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Helfa Gelf- Support Local Artists/ FREE CAKE!! (or just be nosey but still get free cake)

Me in Creu Studio, 1st weekend of Helfa Gelf Art Trail
Evie, queen of the studio
We're half way through this year's Helfa Gelf art trail so I thought I'd better make some kind of comment on this fab open studios event. With Evie now firmly established in our shared studio ('Creu') at Parc Glynllifon, participation in our second Helfa Gelf feels much more relaxed than last year's debut. Despite some nerves, last year was an incredibly positive experience: I got to know some lovely artists/ makers, it galvanised me into getting my act together, I had a chance to introduce my work to the public (in a gentle, supportive way) & be part of something I think is a great boost for the area (for artists & the public). It seems a shame then that there was apparently a bit of struggle this year to secure some of the funding to allow the co-ordinated event to go ahead.

Think we've got enough signs now (more not shown!)
All the artists financially contribute but additional funding is required to maintain the professional standards ie the lovely printed brochures & their distribution, an excellent website (which acts as a vital resource & directory of local artists throughout the year), development courses running to support artists, curated exhibitions featuring some of the participating artists work and the staff to put all of this together. The art trail is a great affirmation of the amount of creative people packed into 5 counties in North Wales & should continue to be celebrated not taken for granted or worse, disregarded. Hopefully, next year will bring a more enlightened approach by some decision makers.

Regardless, I feel I'm doing sterling work recruiting new HG fans or at least educating about the fact it exists by foisting the brochures on all visitors to our workshop. So far, everyone has either seemed genuinely interested or very good at faking it (bribery with cakes may help account for this).  Likewise, Evie is doing excellent work lounging around, resplendent in her new Autumnal leaves outfit, a bespoke dress made by my talented Auntie Rosie. Thanks to her efforts Evie is not naked as she may have been if left up to me to create a suitable garment (too many heads to make, a nice problem to have but Evie would have been unimpressed).
Works in progress: Sioned, Sarah, & deer head

This year three of us from our group/studio ('Creu') are taking part: me (+Evie & woolidermy creatures), painter & print maker Sarah G Key & textile artist Sioned Hywel. Also, very much here but not in the official brochure is painter & felt maker Gwen Owen. If you enjoy having a peak into workshops as much as me (the messier the better), please come along, nose about, ask questions or just eat some cake/ biscuits (we need help with this or lardy times are in store for us). Excitingly, Sarah currently also has paintings, drawings & prints in Oriel Pendeitsh (Caernarfon). I see it as a very good sign that I want to lick/ eat one of her bold stripy paintings in the exhibition. Desiring to eat artwork is always a good thing in my, admittedly slightly strange, book.  Also worth visiting are the various young artists spending the month at nearby Bocs: Louise Cliffe's work in particular made me smile with its clever & playful use of slogans.
Helfa Gelf: 2nd Weekend

Yesterday (Sunday 14th Sept), we had a tiring but fun day with about 100 visitors (more than the total last weekend) as a vintage car event and the steam engine restored by the late Fred Dibnah was pressed into action. I  was seriously tempted to joy-ride off into the sunset in one of the shiny gangster style cars, or at the very least hop onto the running board as one drove off. Sadly, I restrained myself. The day started with high drama as the steam engine was fired up and immediately set off the fire alarms. Once order was restored, the traditional smoky smell added to the lovely atmosphere on a sunny September day.

 Next week we're taking the weekend off to explore other artist's domains with a mini road trip to Llandudno (Haus of Helfa- various artists & Llawn 2 events), Denbigh (ceramic sculpture-Katie Scarlett Howard), RCA Conwy (print maker Ann Lewis) & Bodnant Craft Centre (ceramist Jude Winnall). I will report back...
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