Merry Christmas!

Life is getting busy here in SAT Towers! We’ve been out and about meeting people and getting the ball rolling for the Open Houses and Makers Fair element of the event in May.

The Living Advent Calendar is going well and you can see the progress on our dedicated Facebook page if you can’t come and see the windows in person. Thanks to all the LAC team for making this happen.

Last Monday we went to see Welcome to Yorkshire, the instigators of bringing the Tour de France to Yorkshire, and we are happy to say they are now onboard as our official Tourism Partners which is great news and will help us publicise the Arts Trail to a wider audience across the country.

A new recruit to the Family Activities section is West Yorkshire Print Workshop who will be introducing printmaking to potential printmakers young and old, and having some fun along the way! We are adding to our Family Activities partners so will bring you more news as we add to the list – friends returning from last year are Sponge Tree, Den Experiment and Titus Salt School.

Another merry band of like minded folk are the New Bradford Playhouse who we’ve also been to see and will be helping us spread the word about SAT. Jono and Clare are great people who are bringing new life and new faces to this fab little theatre in the heart of Bradford. Well worth a visit for a coffee, theatre experience , or new music - make sure its on your list of things to do next time you’re in Bradford.

We’ve also had the pleasure of visiting schools in the area as well to talk about being part of our Schools Trail during the weekend. The list of participants will be finalised at the beginning of the new year so if you represent a school, and are interested in details of how to take part, get in touch through hello@saltaireartstrail.co.uk.

But the big news is we’ve put the call out for Artists and Makers to take part in the Open Houses and Makers Fair both big parts of the SAT weekend in May. Details can be found on our ‘Get involved’ section of the website so if you are interested please take a look and come and join what is going to be a fantastic event – we’ve even ordered good weather! So from all of the Saltaire Arts Trail team have a great Christmas and a fantastic New Year!

Open House call out

The team working on the Open Houses element of SAT will be out and about this week delivering leaflets to houses within the village promoting that we are on the look out for willing volunteers to open up their houses as unique gallery spaces during the weekend.

The Open Houses complements the Makers Fair that is held in the Victoria Hall every year giving artists a great opportunity to display their work within a fabulous environment.

If any of you who live in Saltaire, would like to consider opening up your house we provide each home with artists and makers, public liability insurance, someone to show you the ropes and this year we have increased the payment to each house to £100. This is to show our appreciation of the time and effort each home owner takes to make this event a success.

So, if you are interested in taking part, opening up your house, would like more details or would like the opportunity to talk to someone who opened their house last year, please email us at hello@saltaireartstrail.co.uk before Monday 14 January.

Thanks!

Its getting colder!

Crikey!

The weather is getting colder don’t you think? But the Living Advent Calendar crew have donned their thermals to go out and distribute the newly printed leaflet around the area so thank you to all who took part in ‘Operation Spreading Word’.

We’ve also been posting on Facebook and Twitter as well so if you haven’t signed up already then do it now so you see all the windows as they are lit up throughout the month of December.

The first window will be unveiled on Saturday so watch out for details being posted and take a walk past the windows if you are in the area. Some of the SAT team will be at the Christmas Lights Switch On taking place on Sunday night so watch out for us there as well.

Plans for the Arts Trail are going well, we’re currently talking to a number of potential sponsors and advertisers so we’ll have news for you soon on this front. And the call for artists in Open Houses and the Makers Fair will be going out around the 16th December so we’re gearing up for a busy time.

What would you like to see on the Arts Trail weekend? Or what has been your favourite from Arts Trails gone by? Let us know as we’re always keen to get peoples input and opinions as we want the Arts Trail to keep improving.

Keep warm!

An interview with Martin Priestley, Saltaire resident, professional photographer and Saltaire Arts Trail regular.

Martin lives in one of the mill workers terrace cottages that make up the streets of Saltaire, whilst at first glance so similar to a multitude of other streets across the greater Bradford area, on closer inspection the little period details that Titus Salt - the Victorian philanthropist that built this village for the workers in his textile mill - used to embellish even the smallest of dwellings are what makes Saltaire such an uniquely captivating place.

Q. Why do you open your house as part of the Saltaire Arts Trail?

Well, above all I think that being part of the wider event, with it’s connections to the whole Saltaire community, is why I have opened my doors for the last 5 years. Of course, as a professional photographer I love the opportunity to bring my work to a fresh audience each year, but I think the over-riding reason I do this time and again is to be part of this fantastic event, and perhaps put something back into my local community in the process..

