Latest news with #CarmarthenSchoolofArt
Western Telegraph
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Western Telegraph
Welsh artist to showcase new work during open studio event
Sarah Jane Brown will showcase new creations as part of an open studio event. The artist will welcome visitors into her studio for four days from Friday, May 23. The public will be able to attend at any time between 10:30am and 5.30pm from then until Monday, May 26. This will offer people the chance to get a sneak peek behind the scenes, viewing her newest artworks. Ms Brown will also be giving a free painting demonstration on Sunday, May 25, at 3pm. This will offer enthusiasts and novices alike the opportunity to learn from a professional. Original pieces, prints, and art gifts will be available for purchase during the event. Ms Brown, who resides and works in Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, draws inspiration from her surroundings to create coastal landscape oil paintings. She said: "Walking every day in this dramatic environment with its rocky shores, high cliffs, big skies and unpredictable seas, can be a truly humbling experience. "It reminds me how nature can be both diminishing, showing you how small you are in such a vast landscape, whilst also uplifting and transformative." Located at the Brawdy Business Park, just off the A487 between Penycwm and Solva, the studio is easily accessible and well signposted. Free parking and toilets are available, and the studio is fully wheelchair accessible. Those wishing to visit the studio at another time can do so by appointment, after calling 01437 623123 to arrange. A former fine art student at Carmarthen School of Art, Ms Brown graduated with first-class honours. Her achievements include a full membership of the Guild Society of Artists and exhibitions at the Royal Cambrian Academy and London's Mall Galleries. Her artwork has featured on Channel 4's TV series 'The UK's National Parks with Caroline Quentin' and BBC Radio 4's 'The Shipping Postcards.' Currently, her work is being celebrated in a group art exhibition at the West Wales Arts Centre in Fishguard, running until May 31. Ms Brown is also represented by the Etcetera Gallery in St Davids, Pembrokeshire and Art Unlimited in Bridport, Dorset. Her artwork is internationally collected and she has regular open studio events and painting workshops. For anyone interested in learning more about Sarah Jane Brown or her art, further information and online learning options are available on her website. The open studio event is an opportunity to view her latest works and see where they are created, all while soaking in the atmosphere of Pembrokeshire's scenic beauty. This event promises to be a delightful experience for art lovers, enthusiasts, and casual visitors alike.
Western Telegraph
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Western Telegraph
Pembrokeshire woman to exhibit at art show in London
Nancy Una Simmons from Milford Haven, who previously attended Carmarthen School of Art, will exhibit her creations at London art show New Designers. She will be accompanied by fellow ex-student Rachel Thomas from Aberystwyth. Both women were awarded £1,000 bursaries by Wonderwool Wales, a natural fibre festival, after graduating from their BA Textiles courses. As part of the award, the artists had the opportunity to display their work at the festival and network with other professionals. After gaining experience and exposure at the Wonderwool event at the Royal Welsh Showground in Llanelwedd, they now are preparing for the next step in their artistic careers. The New Designers exhibition in London is an annual event that provides a platform for the top graduate design talent from across the UK. It showcases the work of more than 2,500 graduates in a variety of disciplines including textiles, graphics, and product design. The bursaries from the Wonderwool Wales festival have been used to support their work, providing them with opportunities for future growth. They expressed gratitude towards the festival, acknowledging the indispensable support which helped them establish a future career direction. The exhibition in London provides the artists with an opportunity to showcase their work beyond Wales. Ms Simmons has been working on her wall hangings, throws, and cushion designs since her graduation. She plans to launch her own business that focuses on weaving and running natural dyeing workshops. She grows her own plants in her garden in order to use the natural dye in her work. Her passion for sustainably produced art finds a fitting expression in this initiative. The £1,000 bursary will help fund her trip to London for the exhibition. Rachel Thomas, who has also been productive since graduation, was equally enthusiastic. The artist has gained a position as a weaver in residence at Newtown Textile Museum, where she will work this summer. Ms Thomas has purchased a loom with her awarded fund and has ambitious aspirations for her future practice. She envisions producing fabric for costumes in films and TV productions. She is set to make profitable use of her skill by taking on commissions and exploring various facets of textile art. Chrissie Menzies, director of the Wonderwool Wales festival, said: "It was lovely to see Rachel and Nancy exhibiting at the show and we are pleased that the bursaries are supporting them to develop their careers as textile artists. "We wish them success at the New Designers event in London."
