Tuesday 30 November 2021

Artists! The Fringe needs you!



I used to love art at school and I am amazed and impressed how some people have the skill to capture a scene or a mood with just a few strokes of a pencil or make a sculpture out of a piece of wood or transform a hank of felt into something beautiful.

My childhood enjoyment of painting has developed into a love of visiting galleries, exhibitions, art fairs and even art shops where I love reading the names of the colours and holding the pencils. Whenever we go on holiday a visit to a local gallery or studio is always top of our list.  We love finding unique pieces that remind us of our trips, even if it is just a postcard. Mind you we don't always agree and some heated debates have taken place!

So I'm very excited that the Fringe has launched a competition to design the programme cover for the 2022 festival. Local artists and enthusiasts (professional and amateur)  are being asked to come up with designs that portray the spirit of the Fringe in their own personal style.

There are just a few rules and some hints on what the committee would like to see but mostly its up to the artist.  "We don't want to stifle creativity; we are really keen to see what ideas people will come up with", Steph Billen Fringe Marketing Officer told me. "We are lucky to have lots of artists and art groups locally so we are hoping for a good response" she added.

I can't wait to see the entries; how do artists perceive the Fringe and how will they convey that?  What medium will they choose? Will their work be abstract or traditional? 

The closing date is 10th January 2022, and as well as seeing their design in print the lucky winner will receive £100 prize! 

Now where did I put my tin of Smartie Orange paint?

For full details on how to enter see https://www.buxtonfringe.org.uk/artcompetition2022.html


Carole Garner
Buxton Fringe

Website: www.buxtonfringe.org.uk
Facebook: buxtonfringe
Twitter: @buxtonfringe
Instagram: @buxtonfringe

Sunday 7 November 2021

Everyone needs friends and Fringe Friends are the best!

Picture credit Ian J. Parkes

Like lots of small local charities, the Fringe relies on the generous support of our Friends.  The last 18 months have been difficult for everyone. With theatres and venues closed, the arts were very hard hit.  With no live performances and no income from entry fees, the Fringe was especially grateful to our Friends for standing by us.

We are fortunate to have a loyal group of over 170 Friends. Some have been Fringe Friends for years and some have only joined recently. Many are local but we also have friends in Scotland, Yorkshire and London.

We really missed seeing our Friends in 2020 - although our zoom catch up with Friends was good I think you'll agree its just not the same as meeting in person.

We were lucky that we were able to put on a successful Fringe this Summer, albeit with limitations;  it was not possible to hold our usual Launch Party, Fringe Sunday had to be cancelled and the Awards Event had to be scaled down although everybody really enjoyed the chance to get together in the open air in the beautiful setting of the Serpentine Community Garden.

Thankfully things are slowly getting back to normal (whatever that may mean). We are planning to hold a face-to-face  AGM on November 17th and hopefully our usual Christmas party - news on this to follow!  We can't wait to see all our old Friends and catch up on their news.

We are also keen to make new Friends. So if you know anyone who likes music, theatre, comedy and art then point them in our direction.

Alternatively a Friends subscription would make a great gift! Benefits include invites to exclusive events, getting the scoop on what's on, reductions in ticket prices and the (orange) glow of supporting a worthwhile cause, all for just £10 per year.

If you want to know more go to https://www.buxtonfringe.org.uk/fringefriends.html or join up at the AGM or Christmas party.

So a huge Fringe thank you to all our Friends, past, present and future.

Carole Garner