Now firmly established as a leading arts hub in Buxton and the High Peak area, bringing art and creativity together in one of Buxton’s most unique buildings, The Green Man Gallery takes us from spring into summer with one of it’s most popular events – The Spring Gathering open exhibition. In May the gallery hosts a guest exhibition by the recently formed Derbyshire Artists Guild. And, as always, the regular exhibitions by its resident artists and designer makers will be on show with a wide range of work both on display and for sale in the gallery gift shop.
The Spring Gathering Open Exhibition
Showcasing the work of 80 artists from the region during April and May with its fourth annual open exhibition, (open from 29th March – 24th April), 2D and 3D artists and makers are all welcome to enter work.
Now firmly established on the Buxton arts calendar, the Spring Gathering provides a snapshot of the huge variety of original work being made in our enormously creative region. For anyone who loves art and is keen to discover new artists, find something unusual and affordable to brighten their home or buy a unique gift for someone special, this exhibition is a must.
Fifty artists from the Peak District and its borders are taking part and the exhibition includes paintings in oil, acrylic and water colour, mixed media, print-making, textile art, photography, ceramics and glass.
“This is one of the highlights of the year for the gallery,” says Events Manager Caroline Small. “It’s a huge challenge to display such a diverse range of work effectively but the result is eclectic, passionate, contemporary and full of inspiration.”
Established artists
Hot on the heels of the Spring Gathering is an exhibition by the recently formed Derbyshire Artists Guild, opening on 26th April and continuing throughout May. The Guild is a collection of experienced artists who have joined forces to take their work on the road in a series of exhibitions across the county. The group includes Angus Stokes, Patricia Lane, Arwyn Quick, Susan Tracey and Carol Barton-Jones. “These are well-established artists who consistently produce compelling work in a range of contemporary styles,” says Caroline. “We’re delighted that they’ve chosen The Green Man for one of their first exhibitions.”
New artists
A new resident artist, Susan Eversfield, joined The Green Man in March and silver jeweller, Kathryn Fruish, now sells work at the gallery as a guest designer maker selling work at the gallery.
Susan recently moved to Buxton from France where she ran her own studio gallery for ten years. She works thematically, exploring subject through a range of media. Her first exhibition at the gallery has a watery theme, reflecting Susan’s love of the sea, and includes watercolours, pastels and ceramics.
Kathryn is based ion Glossop where she runs the Wishing Tree gallery. Her intricate work is full of surprises and includes lockets with quirky mechanisms, necklaces, pendants and earrings. She takes inspiration from books and fairy tales and the results are unique pieces to be treasured for a lifetime.
Get Creative! Life Drawing, Puppet Making and more…
The gallery’s regular Life Drawing session on Tuesday evenings continues to be popular with artists of all levels of experience and provides a chance to develop the traditional skill of drawing the nude form with a range of different models. This is an untutored session but there are plenty of people to support and give advice. It’s very focused but also friendly and relaxed; newcomers are always made welcome. Email the gallery for more information if you’d like to attend.
Artists and others who would like to run workshops at the gallery can hire the Workshop Room at very reasonable rates. Contact Caroline on [email protected] to find out more.
In April there’s a chance to create puppets large and small to carry in this year’s Buxton Carnival parade and in May, Funny Wonders will show you how to make Flowerpot People for this summer’s trail. Check the gallery’s website for details of other arts and community; new workshops are being added all the time.
Live music venue
The gallery’s reputation as a venue continues to grow among touring musicians, particularly from the folk/acoustic/roots world. “Acoustic musicians love our resonant, ballroom acoustics in the intimacy of a small venue,” says Caroline . “We can seat a maximum of 60 and the atmosphere at gigs is always very special.”
Folk favourites return
Headliners in April are John Watterson and Barry Nisbet. John, the UK’s foremost interpreter of the songs of Jake Thackray, brings his show, “Jake’s Progress” to the gallery on April 13th. A guitarist and singer, John is also Jake’s biographer and the show will include stories from the life of this unique performer who died in 2002.
Barry Nisbet is a stunningly talented singer, songwriter, guitarist and fiddler from Shetland first seen at The Green Man with Tildon Krautz in 2017. The gig is part of a solo to celebrate his beautiful CD A Bright Ray of Sunshine.
May brings the incredible Mambo Jambo to the stage. Possibly the biggest acoustic duo you’ve ever seen, these multi-instrumentalists create an incredible sound combining roots, folk, jazz and world music with original compositions.
Tickets for gigs are on sale at the gallery and online and the whole programme for 2019 can be found on their website.
For detailed information about the gallery’s exhibitions, classes and events, visit their website, follow them on Facebook or join their mailing list by emailing Caroline on [email protected]
The Green Man Gallery is a short walk from Spring Gardens up Terrace Road. It is situated behind Buxton Museum and Art Gallery at Hardwick Hall, Hardwick Square South, Buxton SK17. Entry to the gallery is always free (workshops, gigs and other special events may have a ticket entry charge – see individual event pricing and details).
The Green Man Gallery, Hardwick Hall, Hardwick Square South, Buxton, SK17 6PY
T: 01298 937375
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