HOLMFIRTH ARTWEEK is on course to raise another massive sum for the Macmillan Cancer Support charity.
Organisers were confident of reaching their £35,000 target by the time the exhibition and more than 20 fringe events closed last Saturday – but they say the event is unlikely to beat the record total of the 40th anniversary Artweek last July.
Spokesman Richard Raby – speaking to the Express & Chronicle – said: “As usual people were queuing outside the civic hall waiting for the main exhibition to open on Sunday morning. The takings on the first two days have been slightly up on last year, including monies taken on the door, and from the raffle, teas, craft market sales of artwork. Last year’s final total was £40,000 which was a special challenge that we set out to raise for our 40th year.
“Bear in mind, though, that included £5,000 raised by Mick Kirkby-Geddes (the valley’s well-known metal sculptor) on a John O’Groats-Land’s End sponsored marathon bike ride. From the turnout so far, I think it’s looking fairly promising we will achieve another good result.”
Hundreds of art and craft exhibits are on display at the civic hall with a gallery showcase for this year’s featured artist, potter Sue Jenkins. Visitors have also been enjoying the programme of craft demonstrations with something different to see each day.
Fringe displays hosted by venues large and small in Holmfirth and nearby villages range from felt to photography, soft furnishings to ceramics.
Thongsbridge Tennis Club hosted the Holme Valley Schools’ fringe art exhibition featuring work by more than 100 talented pupils, including watercolour paintings, pastels, etchings and collages.
Valley film-maker Tim Copsey is capturing the essence of Artweek for a promotional video commissioned by Macmillan.
