There was a big turnout for the first Rye Arts and Crafts Fair at the community centre on Saturday, April 1. Hundreds of visitors enjoyed the work of twenty-five artists and makers, most from Rye and the surrounding villages. You can hear some of their stories in this week’s edition of our podcast: Ryecast.
Jackie Brooks set up the day to support local creatives unable to get support from more established galleries and art houses. “There are a lot of creative people in Rye – both young and established – who don’t get the opportunity to have a stall at a show.
“My two children are both talented and creative, so I just thought why not put on something to help them and all the others. The support the show is getting is amazing”. She hopes to make it a regular event, with four shows a year to raise money for the community centre. “It’s just a lovely building. It’s got character, history, and a really cool feeling when you walk in the door. It just needs some money spent on it.”
From ceramics to woodwork, paintings to needle craft, each of the twenty stalls was hosted by a local maker. For potter Larry Wilson it was a chance to meet potential buyers. “It’s been great. I’ve made some sales, met some interesting people, and had some fascinating conversations with people about my pots and the different glazes.”
Jane Fenn, whose stall showcased her folk art dolls, hopes the show becomes a regular part of the Rye calendar. “I’d like this to build up. We’ve got some amazing artists and artisans in Rye, but nowhere really for them to put on a show, until now. We’ve got to try these things and make them work.”
You can hear interviews with Jackie and some of the local crafters on this week’s edition of Ryecast. As well as talking about their passion for making things, the podcast also hears the artists’ stories, and about why they love living and working in Rye. Just search for Ryecast where you get your podcasts or visit www.ryecast.org
If you’d like to be involved in the next fair, email Jackie Brooks at ryeartsandcraftsfair@gmail.com
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Image Credits: James Stewart .