Programme

2010-02-14T09:11:00.000-08:00

This isn't exactly the most frequently updated blog in the world, is it?? Still, at least when it is updated, there's something to say. First of all, the new workshop programme is out.

If you've not had yours yet, just contact us at ARTVANGO and ask for a copy, and for your name to be added to the mailing list. Or of course you can go direct here to the workshop page on the website!

As you can see from the cover, ARTVANGO are celebrating their 21st birthday this year, and have put together a fantastic workshop programme - probably the best so far. In addition, there are other exciting events planned!

We are inviting everyone who has taken part in an Art Van Go workshop to submit work to this very special exhibition -

"MADE AT ART VAN GO"

The exhibition will be a celebration of your talents and skills; the dedication and enthusiasm of the tutors; and the many years of Art Van Go workshops.

Exhibition: Tues Aug 31st - Sat Sept 25th

Applications by Fri 13th Aug

Submission Dates: 19th, 20th, 21st, 24th & 25th Aug.

We will be delighted to accept work from anyone - the only criteria is that you should have attended an Art Van Go workshop and the work submitted should reflect this. For more details and submission form please contact Art Van Go.

This could be the ideal opportunity to finish something that you've started at a workshop - come on, don't tell me that you don't have any workshop UFO's! The more of you that take part, and the more varied the work - the better the exhibition will be. We look forward to seeing your entries.

In the meantime, remember we will be at Cottenham on 19th/20th/21st February for

TEXTILES IN FOCUS 2010

please see http://www.textilesinfocus.com/2010.htm for more details

Look forward to seeing you soon

Exciting New Publications!!

2009-10-22T03:01:00.000-07:00

After lengthy gestations we are proud to announce the birth of three new additions to the Art Van Go family!! All three publications were ‘born’ just in time for the Knitting & Stitching Show at Alexandra Palace on the 7th October. Like proud parents of new babies we would like to introduce you to:

‘Paintstiks: Marvellous Markal - Sumptuous Shiva’

by Ruth Issett

The long-awaited book, from the guru herself, will show you just how versatile Paintstiks are. This book can be used as a starting point for those new to this medium, or as a means of stretching your work further into areas of mixed media. The results will be ‘sizzling’ whether used on paper, or directly onto fabric!

And also ......

‘Page After Page: Making Individual Books and Journals’

by Frances Pickering
Presented as though one her own stitched and hand-illustrated books, Frances explains some of the techniques she uses to create the books and reveals some of the inspiration behind them. A glorious book for anyone who has any creative interest.

And, just in case anyone missed the news in my previous post ....

Last, but by no means least,

The new 80 page Art Van Go Catalogue!!

After months & months of work it’s finally here! We’ve already had very positive feedback about it being ‘worth the wait’ and we hope you will agree. Lots of new products and exciting new ranges. You can get hold of a hard copy by sending three first class stamps (here in the UK) or for £1.00 when you see us at shows etc, or by asking for one to be included in your order if the order is over £10.00. The PDF of the catalogue is available to download at no charge.

If you have sent stamps in previously, and not yet received your copy of the new catalogue, please let us know.

Knitting and Stitching Alexandra Palace

2009-10-08T14:52:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again - Knitting and Stitching Show at Ally Pally.

This isn't going to be a long post, as, along with everyone else, I've been frantically busy on the stand all day, and my back's sore - but thought I should just let you see a couple of photos. Firstly the stand, all pristine and ready for customers. And Ruth, of course, in much the same condition.

Here we see one of the judges of "The Oldest Teaboy at the Show" competition, having a quiet word with one of the contestants about the state of his tray. And then, I have REALLY EXCITING NEWS!!!!!!
Are you ready for this???? ...... Ta ta da da da ta daaaaa!

Yes, it's the long-awaited, much-requested, often-promised, time-consuming, nail-biting, hankered-after, glossy-paged, art goods-packed, full colour.......

ART VAN GO CATALOGUE

Available for the very first time at the show today.

I think when you see it, you'll understand what a mammoth job it was to produce, and of course Viv does have one or two other little jobs to attend to.

Anyway, I've got a signed copy, so you're not having mine, you get your own. And, to all those people who have sent in stamps, back at the shop they are busy putting catalogues in envelopes to post out to you. It's busier than Santa's Grotto, with considerably fewer elves. Hopefully you should get them (postal strike permitting) in the next couple of weeks.

