EAST CHESHIRE HOSPICE Macclesfield on the map for art world
A LEADING volunteer in this year’s Macclesfield Art Fair says the art world in the UK knows that the Cheshire town ‘means business’.
Christiane van Doorn, 63, says the biennial Fair which raises funds for East Cheshire Hospice is gaining a national reputation for spotting and encouraging new talent and gallery owners and buyers from across the country are marking the date in their diaries to visit.
A member of the original founding committee back in 1999, Christiane says artists such as Ben Kelly and Jenny Hirst, who now sell all over the world, have exhibited at the Fair.
“Working in purely a voluntary capacity, we spend time every year visiting university degree and college shows on the hunt for new artistic talent,” said Christiane.
“We started this as we thought there just weren’t enough galleries in the town at the time and now we are delighted that it’s gaining such a national reputation.
“Frankly, people are in awe when they come for the first time because of the calibre of the art on display. The art world knows we mean business.”
Now Christiane is appealing to other potential art-loving volunteers to come forward to help with this year’s show ,which takes place at Macclesfield Town Hall for 10 days from Friday, September 16 to Sunday, September 25.
Volunteer help is needed with marketing, publicity, event management and catering.
With three galleries in operation, help is also needed with selling catalogues, gift-wrapping and in the café.
“Volunteering at the Art Fair can be great fun – we only need a little time and our experienced team can help new volunteers to make sure they get all the support they need,” said Christiane.
“The more art we sell the more help we can give the hospice.”
And with over 35 per cent of every piece of art sold going to East Cheshire Hospice, the organisers are hopeful they can raise even more than their £55,400 total in 2014.
Art Fair 2016 is open 10.30am-5pm Monday to Saturday, and 10am-3pm on the final Sunday.
More information at theartofcaring.org.uk.