Review by Diane
For the first time we were invited to take part in this community event which took place over the late May Bank Holiday. Various artists and craftspeople were demonstrating and leading workshops as well as selling in venues all over Saltaire village, with visitors following a map to the places they wanted. We had a marvellous space in Wharf Street Studios, a listed building that I think might have been a warehouse at one time – you can see the winding machinery that presumably lifted goods onto and off the barges on the canal alongside, which is now alongside a pleasant footpath and the narrowboats on the canal are all pleasure craft.
As you can see from the photographs we had a huge space to display, demonstrate and sell and we had a steady stream of visitors. The weather helped, I’m sure, as it was sunny but not too hot. Krys, Gareth and Jaci had spent Friday afternoon displaying items to their best effect and our space looked really good – interesting and welcoming.
This was a professional exhibition with professional artists and craftspeople which shows the regard in which our Guild members are held. However, please don’t let that put you off displaying or volunteering at our events, many of which are taking place in the next couple of months. You know yourselves that you can soon learn to spin, weave and/or dye and it’s fascinating watching people’s faces when they have a go on a spindle or a small loom and realise that yes – they can do it!