Monthly Edit ~ May

This month, we have asked another of our enthusiastic work experience students to give us a run down of our Monthly Edit. Moni has researched our sellers featured in this months Edit. Let’s see what she found out…

Showcasing an abundance of vivid colours, this months Edit has a strong abstract theme running through it, which is sure to brighten up your life! This Edit is a strong reflection on the month of May; animated, playful and refreshing, it’s been constructed to offer the perfect transition from those dark, dreary months into the vibrant summer waiting right around the corner!

The Full Edit

Prints (in the background) by Arwyn Quick, £24

Cards by Arwyn Quick, £2

Arwyn Quick is a retired art teacher who has a passion for colour, (clearly). His work has been shown across the country and attracts a wide audience due to the variety of his work, from realism to completely abstract, however all of his work has been inspired by the influence of landscapes, nature and our very own Derbyshire Dales.

These abstract card designs work ambiguously and can be used for any occasion, the prints can be a brilliant gift or striking art piece in your home, provoking conversation with the kaleidoscopic nature of his mesmerising designs.

Magnetic Butterflies by Art and Minds Killamarsh, £2 & 50p

Arts and Minds Killamarsh are a non profit organisation with a primary purpose of helping people out of isolation and loneliness, in regard to mental health. This organisation tackles a very current and important problem and by buying just one of these beautiful butterflies you would be supporting a worth while cause.

The water-marble design of the butterflies is hand done and with the unlikely medium of nail polish, this allows the magnets to be waterproof and durable decorations projecting summer!

Fabric Wallets by Blue Oxen, £5

Blue Oxen is an ethical and sustainable fashion brand based in Chesterfield. Unlike many other clothing brands Blue Oxen are conscious of their impact on the planet therefore use fabric from Kenyan locals or up-cycled materials.

Former Chesterfield College fashion student, April Spence, created Blue Oxen to offer a sustainable clothing company for the public.As well as making wallets she also creates clothes based on individual commissions incorporating modern contemporary styles combined with subtle African themes and inspiration.

Sausage Dog Tote Bag by Rollerdog Designs *reduced to £13*

Print by Arwyn Quick, £24

Stacked Sausage Dog Cushion by RollerDog Designs, *reduced to £10*

These fun and quirky sausage dog designs by Rollerdog are a cute, unique piece dog lovers will adore. The velvety soft cushion and durable tote bag are items radiate a lively, summer feel.

Hand stitched Sari Silk necklace by Fiona Gypsy Bunting, £22

Last but definitely not least of this months rundown of must haves is a hand stitched pom pom necklace. Fiona Gypsy Bunting is an artist who draws lots of inspiration from nature and folklore as well as using her artwork to express herself. This necklace is such a unique and original piece that you wouldn’t find anywhere else! We also have three new designs that have just come in today!

As with all of our items, if anything catches your eye we can reserve it for you to come and collect. Just give us a call on (01246)500799 or email on hello@weststudios.co.uk

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Are You The Next Derbyshire Young Artist of the Year?

Chesterfield College launched their annual competition to find the local Young Artist of the Year at the beginning of this month. They are inviting school children in Year 4 to Year 13 to get creative and produce an illustration, a painting or collage, photography or a 3D sculpture on the theme of “The environment and me”.

Finalists’ artwork, across a range of age and competition categories, will be exhibited here at West Studios as part of Chesterfield College’s Arts Festival taking place from 14 – 28 June 2019. The young artists will be invited to a special ceremony where the winners will be announced and presented with prizes.

James Marples, Marketing Manager at Chesterfield College said:

“Over the last few years we have seen some amazing artwork from the young artists of Chesterfield. We are excited to be running the competition again this year. It is brilliant to be able to exhibit work from the artists of the future at our Arts Festival. The theme for this year is very topical and one which I hope will inspire people to get creative.”

Joseph Higgingbotham – Category winner of Young Artist of the Year 2018

Joseph Higgingbotham winner of the Visual Arts Year 12-13 category in 2018 said: “It’s great to see my work on the wall of an actual gallery open to the public, I’m very proud of myself to be honest!”

