Art Fair 2016

Above: Ron Coleman, White Mountain

Over 85 local and regional artists and makers are preparing for the 2016 Macclesfield Art Fair in aid of East Cheshire Hospice, which will be held at Macclesfield Old Town Hall from 16^th-25^th September. Painters, sculptors, jewellers, ceramicists and textile artists are each donating at least 35% of the proceeds of every piece of work sold to raise vital funds for the hospice.

2016 sees the 10^th edition of this biennial event, which started in 1999. One local artist who has supported the Art Fair since its early days is Liz Taylor Webb, who has been painting professionally for the last thirty years.

Her friendship with her mentor, the late L.S.Lowry, with whom she studied, greatly influenced her early work and led to regular exhibitions at Salford Art Gallery and Museum. Her work is in many public and private collections throughout this country and abroad. Liz commented, “It is a great pleasure to be able to support the hospice through my paintings. Since being invited to show in the very first exhibition I have seen how more successful it has become each year.  I do enjoying seeing people come to enjoy the art and mix with the artists, as well as supporting the Hospice.”

Exhibiting for the second time at the Art Fair is Ian Turnock, whose monumental metal sculptures are inspired by pattern and structure in nature. With a background in graphic design Ian explores form, pattern and line. Using drawings and photographs as a starting point he develops organic, abstract and figurative forms which are then digitally cut into stainless steel, aluminium, copper, reclaimed steel and plywood.

Christiane van Doorn, who together with Lucy Sekers, Fiona Bailey, Wendy Levy and Syd Stiller selects the artists who take part in the Art Fair is delighted with the range of work that will be on display this year. “We have many wonderful artists participating in this year’s Art Fair and we’d like to encourage everyone to come along and see, enjoy and buy art. We’re very pleased to be celebrating our 10^th anniversary Art Fair with an even greater range of works including many new artists.

Ron Coleman has recently been made a member of the Manchester Academy of Fine Arts. Ron will be exhibiting for the third time this year and said, “For me, it’s a major opportunity to show my work in the local community, and I’ve been preparing and putting aside paintings months ahead, as well as trying to make a decision on which painting to donate to the Art Fair. All artwork is for sale and it’s a great opportunity for visitors to acquire quality work, often well below gallery prices, from some of the region’s most talented practising artists. When a painting is sold it is extremely rewarding to know that East Cheshire Hospice will benefit financially.”

Sometimes an expert eye can help you to get even more out of a visit and several exhibiting artists will be hosting tours throughout the Art Fair. Artist-led art tours to guide visitors through the exhibition will be on Saturday 17^th, Monday 19^th and Thursday 25^th September at 11am and all are welcome. The tours are completely free and you can enjoy refreshments and homemade cakes in the Art Fair café after your tour, with all proceeds going to the Hospice.

 For more information, including details of all participating artists and special events, please visit www.theartofcaring.org.uk