Right I'm off now to get some rest before going back tomorrow - but this time to look round, not to work. I'll be back on the stand on Saturday though, so if any of you who read this are there on Saturday, come and say 'Hello'

Night night

Gill x

Open Studios - Private View

2009-09-18T09:52:00.000-07:00

This is a very late reminder of the Private View which is on tonight, Friday 18th September at The Studios from 7pm. I would have mentioned it earlier, but I called into the shop by chance this morning and only found out about it then. It is in the workshop programme, so hopefully you hadn't forgotten about it, and are all getting ready to make your way to Art Van Go as we speak.

There is work from five artists -

Kim Major-George, with atmospheric art using collagraph printing, hand finished using oils, foils and metallic threads .....

Jill Winch, a botanical artist diploma at Chelsea Physic Garden, Member of SSP, Exhibited at SBA London, Local Art societies and ArtVanGo .....

Sara Button, detailed textile work incorporating mixed techniques and media. Complex textures, machine embroidery and angelina feature heavily in the intricate pieces.

Denise Allen, who says she is exploring media and subject, enjoying the journey, always loving the sea and play of light on waters surface ....

and last but not least, Aileen Lawrence, who paints flowers and landscapes in a loose, exuberant and vibrant way using watercolour, mixed media and pastels ....

Really sorry about the standard of the dodgy looking photos - they were done in a bit of a rush this morning, but you get the general idea.

AND, as an added bonus, as well as all that wonderful artwork to look at, there will be free booze, there will definitely be cake, and there will be men. I was going to say naked men, but Kevin says that's only if more than 250 of you turn up.

Incidentally, while I was there this morning, I enquired about the catalogue. Now, I know you're going to say you've heard it all before, but ......... it's nearly ready. Viv and Jen are just putting the finishing touches to it, the designers are working on the completed sections, and the printers are lined up ready to go. It will definitely (and I've been told I can say this) be ready in time for Knit and Stitch at Allly Pally. It'll obviously take a while to send out to all the people who have sent in stamps, so bear with us. As soon as I know that they have all been despatched I'll let you know.
And, talking of the K&S - two other 'new releases' will also be launched at the show.

Ruth Issett's new book on Markal, called "PAINTSTIKS". And no, that's not a spelling error by Ruth, it's what Markals are called in the States. Those Americans sure are wacky when it comes to spelling, aren't they.

The second book to be launched at Ally Pally is Frances Pickering's long awaited book "PAGE AFTER PAGE".
I can't wait, and I'm just glad I've recently had new bookshelves at home and have a little bit of spare space now.

Finally, for those of you who can't get along tonight the exhibition will be open this weekend, when you can take part in an event to produce "The World's Longest Painting" (maybe it's Knebworth's answer to the Bayeux Tapestry - a pictorial story of the production of the catalogue?) Anyway, come along and join in and add your own kind of art to it - outside if weather permits, and in the Studio if not.

The exhibition then runs from Tues 22nd until Sunday 27th.

Catalogue?!?!?!?!?

2009-06-13T07:53:00.000-07:00

We know that a lot of you have been asking about the new catalogue - and I still can't tell you when it's going to be ready - it's a mammoth job to produce - but we really hope it will be ready by the autumn.

Needless to say, we have had a number of telephone calls asking what's happening - but a letter from one lady went beyond the call of duty - and I felt we should share it with you so you'll know you're not alone!

CATALOGUE REQUEST TO ART VAN GO

Oh how I'd like a catalogue

To make a shopping spree

And Art Van Go are keeping one

Especially for me

Three times I have requested it -

With stamps - as advertised!

But postie always passes by -

One day I'll be surprised!!

Magazines and book I read

With projects to impress

But where to get the goods I ask -

It's Art Van Go's address!

Shows and computers baffle me

And are beyond my dreams

So shopping via catalogues -

The only way it seems

So Art Van Go please hear my plea

And let me be inspired

Crafts and Textiles fill my life

I'm old and I'm retired.

From Miriam Pugsley, aged 80

Member of West Country Embroiderers.

I thought the least I could do was respond in a similar vein!

