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YouTube

Many are turning to YouTube for entertainment at the moment but if you're getting bored with keep fit videos and memes how about a bit of art. We have recently revamped the PDA YouTube channel which now features playlists from several members. Sit back and enjoy virtual exhibitions from Sue Prince and Pam Smart, tutorials from Sandra Orme and Lin Cheung, and work in progress animations from Ruth Gray and Alison Wake. We will be adding other members channels as they come online so why not subscribe for updates and receive notifications as videos are released.

Junction Arts Instagram Live

Monday evenings are getting a whole lot more interesting courtesy of Junction Arts Instagram Lives. Discover what makes artists tick and why community art projects are important to them, with weekly live Q & A sessions. Put the kettle on and join our very own Liz Wellby on Monday 4th May at 7pm for a chat.

Weaving in Lockdown

After all the confusion and worry at the beginning of the lockdown period Rachel Evans, Wheatcroft Willow, and her family have started to settle into a different routine of work, homeschooling and play. Rachel has become the main bread winner and has been beavering away all alone in her workshop at Froghall Wharf making baskets, plant supports and two coffins.

At present she is working through commissions and trying to keep focused. Its amazing how much concentration you need for weaving and its a good way to switch off from what is going on outside.

She has been finding time to experiment with new techniques, making little pouches from willow bark. Work can be ordered direct from Rachel by emailing wheatcroftwillow@googlemail.com for a quote and her work can be viewed on her website

Artist Support Pledge

Shows, markets and retail outlets are most artists' primary source of income and many artists have found themselves without teaching work as well. In an attempt to help alleviate some of the stress many artist, including PDA members are now taking part in the Artist Support Pledge created by Matthew Burrow.

The concept is a simple one. Artists post images of their work on Instagram which they are willing to sell for no more than £200 each (not including shipping). Anyone can buy the work. Every time an artist reaches £1000 of sales, they pledge to spend £200 on another artist/s work. Posts are tagged #artistsupportpledge so it's easy to follow the # and see everyone's work. See the PDA Instagram account for posts by participating members.

Your Art Cards and Prints

Mixed media artist Ingrid Katarina Karlsson keeps going with her work in the studio whilst self isolating in quarantine. She is pleased to be part of two new initiatives Your Art Cards & Your Art Prints by Original Giclee, a timely project giving customers the opportunity to browse a beautiful and varied range of both artist greeting cards and quality giclee prints from the comfort and safety of their own homes.

Ingrid is one of twelve artists at present, and offers her two new series Moon Almanac and Becoming Real as cards and prints. Several other Peak District Artisans' artists are represented on the sites including Alison Wake, Giles Davies, Maggie Robinson, Brian Robinson, Cheryl Wilbraham, Pam Smart, Sandra Orme, Sarah Morley and Sue Prince, providing a beautiful range of unique images.

PDA Marketplace

As well as promoting their work on social media many of our members have online shops where you can buy direct from the maker. Online sales are the primary source of income for professional artists at the moment and most are able to send work out in the post without having to break social distancing rules - by buying postage online and using click and drop facilities.
Each month we will be sharing links to our members' online shops. Click through and have a browse. You may find something to cheer you up or remind you of previous visits to the Peak District. If you're looking for a gift many artists can ship direct to your recipient and have items which can be delivered through a letter box.

Alison Wake: Original hand embroideries, prints, miniature ACEO prints and cards

Ian Daisley: Books and prints

Pauline Townsend: Original silk paintings, prints and cards

Ray Sylvester: Bloomin Clever Boxes

Sarah Morley: Print, cards and original paintings

Ingrid Katarina Karlsson: Prints and original mixed media

A reminder that entries are now open for the 2020 PDA Emerging Artist Award. The winner receives a cash prize and subsidised membership of PDA for 3 years For more details and to complete an online application form please see our website. The closing date for application is 2nd October 2020.

PDA Gift Vouchers

If you're struggling to find gifts for birthdays and other special occasions at this time, don't forget Peak District Artisans Gift Vouchers. Available in multiples of £10 they make the perfect gift.

Vouchers can be purchased online via the PDA website and will be posted out. They can be used in full or part payment when purchasing work from any current member of PDA. Many members also offer vouchers of their own.

Whitworth Centre Appeal

Those of you who live in or around the Derbyshire Dales, may well have visited The Whitworth Centre at Darley Dale for any number of PDA exhibitions. We are hoping to return as soon as we can however, this beautiful venue and community hub is struggling to survive as a result of the Coronavirus situation. If you can afford to make a contribution please head to over to their crowdfunder page to help secure the future of this historic building.