The Gallery will be closed over the festive break from 24 Dec - 5 Jan
LEFT: Little people: Scandinavian Christmas tomtar handmade by Eva Lindberg-Bassett
OUR WINTER EXHIBITION Until 6 January 2018 Providing an exciting opportunity for artists to celebrate their creativity side by side. At this open exhibition we have welcomed new artists emerging into the gallery world, in addition to new work from some of our regular artists, including Leo Donaghy, Susan Mulcock and Judith Samuel. Come and browse for your enjoyment and inspiration.
Artist-in-residence David Bannister has done us proud with these three powerful paintings in which he builds dramatic light effects, depth and atmosphere.
Having lived and worked in London and Tokyo, David now finds major inspiration in Mid-Wales, exploring 'the boundary between land and sky, the history and spirit of the land'. More recently his work has tended to abstraction, more expressive use of colour and emerging spiritual elements. David also teaches drawing and painting at the Gallery - and is a teacher of Tai Chi and Qigong.
We also feature arts and crafts by members of local arts group Borderland Visual Arts (BVA) and the Shropshire Guild of Contemporary Craft, working in a variety of materials and producing imaginative paintings, metal art, textiles, jewellery, glass, handcrafted wood...here you may find that perfect present for Christmas!
JUDITH HARRISON Dog & Cat Mixed media
JUDY GREAVES Wave Cornish greenstone
Wilf Thust TREE STRUCTURES 1 December - 31 January At the Dunbabin Room
Displayed in the window of the Gallery and piquing the interest of passers-by, this high-value kinetic wind sculpture is the work of metal sculptor Stan Jankowski. In an outdoor setting, this impressive piece, named 'Viking', will vary constantly with the breeze - and, to raise money for BBC Children in Need, has been generously donated by Stan for a silent auction. Please see in the Gallery for full details of entering. The highest bidder at 12 noon on Saturday 23 December will be the winner.
Former robotics engineer Stan also handcrafts stunning weathervanes in copper and brass at his workshop near Llanfyllin. These and more can be seen on his website at www.panjankowski.com.
DON'T FORGET OUR CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIRS Bustling with lots of hand-crafted gifts and festive atmosphere Support local artists and craft-makers Foodie treats on offer at on-site Eatery
Saturday 2 December (9.30am-5pm) Sunday 3 Dec (10am-3pm) Saturday 16 December (9.30am-5pm)
We welcome Bernard Pearson, who will be at the Gallery on Wednesday 20 December for the launch of InFree Fall - A Selection of Poems. Please join us in support of this local poet, biographer, prize-winning short-story writer - and winning Egghead contestant!
Our first concert for 2018 sees the return of singer/songwriter and queen of the guitar Vera Van Heeringen, accompanied by King Dave Luke (guitar/vocals) and Andy Seward (bass). You will love the quality and variety of Vera's songs.
UPCOMING MUSIC Claude Bourbon - Saturday 24 March Simon Kempston - Saturday 28 April
WORKSHOPS & COURSES All sessions take place at the Willow Gallery's Dunbabin Room. Book online, by 'phone (01691 657575) or call in at the Gallery, and also check any materials you may need. For Lifelong Learning courses, please book through Aberystwyth University Lifelong Learning (01970 621580 : learning@aber.ac.uk).
Batik Bags with Jenny O'Leary
Use two traditional techniques (tie-dye and then batik as a resist) in combination to create an original design on a cotton bag Saturday 2 Dec 10am-4pm : £45
Embroidered Box Workshop with Suzette Smart
Create a rich and colourful lid for your box with free-machine embroidery and the layering of voiles and lightweight fabrics
Saturday 9 Dec 10am-4pm : £40
Introduction to Ceramic Tile Making with Georgia Wright
Roll out your clay and learn the basics of sgraffito and relief decoration Level: Beginners
Saturday 16 Dec 10am-4pm : £45
Insects & Spring Plants: Chinese Brush Painting with Leo Donaghy
Paint highly-charged colours of spring flowers and delicate dragonflies in freestyle form using traditional Chinese techniques For those with some basic experience in brush painting
Wednesdays 24 Jan, 31 Jan, 7 Feb & 14 Feb 10am-1.30pm : £85
Loose Oil Painting 2 with Leo Donaghy
Continue to explore a loose, more fluid style - guidance given at all stages on contrast, colour and composition Thursdays 25 Jan, 1 Feb, 8 Feb & 15 Feb 10am-1.30pm : £85
Gardens & Allotments: Batik with Jenny O'Leary
Use the technique of batik on tissue and fabric to create a piece of work exploring the theme of gardens and allotments Beginners Welcome Saturday 3 Feb : 10am-4pm : £40
Shells: Natural History Illustration [CF206] with Tereska Shepherd [Lifelong Learning]
Saturday 10 Feb & Saturday 10 March (2 sessions) 10am-3.30pm : £55 (£45 concessions)
Painting Gardens [CF207] with Tereska Shepherd [Lifelong Learning]
7 sessions: Mondays 12 Feb, 26 Feb, 12 March, 26 March, 30 April, 14 May & 18 June
10am-3.30pm : £220 (£180 concessions)
Spread some festive cheer with a Christmas card from our collection
Winter in Shropshire Lyn Evans
A contemporary take on the Star of Bethlehem
Hazel McNab
We extend our best wishes to you all over the coming holiday season, and thank you for your support that enables us to grow and thrive