Thank you for your letter
That you sent to us in rhyme
We would have answered sooner
But we get so little time!
And therein lies the problem
If you'd allow me to explain
Why you asked us for a catalogue
And then asked us once again
You sent off your request - with stamps
And now you feel dejected
But we've noted down your details
Please - don't feel neglected!
Viv's working hard on the catalogue
And there's such a lot to do
But rest assured, when it's complete
We'll post one off to you.
In the meantime - if you need something
And you're feeling all alone
Don't despair - we're always here
Just call us on the phone!

Gill xx

Seriously, we know that a lot of you have been waiting for some time, and as soon we possibly can, we'll get it to the printers and get them off to you. We have kept details of all the people who have written in and sent stamps, so you won't be forgotten. In the meantime, if there's anything you want, even if you don't know exactly what it's called, or the catalogue number, just give us a call and we'll do our very best to help.

Does anyone know if there is still a position for Poet Laureate - I'm going to see if Miriam and I can do a Job Share.

2009-03-30T13:21:00.001-07:00

You may remember that a couple of posts ago, I talked about the exhibitions at 'Textiles in Focus' held at Cottenham in February. Specifically, I posted a photograph of the sales table comprising work of the Facets group of textile artists. I was later contacted by Rhona of Facets, who has kindly sent me photographs of the work that they had displayed at the Exhibition. I did take some photographs myself, but unfortunately, due to lighting, (oh, ok then, my ineptitude as a photographer!) they didn't really turn out well enough to include here, so my thanks to Rhona for supplying these. Facets will be holding their own exhibition within the next 12 months, so I will let you know more details when we have them. Meanwhile, here are the aforementioned photos ....

Beautiful and varied work, I'm sure you'll agree. Thanks again Rhona.

Meanwhile, if anyone else out there would like us to mention their exhibitions, or send us photographs of their work (come on, don't be shy!) please contact us via the website at http://www.artvango.co.uk/

Upcoming workshops

2009-03-06T10:58:00.001-08:00

Just a quick post to remind you of some of the great workshops we have lined up in the near future - some of them are fully booked already, but amongst those which still have some vacancies include the following:-

Creative Metal Clay with Sarah Lamb on Friday 13th March. Create objects in silver by simply modelling the metal clay using non-traditional jewellery methods. Sarah has great experience using this revolutionary silver clay, and it will be possible to create small pieces of jewellery by the end of the day. £49 (inc £20 materials charge)

Embellish to Stitch - a two day workshop by Pauline Verrinder on Wed 28th and Thurs 29th May - this has proved very popular in the past with new owners of Embellisher machines to help them comes to grips with all the wonderful work that can be produced by these machines. So if you've got one that you haven't fully explored, this is the course for you. Previous classes have been oversubscribed - so get in quick! £57 (inc £3.00 materials charge)

Another two day workshop of interest to those of you with Embellishers (but not exclusively) is

It's a Wrap! by Christine Benson on Friday 8th and Saturday 9th May. Using silk fibres and machine lace you will produce beautiful surfaces for quilting and embroidery from which you can go on to create a distinctive and unique scarf. £70 (inc £6.00 materials charge)

Then we have workshops being run by no less than three artists currently exhibiting with the Prism group at the Mall Galleries in London:

Machines Textures by Gina Ferrari on Friday 3rd April.

This is a machine embroidery workshop where you will learn more techniques for creating rich textures and combine them to produce a landscape style embroidery. This will develop techniques from a previous class but is also suitable for beginners, although students will need to be familiar with their machines. £32 (inc £2 materials charge

Layers in the Landscape - a Textile Approach by Amanda Hislop over the weekend of Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th April.

Taking the landscape as inspiration, explore the effects of layering papers, threads and found materials to form surfaces for stitch. Add texture and overlay washes of colour. Cut back and reveal textile and image, fragment and reassemblage. Explore the potential of this flexible method. £82 (inc £8.00 materials charge)

Colour and Paper - What If??! a three day workshop from Ruth Issett on Wednesday 22nd to Friday 24th April.

