Artists unite to draw on talent across Teesdale

A GROUP of Teesdale artists are offering their support to other talented individuals as part of a newly formed networking group.

Teesdale ArtNet, which was founded this month, aims to build audiences for of artists living or working in Teesdale through joint opportunities.

The group has been formed after a similar organisation, Teesdale Artists Network, folded a few years ago.

A committee of 14 members will be working together to bring an Open Studios event back to Teesdale, as well as organise an annual exhibition.

Chairman of the committee and artist David Hall, of Whorlton, said: “The group is for artists who want to show their work off, not people who want to learn although there is no reason why they can’t join. We are not an art club but we can point people in the right direction.

“Essentially the two main prongs of attack are the open studios and an annual exhibition. Open studios are becoming quite popular around the country.

“They seem to be good for tourists. Lots of people visit Teesdale in order to come to the open studios. People come and make Teesdale their holiday destination because of it.”

As well as working towards an annual exhibition, the group hopes to help young budding artists who are unsure about how to promote their work.

Artist Jane Young, who lives in Whorlton, said: “When people go round to see them working in their studio the artist will have the opportunity to show their work, talk about it and sell it. Those who are part of our network can come to each other for support.”

Members will be required to pay an annual fee. Regular meetings will be held and there is the hope that one day the group will offer art workshops.

Mickleton artist Judy Caplin said: “It is a supportive network for artists. A lot of us work alone in our studios so it is nice to get together with people doing similar things. We want to be really inclusive so that any artist in Teesdale can join.”

As well as providing support for local artists, the group also aims to encourage and enable artists to work for the benefit of their community and drum up support for exhibitions and arts events.

Artist Peter Collyer, from Cotherstone, said: “There are so many artists beavering away in Teesdale and nobody knows they are there.

“There will be people out there who are artists working in isolation.

“There is some really good talent in Teesdale.”

For more information visit www.teesdaleartnet.org.uk.