Total Art Soul - for artists

I have always been a slow worker, methodical and careful with whatever task I take on. Therefore my latest project has been some time coming, but I'm finally at the stage where I can start talking about it.

As I've been a member of a local amateur dramatic society for the past 20 years, and actively involved in the running of said society, I have often thought about holding an art exhibition at the theatre. However, I have never held one previously because I'm not sure the venue is right for an art exhibition as such. In September I began seriously re-thinking my idea. I needed a theme. I also needed a date to work towards, otherwise I would just keep on thinking the idea rather than getting on with it.

Whilst I was creating a treasury on Etsy, I suddenly thought "I wonder how many people in Hull, East Yorkshire are actually crafters on here". So I did a search for all the "Local Shops" and added each one to my list of favourite shops, also sending them a message to say I'd done so and how we should support each other. I got replies from most of them eventually, and bit by bit my idea has developed into a definite plan - although I have to admit it has been spurred on by another local event which I believe we will mutually benefit from. The church in Bilton, St. Peter's, is hosting a Christmas Tree Festival on the weekend of 4th & 5th December, and on Sunday 12th December. Bilton Amateur Dramatic Society have been invited to decorate a tree based on the theme of our organisation. I will be largely responsible for this, so I thought it was a good idea to hold a Christmas Craft Fair at our theatre on the same weekend - 4th & 5th December. We happen to have 6 tables under the stage area that are 6ft by 2ft trestle tables, which we will be hiring out to "Local" Etsy sellers. So far I have got at least 4 other artisans joining me and I am currently creating booking forms, conditions and posters etc.  I will update you as and when I get replies from everyone I have contacted, but for now I just thought I'd share my latest project as it will ensure I forge ahead with it! Also, I'm learning how the ideas pop up the more I plan it - I am hoping one or two exhibitors will do a demonstration of their work on the day, too.

Full details to follow