What a Wonderful Week!

 I've had such a busy, but enjoyable week of art and connection.

Early in the week I had my delivery and collection day at Castle Framing. Not so much to drop off this week, just a commission, two prints and an original to frame for the upcoming 'Coming Home' exhibition at Florence Arts Centre. 

I had quite a lot to collect though. I managed to persuade Mike to keep my 16 framed paintings for Kirkcudbright for one more week. However, I had four commissions that had been mounted and five originals mounted ready to go into The Shipping Brow Gallery. Then I paid the bill, the biggest for a while. 

Wednesday morning I drove into town to look for a Cumbria Magazine. Luckily there were a few in WHSmith and I flicked through, eagerly, looking for my article. I was delighted to see it there and rushed home, managing to delay the gratification and read it at home rather than in the van.  

In the evening I had a wild and windy ride up to Maryport with Clare and Nanette. It wasn't quite the storm promised but we were blown around a bit and got a soaking between the car and the gallery.

We were attending a meeting at The Shipping Brow Gallery to express our interest in exhibiting there once it has opened.

The building in the former Queen's Head Pub and Maritime Museum has been painted a striking blue and yellow. I took photos to do a couple of paintings of front and side.

Not quite finished but already showing signs of being a remarkable interior with a colourful 1st floor gallery sending out a red glow into the darkening skies. 

Great to meet and reconnect with colleagues from my old life in the education service. Enjoyed the chat and glass of wine with other artists and Felix, the young graduate, who will be moving into the flat on the top floor as the first artist-in-residence. 

PoThursday morning at the weekly art group is a joyful meeting of fellow enthusiasts all working hard on compositions and chatting together in a calm convivial atmosphere. I got cracking on a commission of The Kirkstile Inn. Afterwards I had great fun catching up with artist friend, Jenny at Yam Frae Yam.  

Friday was a lovely still, bright evening as I picked up Rachel in Egremont for the drive up to The Sawmill in Wasdale. 

Nanette Madan had put together a stunning display of artwork in the delightful setting of The Sawmill. The room decorated with the textile work of Mia Sylvia Herrod, soon filled with friends, artists and associates of Lowes Court and Florence Arts Centre.

Nanette's friend, Sarah, had prepared a tasty selection of canapés, savoury and sweet and her weird star jelly concoction.

A thoroughly enjoyable end to the week.