Exhibitions and live music at Willow Gallery

Message from Tereska Williams at Willow Gallery, Oswestry.

Spring Exhibition Opening and Live Music this weekend at Willow Gallery Oswestry Saturday April 22 LIVE AT THE WILLOW Vintage music with a modern twist Bringing the sounds of the 1920s and '30s to Oswestry, the acoustic three-piece FB Pocket Orchestra will be performing live at the Willow on Saturday April 22. The band will play jazz, blues, ragtime and the popular dance music of the day, giving half-forgotten classic tunes a contemporary, foot-tapping and engaging twist.   All the way from Southampton and playing an array of instruments, the trio has emerged as a leading light among a new generation of performers, receiving enthusiastic responses from audiences across the country. This is an opportunity to find out what each instrument adds to the mix and how versatile and free this music can be. Vintage dress is optional!   Admission to the show will be £10 (children £5). The concert starts at 8pm, but early arrivals will have the opportunity to peruse the Gallery's latest exhibition. The licensed bar is open all evening.   Pre-concert dining, Saturday April 22 (served 6.30-7pm) There is an evening meal option prior to the concert; this must be pre-booked (ring 07773 720425).   Menu: Goat cheese & butternut squash lasagne with a side salad and garlic bread: £8.95 Various cakes and deserts available on the night   We sincerely value the support we receive for our exciting live events. Without this, the Gallery would not be able to continue to present such a wonderful range of music and other shows throughout the year.     April 22 – May 27 SPRING OPEN EXHIBITION Be among the first to see our lively and engaging Spring Open, launching on Saturday April 22 and promising a visual feast.   Pumed Gainc / Fifth Branch On tour from Wales, 12 artists, forming the collective 'Aberystwyth Illustrators', present a diversity of artworks inspired by the Mabinogi (or Mabinogion as it's also widely known), the earliest prose literature of Britain. All those with an interest in Welsh culture, folklore and myths will be familiar with the four interlinked stories or 'branches' that have come down to us from mediæval times. But there is a sense that there is a missing 'Fifth Branch' of ancient tales not handed down and now lost. The images presented here were inspired by this thought.   Ffeisty Ffelters >From Shropshire and surrounding borders, this inspirational group of felt-makers really do present a feast for the eyes. Exploring the theme of 'Structure', each person has their own way of interpreting this – and we are treated to a great variety of work ranging from the fine and intricate to the bold and chunky, from 2-dimensional abstract and representational work to 3-dimensional and garment-making. Here is an opportunity to find a unique, handcrafted gift!   Also exhibiting with us… Ronald Moore captures in oil the gorgeous landscapes of the Welsh borders, but also explores urban landscape. His work is held in many private collections in the UK, New York, Australia and a major royal collection.   Erica Herbert paints mostly still life: Matisse, Bonnard and the Scottish Colourists are amongst her influences. Textile artist Lesley Smith creates flora and also solid blocks of rich colours using appliqué and quilting techniques. Sheila J creates beautiful embroidery inspired by flowers and foliage, using both hand and machine stitching.   Compare and contrast the work of contemporary young artists Aaron Scott Templeman and Luke Crump, both with a graphic design background. Aaron revisits Alice in Wonderland in 'The Maddest Tea Party'; Luke is driven by the natural world, wildlife and the environment.   Also featured are watercolours by Mo Denye whose studio 'is the landscape itself'. Stuart McKay, a recent arrival from South Africa, is becoming known for his expressive landscapes of intense colour and light. Llansilin artist, Sara John has a collection of delicate pencil drawings. Judith Samuel is an artist living in North Wales whose paintings are based on the sea, the beach, the subtle light over the sea, and the seabirds who fly there.   There is a background on each artist next to their work.   All exhibited works are for sale unless otherwise indicated by the artist. The exhibition will run until Saturday May 27. Craft Fair Join us for our Spring Craft Fair on Saturday 29th April, featuring locally made arts and Crafts.

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