Artists in Schools

Painting Silk

Artists in Business is committed to delivering great art projects in partnership with schools and community groups in West and North Yorkshire.
We recently sent one of our artists to work with parents and staff from Haworth Primary and Iqra Primary schools to create two silk painted wall hangings.

Bronte Parsonage & Hawoth Main Street

The brief was to design a banner for the Iqra Primary School with images of Haworth and a banner for Haworth Primary School with images of Bradford. The artist placed the scenes in windows surrounded by Islamic inspired designs and patterns. 

Bradford City Centre

All art work was drawn out in permanent marker pen onto layout paper before being transferred onto the silk with gutta resist. The silk was stretched onto wooden frames ready for the participants to paint. 

Lower Laithe Reservoir

Seventeen parents and staff from both schools took part in the activity of painting the silk and, once they had been given some basic instruction, worked together. The workshop was so much more than just about making art. It was about team work, breaking down cultural barriers, sharing knowledge and skills and having fun. 

Haworth wallhanging

Bradford Wallhanging

If you would like to discuss an art project or visiting artist for your school or community group please contact Artists in Business at jo.artsbiz@gmail.com and we will be happy to hear from you.

Visit our Flickr Group Artists in Business for more community arts images and join us on Face Book. 

Ceramic Workshops in Yorkshire

Raku Workshops at Shibden Hall, Halifax

These two day workshops are available to everyone, from beginners to professional ceramic artists. Day 1 is a half day session to create two pieces of work for firing. Day 2 is a full day session to glaze and fire your work in the Stable Yard at Shibden Hall.
Dates: Saturday July 2 and July 9 or Saturday 27 August and 3 September 2011
Costs: £70 for both days, including materials
About the venue: Shibden Hall is a 15th century timber framed manor house set in 37 hectares of park land. Once the home of Anne Lister, Shibden Hall is now owned by Calderdale Council and is a public museum.
Contact: Deborah Comy-Platt, Shibden Hall Estate Manager
01422 352446


Fusions Firing Festival

Dates for this years festival July 15th-17th 2011

A weekend of experimental art and performance firings set in fabulous surroundings in a quiet corner of the Yorkshire Dales. Join in our raku firing, fuming and smoke firing workshops delivered by experienced leaders and be part of the alchemical process that creates exciting and unpredictable pottery.
All workshops take place on Saturday, take part in as many or as few as you like. You can even grab one of our printed local maps and enjoy a walk in stunning scenery direct from the campsite or just take off your shoes and socks and cool off with a paddle in the beck. The evening is rounded off with barbeques, bonfires and a firing extravaganza!
A great weekend for all the family, social and friendly and you go home with a fabulous creation.
No experience necessary. Small groups to ensure plenty of help and advice. To purchase tickets 

visit Yolasite.com 

Craft Fairs and Arts Markets

One of the most satisfying ways to sell your art is direct to the public and the most popular way is through craft fairs and art markets. Craft fair organiser Deborah de Brunner shares some details of her life as a promoter of artists and artisans in Yorkshire, UK.

"What is better than making something you dreamt up and someone wants to buy it? Or you see someone in the street carrying your handbag, the one made with your own fair hands? I have only been doing it a year and hope that that thrill won’t go away. But of course if you make things you need somewhere to sell them so you can start all over again.

"I enthusiastically turned up at my first craft fair, spent ages arranging and pricing and finally looked around to see mass-produced goods and some handmade things but handmade in the Philippines! I was so disappointed and that led to a discussion with a friend, which led to us setting up our craft fair business “made-it”.

"Our philosophy is to run “real” craft fairs strictly with only handmade goods which are sold by the maker. We also aim to look after our stallholders by offering friendly, efficient service with some level of exclusivity (who wants to turn up and find 5 similar stalls?). The quality of goods on sale and a good mix of stalls are important to us. We also make coffees, carry bags and do whatever we can to make it an enjoyable day. We even put ourselves on to the streets with a sign to drum up trade and put up with the same jokes and occasional rude comments from passers by. How devoted to our stallholders are we?!

"If I had to give advice to exhibitors I would say to really consider the presentation of their goods, use different heights, lighting, a good background cloth and make their prices obvious. People wander by and need something attractive to make them stop. Notice where people tend to look first and put your strongest product there or even a product that makes people smile and can lead to conversation. I would also exhibit at the same venue a few times to build up relationships with regular customers and to get a feel for what sells best there. The strongest advice though is to “sell” your things…our stallholders who put in the most usually gain the most. It can make you feel a bit self-conscious at first but you’ll soon enjoy it. Smile, chat and be enthusiastic about your craft.

"At the moment we are doing fairs in Harrogate and Wetherby but hope to spread our wings further a field soon. You can find out more about us or contact us at Made-it".