Artists’ showcase hailed as ‘one of the best ever’
A RECENT exhibition at a Redlands church has been described as “one of the best ever” by a group of Reading artists.
The four-day event attracted record crowds and huge sales for stall holders with organiser Leslee Barron confirming a second was being planned for later this year.
“All the stallholders did a roaring trade and there were also a large number of art works purchased,” she said.
“I brought a hundred cards of one of my own works and only had one left at the end of the day. Of course, artists want to get their art out there but they also need money to buy materials in the first place and that’s something people often forget.”
The exhibition at Redlands Parish Church (St Luke’s) Church Hall on Erleigh Road was on the theme of wholeness and included paintings, drawings and photography as well as wood sculptures by Nick Garnett who uses a chainsaw.
Added Leslee: “Some of those involved had never exhibited before. Events like this hopefully encourage people to step forward to show their art and to be bold and individual.
“The hall we used was a beautiful space with large windows allowing lots of light to flood in. I can’t thank the church enough for their support, kindness and making us all feel so welcome.”
Leslee said the art scene in Reading was alive and thriving despite the covid lockdown and rising cost of artist materials.
“The church was so impressed by this exhibition and the quality of the artists, it plans to hold its own in the summer.
“There is a real buzz around the town with an increasing number of artistic hubs and communities so it is great to see them being supported.”