winter art fair & open studios

David Holliday is proud to present his latest work, which depicts the breathtaking Lindisfarne Castle at sunrise. This ancient fortress is a true testament to the beauty of the British Isles. Its intricate design reflects the talents of architects from times past. David decided to paint it at sunrise when the light creates a unique and enchanting atmosphere.

Joanna is interested in the places where urban life and the natural world meet, glimpsed moments in time and the changing times of the year. Woodgrain forms an important part of the composition of her prints which are developed by incorporating overprinting in transparent colours, jig-sawing blocks and reduction printing.

Rebecca will be showing her latest patchwork landscape monotypes. These intricately worked original prints incorporate layers of colour and pattern that recall the Northumberland landscape. She’ll also have new collage paintings of colourful cats in gardens. In her studio, at the back of the hall, you’ll find a big display of her greetings cards and limited edition prints.

Jill Stewart's colourful metal clocks and jewellery, all use her signature mixed metal style with its wonkiness, tool marks, lively colour and shape. She etches brass, copper and silver to add pattern and texture, contrasting with blue titanium details. New for 2023 - new silver etched earrings with dark copper, some lower-priced etched clocks and a sheep clock!

Rebecca Ridley is a contemporary ceramicist who creates unique home and tableware from her studio in the Brickworks, Newcastle. Simple forms are shaped on the potter's wheel and are accentuated by vibrant bursts of colour and delightful textures. Her pieces are described as idiosyncratic and charming, bringing little bits of handmade joy into your everyday living.

Melanie creates ceramic sculpture and jewellery from her studio at The Hearth. She has always been fascinated by how weather, time and nature mark, change and shape land and coast and this is echoed in her craggy, rugged artworks. New for this year, Melanie is introducing her ‘Shibui’ range of understatedly elegant porcelain jewellery.

Visit Cathy in her Attic Studio to view her distinctive, handmade Linocut prints. The originality of her work is derived from her love and talent for observational drawing and design. She is happy to explain the process of this relief printing method used in the production of her work. Her strong, striking images are inspired by the trees and landscape of the North East.

An independent business created by Hayley Lauder, based in her Newcastle Studio. Her luxury handmade textile items, feature William Morris prints from Liberty and the stunning saturated florals from Rifle Paper Co. Functionality is always at the heart of Northstar Needlework and all of their designs are drafted and tested before heading out into the world.

Working in the heart of the Northumberland National Park, Sarah finds boundless visual inspiration in the rural landscape. She creates intricate papercuts and uniquely constructed books using lines from songs, stories, and poems, the text forms an integral part of each piece whilst combining machine cutting with handmaking and finishing.

A knitwear designer based at The Brewhouse Studios, by the river in Alston, Cumbria. Each item is hand framed in British spun pure wool from a Yorkshire woollen mill. Designs include wrist warmers in plain, stripe and colour blocks, hats, headbands, and neck warmers with stripes, jacquard or felt embellishments, scarves and fine lambswool wraps.

Natalie is a Creative Practitioner who specialises in using upcycled materials and runs popular Luxe upcycling courses. She will be selling craft and gift kits based on workshop staples to make at home, such as the popular Driftwood Cottages, Cyanotype Prints and seasonal Felted Garlands. The perfect postable gift with every item lovingly made and packed.

Oakwood Soaperie is s based in the heart of the Tyne Valley. Ceri Aitman has developed a range of beautiful, natural and sustainable soaps and bathing products, which tread lightly on the planet and are incredibly kind to your skin, using only natural ingredients. Made with love, no preservatives, sustainable packaging and suitable gifts for Vegetarians and most Vegans.

Jessica is a textile artist and tutor, whose work explores nostalgia; telling stories through reclaimed fabrics, papers and found objects. Visit Jessica’s studio to browse and buy textile originals, gifts and cards featuring her stitched designs. Jessica will also have a few Robin and Belsay Arch textile art kits, which make perfect festive gifts for creative friends and family!

George is a nationally exhibited ceramicist. Domestic and decorative porcelain and stoneware is hand-thrown on the potter's wheel and turned to ensure thinness and even shape. Coloured slips are used as base colours whilst resists separate the coloured glazes to create vibrant patterns, the interaction of glazes creating lovely rich textures and colour.

Jina is a wildlife artist and illustrator based at the Hearth. She takes inspiration from our native wildlife and enjoys painting work to make you smile. Jina works with ink and watercolours in a loose, lively and colourful style. Her pet paintings are a wonderful way to capture the character of a beloved pet. She also runs a programme of workshops here at the Hearth.

Bethan Laker is an illustrator based at The Mushroom Works Studios in Newcastle. She creates commissioned artwork, framed prints and amazing gift ideas. Her wonky, messy drawings and prints use bold lines and collage transformed into original witty illustrations, products, and artworks, celebrating the NE with colourful responses to everyday life.

Susan Gallagher is a textile artist with a background in graphics and interior design, has rediscovered her passion for textiles and hand stitching. With her love of colour, textures, patterns, and embellishments, she creates unique pieces of textile art by hand stitching well-worn haberdashery with vintage fabrics. Her work will be exhibited in Mandy Pattullo's studio.

Open Church welcomes you to purchase fairly traded goods and gifts that embrace the Middle East and wrapped treats that offer a taste of Israel and Palestine. Live music by the Pipers & Harpers, and hymns reflecting on peace and justice will take place on the 18th & 19th. You can easily access the church from the Vestry at the rear of The Arts Centre.

The Hearth Café will be serving seasonal drinks and refreshments throughout the fair. We recommend reserving a table in advance to avoid disappointment