Q. Community spirit seems quite strong in Saltaire, do you think this is due in part to the Arts Trail and Makers Fair?

I certainly do, you hear of communities where neighbours are at war with each other over this and that, Saltaire certainly isn’t like that, and during the weekend of the Arts Trail it’s positively buzzing with neighbourly love. Coming together to collaborate on the event, with all the pre-planning and actual activities during the event really seems to bond the community.

Q. How does it feel having your doors open to the public?

Great, although I will admit to it being weird on occasion too. Creating a temporary boutique gallery in my living room, putting nails in the walls, blue-tacking signs all over the place, and then inviting strangers in through the front door can be a little overwhelming.  Having said that, you soon get over that when the first inquisitive visitors come through the door. The organisers of the event are brilliant, and are always there to help with tricky things like hanging work on the walls, moving furniture and taking money. I’m also provided with an assistant for the weekend, so I can go and rest upstairs or explore some of the other houses that are open up along my street, safe in the knowledge my house is in good hands in my absence.

Q. You provide wall space for other artists too, how does that work out?

The artists are chosen by the organising committee, they do a great job of selecting a couple of artists who will best fit into my tiny space, it is only my living room I open up, and also compliment my own work. The group of artists then work together to best utilise the space, creating an intimate mini-experience within the larger Arts Trail is all part of the fun. All the signage is provided by the organisers, along with Health & Safety checks and payment facilities.. The finished installation always looks so great, and makes me very proud as a home-owner and artist.

Q. What would you say to homeowners in Saltaire who are considering opening their homes for the 2013 Arts Trail?

I would recommend people think about it seriously, the feeling of being involved with something this big really makes you walk tall. The comradery between artists and homeowners is fantastic, with everyone chipping in to make the event a success. Yes, having so many people (6,000 in 2012) passing through your private space can be a little unnerving, but the opportunity provided to meet and chat with people, acting as a kind of unofficial Saltaire tour guide in the process, makes for great experience. People can be so nice, it really reaffirms my faith in the human race.

Martin Priestley is a professional landscape and wedding photographer, with his work regularly appearing in the national media. He also offers practical photography courses to the public, based in Saltaire as well as out in the wilds of the Yorkshire Dales.  Further info can be found at http://www.landscapes-uk.com

If you are interested in opening your home as part of the Saltaire Arts Trail 2013 event, May 24 - 27th, then please drop us a line at hello@saltaireartstrail.co.uk

All things festive

It's been all things festive for me in this past week! Now don’t be thinking I’ve been ultra-organised and bought all my Christmas presents as this will never happen in November as for me it's always last minute.

Myself and the Living Advent Calendar Team have been working away and putting the last minute touches to the leaflet for this year's event. It's going to be great! We have 24 windows around the village that will be lit up as the month of December progresses and gets nearer to Christmas. Find us on Facebook to take a look at past windows and to get a flavour of what's in store for this year (Saltaire Living Advent Calendar). The LAC event is another great event organised by Saltaire Inspired.

In addition to that we’ve also started work on next years Saltaire Arts Trail with the aid of our fab volunteers without whom this event just would not take place. If you would like to get involved have a look at the volunteer page on our website - http://www.saltaireartstrail.co.uk/volunteer.php and then get in touch via email addressed to hello@saltaireartstrail.co.uk and I’ll be in touch with you shortly after.

Also we’d like to hear from artists, arts and other organisations that have existing projects they might like to bring to SAT 2013. We’re at the planning stage at the moment so it's an ideal time to come and talk to us! Again email me at hello@saltaireartstrail.co.uk.

And some of the SAT team will be at the Saltaire Connected event at the Caroline St Social Club tomorrow night so if you’re passing call in to say hello.

Pam - Events Coordinator

Say Hi to Pam

Pam Lonsdale is our new Event Co-ordinator.  Pam's remit is to knock us all into shape to ensure we continue the success of Arts Trail events through into 2013.

Pam has been kind enough to pen a few words as way of an introduction.

Hello everybody

My name is Pam Lonsdale and I’ve been lucky enough to be appointed the new Event Co-ordinator for The Saltaire Arts Trail.

