LET THE FLOWERS SPEAK 2021
In July 2021 Norham Arts, working in collaboration with Norham Natural Environment Group and Norham in Bloom, hosted ‘Let the Flowers Speak’.
This was a talk on the language of flowers in art by David Mitchell (broadcaster and Chair of Scotland’s Garden Scheme), a contemporary art exhibition by local artists, an exhibition about the former Norham resident, Victorian botanical artist, Margaret Rebecca Dickinson, a children’s art exhibition and visit from the pupils of Norham St Ceolwulf’s C of E Primary School, open gardens with trail map, flower stalls and refreshments (in aid of new play equipment).
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Despite Covid restrictions and the weather taking a turn for the worse, the weekend was a resounding success. Once again it was a huge community effort. We had a great team setting up plus 24 stewards. There were 210 visitors to the adult art exhibition over the weekend, plus all of the children and staff from Norham St Ceolwulf C of E Primary School for a visit on the final morning.
While the primary aim of Norham Arts is to bring art to the community, there was a profit of almost £800 from Let The Flowers Speak, to help with the costs of future exhibitions/events. Additionally, refreshments raised £382.80 for the new play equipment appeal.
Comments from the visitors book included:
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‘Beautiful’ ‘wonderful’ ‘lovely’ and ‘great exhibition’ were repeated refrains.
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There were no negative comments.
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‘An absolute delight. So thoughtfully put together and so unexpected to see such high quality work in this context. Norham is punching well above its weight. Thank you for an inspiring day’. Emily Cropton, Connecting Threads
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‘Really well put together. An informative display. Nice that the subject matter had links with Norham. I liked the paintings.’
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‘Beautifully laid out and a delightful selection of paintings, cards and flowers. Thank you.’
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‘A wonderful display of artistic skills. The Village Hall makes a great gallery!’
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‘Most enjoyable. A tranquil mosey on a hot afternoon and some fine art work. Loved the flower displays.’
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'Beautifully hung in your wonderful village hall. Lots of work to love here. Foldyard’
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‘So well displayed and set out.’
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‘Wonderful to see it all come to fruition.Well done all.’
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‘A lovely exhibition with beautiful posies all amongst display.’
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‘A thoughtfully presented exhibition with some beautiful exhibits of different styles all showcasing the theme. Loved every painting!’
Many contributing artists commented about how impressed they were with the exhibition:
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‘I loved being part of it.’ Trina Dalziel
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‘The exhibition organisation seemed very efficient and the paintings were well hung - I felt honoured to be with Keith’s lovely work.’ Katherine Prentice
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‘You’ve had a terrific response to your exhibition and talk. I think you may be setting the gold standard for other towns and villages to follow now!’ Visitor
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‘It was a lovely exhibition and just reminds me how many good people there are around here who are painting away. A nice opportunity for some to be shown publicly. ‘ Ann Oram RSW
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The talk by David Mitchell was very well attended. Many more tickets could have been sold had we not been under COVID restrictions. The church looked amazing (largely thanks to the wedding of a resident) with stunning flowers from Ginger House Gardens beautifully arranged by the church flower arrangers.
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‘A special day for all in a variety of ways with a wedding, an exhibition and a talk. A touch stone for everyone to gather around and take comfort from, as well as pride in; leaving special memories in different ways for everyone. Just what is needed at present as we all work hard to move back towards normality over this summer and beyond. The promotion of the value of art around the wellbeing of individuals and the community as a whole is more important now than ever before’.
David Mitchell
