Why set up an Arts Fair?

I was asked why I set up Discover:Gather:Give Contemporary Arts Fair and my answer is simple – art and good design makes the world a better place in which to live, although only if you have access to it.

I would wish art and crafts to be inclusive and accessible, based on relationships, sharing and collaboration. Anything and everything can be enhanced by good design and the artists who exhibit within Discover:Gather:Give bring their skills to enrich our lives.

Art is and can be exceptional in bringing about conversations which can inspire others; be it a painting, an item of jewellery or a piece of furniture.

I believe that the appellation of Craft has been devalued and we are now entering a reassurance of the Craft movement. Where time to experience the slow personal development of style and feel for a medium is valued and technical skills and knowledge can be passed through generations of craftspeople.

Stratford-upon-Avon is renown as the center of performing arts with it links to Shakespeare, and I am of a mind to also raise the profile of the richness of local and regional Contemporary Arts.

To me Discover:Gather:Give offers everyone the joy of discovering an artist whose work you did not know, gathering together pieces to buy on the day or commission at your leisure and then giving that unique piece of art to someone special to you.

Please say hello when you visit, I look forward to meeting you.