Explore the possibilities of working with colour and paper - build paper surfaces, add print, plus a variety of mixed media such as gesso, wax resists and acruylic mediums to give uniquely colourful finishes. A course for those who like to experiment and wish to expand and develop their knowledge with colour on paper. £115 (inc £8.00 materials charge)

To book a course, for more information about these and other courses, or to request a copy of the workshop programme, please call us at the shop on 01438 814946 or email us via our website

Textiles in Focus

2009-02-23T09:29:00.001-08:00

We had a very busy and enjoyable weekend at the Textiles in Focus show in Cottenham, near Cambridge, organised brilliantly as always by Pauline Verrinder and her team. You can just see AVG up against the wall at the end!Pauline suggested/insisted that the organisers wear hats, which made them easier to identify! Here's Pauline setting a fine example

There were some great stands, including one run by the textile group Fibrefusion

And other by Fen Edge Textiles

Sharon Osbourne, frequently demonstrator (and visitor) to AVG was demonstrating her work

And in the main exhibition area, there was some fantastic work by the Sleaford Embroiderers, who amongst other things had a vibrant display of ATCs (Artist Trading Cards, for the uninitiated)
And then the beautiful and varied work produced for their Group Challenge "On the Waterfront"
And finally, last but by no means least, some really beautiful work from a group of textile artists known collectively as "Facets"

Textiles in Focus is a small but wonderfully friendly show, and if you haven't been, and live within reasonable travelling distance of Cottenham, I can't recommend it highly enough. There are dozens of 2 hour workshops to attend, and all the participants that we spoke to had really enjoyed them. The lecture this year, on Saturday afternoon, was by Mary Sleigh, author of African Inspirations in Embroidery.

If you didn't manage to get there this year, and would like to be added to the database to ensure you get advance notification of next year's show, contact the organisers via http://www.textilesinfocus.com/

2009-02-18T04:05:00.000-08:00

Viv and Kevin have been up at the NEC in Birmingham for a few days with a stand at the Craft Hobby and Stitch Trade Show. Myself and Ann went up for the last day (yesterday) to have a look around and see what new products are available, with a view to stocking them at the Studios (watch this space!) Lots of lovely new books on the way - which were ordered on the basis of "will Pam buy this?" I hope she's been saving her pennies, 'cos there are lots to tempt her!

Towards the end of the day, after Ann and I had identified things for Viv to look at she went off the check them out. I had a text from her saying "meet me at the Efco stand" and this is the scene when I arrived ... William from Efco and Viv enjoying a beer and a laugh.

Meanwhile, Kev was still busy on the stand, here seen chatting to Margaret Beal. Please note, Kev is wearing matching shoes for once - apparently it's because it's a Trade Show and he needs to look professional!You tell him not to look at the camera, but in the end, he just can't stop himself.
Anyway, it was a successful show with lots of Trade orders - and with new stock coming to the Studios very soon.

Don't forget, AVG will be at the Textiles in Focus show in Cottenham this coming Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Hope to see you there!

New Workshop Programme!!

2009-01-28T09:05:00.001-08:00

At long last, after much ado, and many enquiries, the time has now come (Fanfare please).....

YES - It's the new WORKSHOP PROGRAMME!!

Viv was sent to her room with NO SUPPER until she had completed the workshop programme. Even worse, we told her she wouldn't be allowed to go on holiday until it was done. So, it's now finished and should be winging it's way out to you as we speak. Have a look through, and I think you'll agree, it was worth waiting for! Some of the workshops get filled very quickly, as you know, so to avoid disappointment - don't delay!

Anyway, as it is now done, Viv has been 'un-grounded' and has been permitted to go off with Kevin for a week in Luxor. (On the basis that, if the Pyramids won't come to Knebworth ....)

I'm sure we all wish them a great holiday - they certainly deserve it.

What other news??

Sadly, there will be a couple of shows missing from the calendar in 2009. We have recently learned that there will be no Fashion and Embroidery Show in Harrogate this year. Also, there will not be a Knitting and Stitching Show at the NEC, although you will, of course, still be able to visit AVG at the K&S shows at Alexandra Palace, Harrogate and Dublin (oh, and Kevin says to tell you that there are some great plans afoot for Harrogate and Dublin this year).

In the meantime, and much nearer on the calendar, there is "Textiles in Focus" at Cottenham in Cambridgeshire, on 20th/21st and 22nd February.

See http://www.textilesinfocus.com/ for more details.

As usual, Viv will be running a couple of workshops there on the Friday and Sunday.

I think that's all the current news - I hope to be able to show you some of Viv and Kev's holiday photos when they get back.