Oliver Lea, winner of the 3D category last year explains, “It’s a great competition and I’m really happy to have won. I’ve produced a few pieces with PLA plastic going through a 3D pen that I then draw with to produce sculptures.”

Oliver Lea – Winner of the 3D category of the Young Artist of the Year competition 2018

The closing date for the competition is 10 June 2019. More details, including terms and conditions of the competition can be found by clicking here 

Monthly Edit - April

This month, Chibesa, our excellent Work Experience student has photographed and written the words for our Monthly Edit. Let’s find out her take on the items I have chosen for you this month.

April this year is presenting to you a seasonal collection of unique items that are bound to add something unique to your decor for this fast approaching Easter. As it has been for most monthly edits now, this display has been put together by our lovely Emma. So why don’t you pop-in, have a chat, look around and then try to resist buying anything from such a wide variety of items. You’re bound to find something for anyone and everyone, whether it’s for you, your children, parents or why not a neighbour?

The Full Edit

Let’s start straight down the middle with the thing that stands out the most. This Jute Bag by Jo’s Crafts and Bags. It’s simplicity makes it wearable with anything (and it makes for a nice decoration too). Doesn’t this make you want to go on a nice picnic? Or this could be great for an Easter Egg Hunt for the kids!

Hare Hanger by Fiona Gypsy Bunting, £12

Above we have this original, very meaningful, Tree of Life Hare by Fiona Gypsy Bunting. Everyone needs something like this in their home! Whether it’s to uplift you and to remind yourself of all the beautiful things in life or whether you’re trying to embrace a fresh start on a new chapter of your life. The Tree of Life incorporated into the hare represents only positive things so it can only do good to have this around.

Tree of Life Necklace (Hallmarked Silver) by Kate Singleton £45

Tying into the image before is this Tree of Life necklace by Kate Singleton made extra special using Russian Amazonite to represent the leaves that bring the necklace to life.

Floral Swallow Necklace by Beams and Bobbins, £9

Bunny Mug by Drawn with a Pencil, £7.45

This very detailed rabbit mug by ‘Drawn With A Pencil’ represents this colourful season where all the beautiful tulips and peonies bloom. However, I wouldn’t advise letting your rabbit near flowers, especially not tulips unless you don’t mind having your garden devoured.

Bunny Pencil Case, Jo’s Crafts and Bags, £5

A cute pencil case by Jo’s Crafts and Bags, great for school or even just some of your essentials to carry around with you on a wonderful day of Spring.

White Mug with Platinum Crosses, Peter Swailes, £15

You can’t go wrong with this Peter Swailes mug. Why you might wonder, well because it can fit into any occassion for anyone. It can be used for its intended purpose or you can get creative with it and use it as a flower pot for example. This will surely add some edge to your home!

Aries Zodiac Banner (SOLD, other signs available), Petit BooChe, £12

Congrats, you’ve almost made it to the end. Well, hang in there because you’re not going to want to miss this! Up next is this Zodiac Banner by Petit BooChe. This simple hand-stitched design would be a great gift for any star sign. It’s simple and gets the point across.

Bee Plaque, Sombrero Printmaking, £12

Last but not least is Sombrero Printmaking’s Bee plaque. Celebrate the return of the busy little bees with this handmade piece hanging in your hive.

As always with our items in the Gallery Shop, most of these are one off’s or totally unique. Drop us a line if anything takes your fancy here.

PLEASE NOTE: We will be closed for Easter from 19th -23rd April, inclusive.

April Newsletter

Hello April! Hello New Website!

We begin British Summertime by being able to tell you about our fantastic, new look website! You'll still be able to find out all the information you need and want but we have some new features that will help you to keep up to date with what we're doing, who we're seeing, what we're selling and, more importantly,  how you can be a part of all that. Have a look by clicking here...

We have begun the planning process for our creative short courses for next year. We will be running Silversmithing, Ceramics, Video Editing, Visual Effects, Studio Photography, Photoshop, Printmaking and Clothing Making & Design. Click here to find out more.

