Creatives Across Sussex / Events / Hillary Taylor / Events / 2013-12-02T00:00:00Z / Your Place or Mine, 2nd - 18th Dec, Mon-Thurs, 4pm

PRESS RELEASE: WATFORD EXHIBITION AND ART SALE – for immediate release
Artists combine exhibition with evening shopping oasis of calm
If you’re looking for some quiet space away from the bustle of Christmas shopping, this exhibition in Watford could be just right for you. Seven artists from around Hertfordshire have got together for a 3-week exhibition and Christmas shopping event at the Visual Arts Centre, Watford Grammar School for Girls. ‘Your Place or Mine’ is theme for this collection of works that range from drawings, through interpretations of textiles and mixed media, to glass.
Something for everyone, with a wide variety of art forms
Caroline Lumb works with hand dyed papers and textiles, also creating limited edition cards. She says “Making things, drawing, painting, taking photographs are an integral part of my life. I can’t count the number of sketchbooks that I have, the materials and mediums that I have worked with spill out of every drawer.” Harpenden-based artist Hillary Taylor also works in a wide range of media. In Watford she has focussed on composite drawings of real and imaginary towns and cities, showing places as you’ve never seen them before.
Glass worker Jenny Hoole loves the contradictions in her chosen medium. “It is both rigid and fragile, solid and amorphous, delicate and strong, challenging and rewarding” she says, as she tries to harness moments and develop them into new forms, colours and patterns. Glass in a different style will also be available from Caroline Davis, for whom glass comes to life when light shines through it. “I get a lot of inspiration from the colours and forms found in the natural world but also love the style of Art Nouveau, Art Deco and Arts and Crafts movements,” says Caroline, who creates pieces for home and garden using both traditional lead and copper foiling techniques.
Textile specialist Davina Thomas uses digital stitch techniques on textiles. She looks mainly at people and the places they have occupied and creates work which often includes cartographic or written references. For another take on contemporary textiles, Caroline Kirton’s work is a series of snap shots observing the ups and downs of life, using machine embroidery, appliqué, screen printing and mixed media. She says “In my practice I try to create a sense of autobiography, recording stories, feelings, emotions and moments in time”.
Open Monday to Thursday, 16:00 – 20:00 from Monday 2nd December 2013 to Wednesday 18th December 2013 you can experience work first hand and talk to the artists themselves. In addition to larger and smaller items, artist-produced cards and gift tags will also be available. ‘My Place or Yours’ has parking available for visitors, or, if you are already shopping in Watford and need an antidote to the bright lights, it is about 5 minutes walk from the Harlequin Centre. With artists on hand to talk to, it’s the perfect place to enjoy an exhibition, or even pick up a unique gift or card for someone special.

Further information:
The exhibition is being held Monday to Thursday from Monday, Dec 2nd to Wednesday, Dec 18th. Opening times: Mon-Thurs, 16:00-20:00

Visual Arts Centre
Watford Grammar School for Girls
Lady's Close
Watford
Hertfordshire
WD18 0AE
Telephone: 01923 223 403

For an invitation to the Private Viewing: Wed, Dec 4th, 7-9pm, please contact either Watford Grammar (above) or Hillary Taylor (below)
Caroline Lumb: http://www.hvaf.org.uk/Caroline-Lumb/gallery
Hillary Taylor: www.thegallery29.wordpress.com
Caroline Davis: www.aspenstainedglass.co.uk
Jenny Hoole: www.studio-jh.com