Pictures from Dublin and farewell to Stuart

2008-12-08T08:20:00.000-08:00

As promised, and after only minor nagging, I managed to get the photos that Viv took of the Knitting and Stitching show in Dublin. We thought you might be interested to see the process of building the stand!
Kev, Ruth and Chas on the day they arrived, followed by the bare bones of the AVG stand -

Starting to set up the products -
And the finished thing! -

Ruth directing operations as her exhibition is built -And then taking time to relax, once it's all looking beautiful (no paparazzi please!)This lady is a new AVG friend - she helped on the stand at Dublin. I'd love to tell you her name, but Viv hasn't written it on the photo and (surprise, surprise) Viv isn't answering her phone. Oh well, Mystery AVG friend it is then.
Ruth ran a couple of Learning Curve classes, on the Thursday and Saturday, so here's a selection of her students hard at work.

Looks very inspiring, and as if a good time was had by all.

Then, back at base - I think I mentioned that Stuart is leaving us to go off to work at an exclusive chocolate shop in Piccadilly, so we had to have a little send off for him. Here's a picture of the team, plus wayward balloons. Good one of you, Kevin!

And then a proper one with the balloons under control -

Sadly, Stuart has had to have his ponytail cut off for the new job, so Viv has made him a pretend one from Merino wool, which she clipped to the back of his sweatshirt.

We're all sorry to see you go Stuart, but wish you very best wishes and good luck in your new job! xx

Christine Benson's Workshop

2008-11-30T10:01:00.000-08:00

I thought you might like to hear about a recent two day workshop called 'Elizabethan Elements' run by one of our regular and popular tutors, Christine Benson. The following account comes from one of our most regular workshop attendees, Pam Oliver, who also supplied the photos.

What a wonderful time was had by the lucky people who attended the Christine Benson class on 11th and 12th November.

Christine's work is always beautiful, and uses silk in all of it's forms - this time she produced amazing work based around the theme of the Elizabethan times.

Under Christine's guidance, we were able to learn how to begin to do this ourselves, using the Embellisher, (a machine for needle felting), silk fibres, beads, water soluble fabric and more.
The class was a dream and everyone was so excited with their results. I urge you to look out for future Art Van Go workshops with Christine Benson - you will not be disappointed, but be aware - the class fills up quickly! P. Oliver
Thanks Pam, for the words and the pictures - it certainly seemed that everyone on the workshop had a good time.- and we look forward to contributions from other workshops attendees in the future!

2008-11-23T05:26:00.000-08:00

First of all - BIG apologies that there hasn't been an update on here for a while. It's been so busy with the Knitting and Stitching shows - Dublin and Harrogate.

This is only the second time that AVG have been to Dublin, they went to the very first Dublin show over ten years ago but haven't been back since. Viv and Kevin packed up the van and set off at some ridiculous hour on Monday 27th October, to catch the ferry from Holyhead at 2am, bound for Dublin. (No, none of US know how Viv managed it either!)

They arrived and after finding their accommodation, unloaded the van on the Tuesday afternoon, then went to the pub with Ruth and Chas (Ruth Issett took her exhibition to Dublin) where they had a very traditional Irish meal and several pints of Guinness.

They set up on the Wednesday in the bitter cold - you may remember we had snow over here then - and in fact Ann had to battle with Arctic conditions to get in to open the shop! Meanwhile, back in Dublin, having finished the show set up, it was off to a very up-market Burger restaurant for proper handmade burgers and lots of wine - can you see a pattern forming here?

There were a few teething problems the first day - mainly around having to contend with exchange rates and Euros, but nothing insurmountable, and the lovely part was the really warm welcome that Art Van Go received. So many people came up and said "We're so pleased you've come" that Viv and Kev felt really appreciated and they were begged to "come back next year"

Generally the show was smaller than the other K&S shows, with fewer traders, but everyone was really friendly, and were so pleased to be able to get supplies that they normally find difficult to source.

Another bonus at this time of year was the real 'Mardi Gras' spirit around in Dublin - they really go to town with Halloween. So obviously, that means more Guinness and even more wine.

If we can work things out with the organisers, we really want to go back to Dublin - and we have some big ideas for next year!

Viv and Kevin want to say a really big "Thank You" to all the people they met, who made them feel so welcome, and they say it feels like they have made a whole bunch of new friends.