Whatever your event West Studios offers a contemporary and relaxed environment for any occasion. Throughout our meeting rooms you have access to free Wi-Fi, projectors and an interactive screen. Ideal for any event, all three of our spaces can be booked out and provide a natural flow from one room to another. Click here to view.

Did you know that S40 Local magazine (and sister publication, S41 Local) are published here at West Studios? S40 is celebrating 10 years since it began this month! Simon Patteson, editor of S41 Local interviewed Paul Chapman to find out how he did it and what the future holds. Find the interview here.
Fantastic illustration by Hannah Bluish.

More news from our Tenants; Jonathon of Petit BooChe will be at 'The Family Showcase' event with his beautiful, handmade felt toys and nursery decor. It is being held at The Roundhouse in Derby on 14th April. There will be up to 100 stallholders both indoors and outdoors, selling a variety of unique products for all the family. Pop down and have a look! More information here.

The Almost Complete History of the Theatre
'Celebration'.

The Pomegranate Youth Theatre and Gekkota Arts help to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the Pomegranate Theatre, which also happens to be Shakespere's birthday!
Using characterisation, improvisation, devising, voice and storytelling techniques, our young actors have created new scripts for this unique showcase.l
Tuesday 23rd April
7.30pm.
Tickets £12.

Competition Time! Tenants S41 Local and Helen Rowan Photography are running a competition for you to win a Bluebells mini-shoot with Helen! 

Time to get creative ... well if you're under 10 that is!

Be sure to enter the competition as featured in the April edition of S40 & S41 Local to win a fantastic Bluebell Photoshoot with Helen Rowan Photography

Check out the video below for details and be sure to get your entries in by Friday 26 April.

Happy snapping.

Here is a link to the video for more information.

The search is on for the Young Artist of the Year 2019. Click the link below if you know any talented young artists who would welcome the chance to have their work exhibited as part of our Arts Festival being held at West Studios.

For more information, click here.

March Newsletter

Image from Migrant Journey, Border Control

Hello March!

We’ve got a quick round up of the going’s on at West Studios. As always we‘re really busy - today, we have Ian Judson from Killamarsh Arts & Minds setting up his imminent exhibition. I am absolutely blown away by the volume of work and how emotive the pictures and sculptures are. I cannot wait for this exhibition to open as I think it will speak to a lot of people. We have an interview on our website with Ian - click here to read it.

Migrant Journey, Border Control runs from 8th March until 29th March.

The Recital Room in College has had a refurb!

We are letting people know that they are able to hire it out for events, performances, film showings and dance shows. What else can you bring to our venue?

To book a viewing and get a quote, please contact either Joby or Annie on (01246)500799 or email us on hello@weststudios.co.uk. Alternatively, we have our Contact Page here.

Our Recital Room is ready for your event.

2 week, Photography Short Course, £60

Creative Courses

Get those creative juices flowing with our Studio Photography Course. This two week short course starts on Monday 18th March and continues on the following Monday. In it, you can gain a greater understanding of your camera or learn right from scratch. Your tutor will take you through topics such as shutter speed and white balance. The workshop will also go through aperture, ISO Exposure and Studio lighting.

All you will need is a notebook and a USB stick to save your photos on. All other equipment can be provided but you’re more than welcome to bring your own camera. This course costs just £60.

For more information and to book a place on this, please email hello@weststudios.co.uk

New Stockists Coming Soon!

We have some beautiful new items in our Gallery Shop and we also have some on their way!

Cognissart are already selling here. Alison Wake brings us scenes that we all know and adore, from around the Peak District - but she embroiders them - what a talent!

Keep an eye out on our Instagram and Facebook pages for announcements of new stockists.

Youth Theatre

Gekkota Arts/Pomegranate Youth Theatre have had a successful performance of their play, ‘Salt’ by Dawn King at the beginning of this month. They will also be performing it at the Crucible Studio Theatre on Wednesday 27th March at 7pm. Why not buy a ticket?

If you have any questions about events, room hire, short courses, items in our Gallery Shop, our tenants and their work, please just drop us a line here and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.

Wishing you all the best! See you soon!