Crickhowell is set to bring the past to life in a unique fashion during the Spring Bank Holiday weekend this year.
In addition to the oriel CRiC gallery’s annual Open Art Competition (26 May – 3 July) which this year includes a ‘Legends of Wales’ category, the town will welcome the ‘Beasts of the Mabinogion’ exhibition (26 May – 23 June). Showcasing the artistry of ‘Fauxidermy’ textile artist and Sculptor Helly Powell, the exhibition boasts a new body of work based on the Mabinogion, created using the cloth woven at Melin Tregwynt. Celebrating the literary heritage of the Mabinogion alongside The timeless textiles designed and created at the Welsh mill, the work reflects both Helly’s creativity and the skill and tradition handed down through the generations of the family owned mill.
Helly has invited jeweller Kathryn Willis, artist Robert Macdonald and printer Sarah Lane from Penrhos Printing Press to a collaboration by creating work which complements and enriches the exhibition.
The project has been funded by the Welsh Government’s Tourism Product Innovation Fund which aims to encourage partnership working and innovative ideas which will have a greater impact and attract more visitors.
Crickhowell’s Open Studio weekend (27 – 29 May) brings visitors from far and wide to the town. Numerous venues within walking distance give visitors the perfect excuse to linger over a cup of coffee or a meal while enjoying the rich variety of art on offer at the town’s two galleries, many studios and exhibition spaces.
For their summer show (10 May to 1 July) the Tower Gallery Co-operative of artists will also be a showing work on the theme of Myths and Legends of Wales. Graeme Galvin and Lesley Lilywhite have both been inspired by the Welsh tales of the Mabinogion which has a special connection with this area. The other members of the co-operative will be adding their own take on the theme of myth and legends, including Robert Macdonald who has taken inspiration from the stories that Giraldus collected in his travels through Wales in the 12th century, tales of the Lady of the Lake at Llyn y Fan Fach and of the birds of Llangorse. For this exhibition the group will be joined by Tim Rossiter whose work is deeply imbued with the resonance of poetry and myth. Both this and the oriel CRiC gallery’s Open Art exhibition are not to be missed.
Whether lingering in Crickhowell or exploring further afield, the weekend offers an opportunity to enjoy the Brecon Beacons and Black Mountains by meeting the artists who are inspired by the natural beauty of the area.
Further information can be found on www.visitcrickhowell.co.uk
Suzette Pratton
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- Hedgerow by Jan Thomas Textiles at the Weir, Llanddewi Rhydderch
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- Llanover Gardens by Sarah Hoddy, a member of the Abergavenny Art Group who will be exhibiting their work at the Abergavenny Community Centre
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- Goldfish by Hannah Firmin who will be opening her studio this year
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- Kiara by Christine Baxter at Court Robert – a new venue on the Open Studio trail
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- ‘Dutton and Jones’ proved a very popular addition to the Crickhowell Open Studio weekend last year. They will be sharing space with Lee Wright at Cwmdu Studios
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- Beautiful handmade jewellery by Annette Yates who shows her work at the Court Cupboard, Llantilio Pertholey
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- Patrick Berry Castle Garage, Crickhowell
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- The Stag Hunt by Robert Macdonald forms part of the Beasts of the Mabinogion exhibition
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- Penrhos Printing Press
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- Kathryn Willis in her workshop