I was going to put photos of the show on here, but as Viv is still in Harrogate at the moment and hasn't been able to supply any - I am afraid I am just going to have to leave you with the only one I have available. Says it all, really.

Tuesday 21st October

2008-10-24T05:57:00.000-07:00

Tuesday saw the return of a very popular tutor - Frances Pickering - who was teaching a two day workshop entitled "Textured Treasures". As those of you who have been to a workshop with Frances previously - beautiful little stitched books are her speciality and these were no exception. This time the covers were made with calico, which were then embellished with lace and hand stitching, and the pages contained vintage haberdashery and other memorabilia, resulting in real treasures.

Frances was, as always, ably assisted by Jim. I'm not sure if he was responsible for the raucous laughter that kept coming from the workshop, but certainly everyone sounded as if they were having a great time!

Quite a few regulars in attendance - plus Cheryl who had come over from Australia especially for this workshop! (I think she may have called in to see relatives over here too)

Needless to say, we did have a member of staff on the workshop - Pam was back again (she's got a bit of a thing about books), but we managed to take the photos while she was out of the room.

Incidentally, we'd love to include examples of finished pieces of work from classes here, so if any of you do finish something (come on - it does happen sometimes!) we'd really like to see them. Bring them in next time you're passing, or email us a photo and we will include it on the blog - I'm sure others would love to see what you've done.

If you haven't got round to booking yet, there are still a couple of places on each of the following workshops :

Multifarious Muslin! - a two day workshop with Pauline Verrinder, Wed 29th & Thurs 30th Oct

Acrylics - Textures and Impastoes with Lupe Cunha on Friday 31st October

Taking Risks with Watercolours with Vanda Campbell on Wed 5th November

Give us a call for more information on 01438 814946

Another busy couple of weeks coming up - the van is off to Dublin next week for the Knitting and Stitching show over there, then back here to prepare for Harrogate.

See you soon

Friday 17th October 2008

2008-10-24T05:36:00.000-07:00

Friday 17th October saw two of the Art Van Go staff, Shelagh and Pam, having a sneaky day off so that they could take part in the Ruth Smith workshop "Folded Secrets" (We can't seem to get rid of them, even when they're not working!) They (and the other workshop-ees) spent the morning folding papers into various boxes and envelopes, and then later assembling them to make beautiful books which opened out in all manner of ways, which will then be decorated. Can't wait to see the finished results girls!

Later that day, was the private view for Ashlie Green's exhibition 'Analogue Exposure' - intricate and abstract photographs created on film and polaroid using plastic of lo-fi cameras to produce unique results.

Ashlie has just completed her degree, and attained a 2.1 in Photography - we are all very impressed Ash, both with the degree, and the fantastic work in the exhibition. Well done!

K & S Alexandra Palace

2008-10-19T14:10:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the very first post on Art Van Go's blogspot! We intend to use this to let you know about workshops, new products and events at Art Van Go, and to generally keep in touch. Please feel free to forward the link to anyone who you think may be interested in our goings-on. We'll welcome your comments (preferably nice ones!) and any suggestions for things that you'd like to see included.

Here's us at the Knitting and Stitching Show at Alexandra Palace - this is just before the show opened -

Kevin - as usual in his subtle "exhibition" trousers and crocs - that's what happens when you get dressed in the dark Kev.
Shortly after opening -

Jane demonstrating various printing methods to the obvious delight of the crowd!

As you are probably aware if you have seen us at previous Shows, Ruth Issett is at regular at Art Van Go - leading inspirational workshops and demonstrating for us at the shows, but on this occasion we had to manage without her, as she had her own Exhibition at Alexandra Palace entitled "Connected with Colour". We were able to take a few quick photos before the show opened, and caught Ruth and Chas chatting to Maggie Grey.

The photos can't begin to do justice to the fabulous colours and vibrancy in Ruth's work, but everyone who saw the exhibition raved about it, and more than one has told me that it was their favourite exhibition at the show.

Well done and congratulations Ruth.

We had a really busy show as always, the numbers of visitors may have been slightly down on previous years, but certainly we were rushed off our feet for the whole four days. Just time to unpack, before reloading the van and heading off to K&S Dublin, followed by Harrogate.