CADArts - Living Crafts. June 2009
Every three years, CADArts hosts Living Crafts – a celebration of local creativity – at the Christchurch Priory Church – an iconic building nestled in the heart of the town.
Organised by Fiona Kelly and the CADArts committee, this year was the sixth time that the week-long event had been held at the Priory church, and it bought together a variety of local artists demonstrating a plethora of talents from calligraphy and chair caning, to stone carving, woodcrafts and marquetry.
Many of the exhibitors were only too happy to talk about their art and how they had found the occasion so far. Margaret Etheridge, CAD Arts Treasurer, has developed the unique craft of ‘Felting in the round’. An ex-teacher, she was originally inspired to create soft toys for her grandchildren. This new art has since snowballed and Mrs Etheridge has found herself creating pots, Christmas decorations, pet toys and even a teddy bears picnic, complete with three small bears and a variety of accessories – and two instructional booklets so that others can learn.
Other exhibitors included Meninafeliz, which is made up of Anne-Marie Wanner and Bebe Bradley, who specialise in creating jewellery and textile accessories; various painters; the New Forest Guild of Weavers, who displayed the dying art of spinning; and Jane White, who specialises in hatting and has created a vast array of beautiful hats and fascinators, suitable for any occasion.
Planning is already underway for the next Living Crafts event, which will actually be in two years time by request of the Priory.