I joined the organisation just over a month ago now and have been busy from day one meeting with our fantastic volunteers, linking up with other organisations in the area, and generally getting things going for next years event.

Just to give you a bit of background about myself, I am a jewellery designer/maker, co-organiser of another arts event in West Yorkshire, curate small exhibitions at a bistro in Heckmondwike and am just in the process of moving on from being the Centre Manager at West Yorkshire Print Workshop in Mirfield so life is never boring! But I’m happy to say I love what I do.

We are keen to get more volunteers and other organisations on board for next years event so if you would like to get in touch with me please email hello@saltaireartstrail.co.uk

Pam

Photo credit: Dawn Robinson Photography

A whopping MASSIVE thanks

A quick message really, just to say thanks to all the makers, public and volunteers who made the Makers' Fair last Saturday another memorable Saltaire Inspired event.

With makers galore reporting a healthy interest in their wares, and the punters witnessed perusing the stalls spread across the three rooms of Victoria Hall with big grins on their faces, we think a good time was had by all.

We would also like to say thanks to the sun, who made a timely reappearance to shine goodwill down on everyone, lord knows we have waited long enough for that to happen. 

Paula P with a lovely gift from [Vinger & brown paper]

We’ve got some great pictures and reminiscences of the event to share with you over the coming weeks, but for now a big thank-you to one and all for another fantastic day on the streets of Saltaire.

Q & A with Sarah Mason - a returnee Open House owner

Sarah Mason will be opening her house - 2 Constance Street - to the public for the second year on the trot.  She and her partner John are very brave - especially as they have white carpets, let's hope the weather holds this year!

Sarah will also be exhibiting her paintings as part of the Arts Trail.

Saltaire Arts Trail in Craft & Design Magazine

We at SAT are very excited at the moment.  Our mission to be become a nationally recoginsed event seems to be bearing fruit.  This months Craft & Design magazine features a beautiful spread on the Saltaire Arts Trail.

Looks GREAT don't you think?  Click on the image below to get a good look.

Q & A with lighting designer Hannah Nunn

Hannah Nunn lives and works down the road from Saltaire in Hebden Bridge, where she manages to juggle creating beautiful lighting designs, some of which she'll be exhibiting at Saltaire for the first time, with running a successful shop selling other designers lighting to the discerning people of Yorkshire.


Hannah will be exhibiting in 71 George Street as part of the Arts Trail.

Q & A with printmaker Janis Goodman

Perhaps typifying the handcrafted spirit that all our SAT 2012 artists and makers share, Janis Goodman creates intricate etchings on a old commercial printing press crammed into a corner of her own home!


Janis, who'll be exhibiting in 19 Ada Street, has been kind enough to answer some of our questions about her creative practice and motivations for applying to be a part of this years Arts Trail.

Q & A with jewellery designer Christine Davies

This years call for artists and makers for SAT 2012 was extended far further than for previous event.  Christine, based in Birmingham, answered that call and is looking forward to her first 'solo show' at Saltaire.


Christine Davies Jewellery will be exhibiting in the grand surroundings of the Victoria Hall as part of the Makers Fair.

Q & A with Art Trail homeowner and artist Martin Priestley

Martin Priestley, owner of 19 Titus Street tells us all about the experience of opening his house to the general public as part of the Arts Trail, including a chance encounter with the a rude ex-tenant of his house.

Martin will also be exhibiting his photographs as part of the Arts Trail.

Q & A with printmakers Salt Press

Rachel from Salts Press was kind enough to take some time out from the busy build up to the Arts Trail to answer some of our questions.

Salt Press will be exhibiting at 19 Ada Street during SAT 2012.

Q & A with Saltaire Homeowner Sharon Ashton

You may have noticed we've been posting Q&A's with some our the lovely and talented artists in the lead up to SAT2012.  Well, as a bit of change we thought it also be good to interview a number of the Open House home owners, without who's kind support the event just wouldn't be the same.


First up is Sharon Ashton of 10 Edward Street who'll not only be opening her doors to the general public for the fourth time, but also will be exhibiting her wonderful textile creations.  Busy lady!

Q & A with Photographer Nicola Taylor

In the second of our Q&A sessions with makers and artists from SAT2012, photographer and Open Houser Nicola Taylor shares some of her thoughts, images and a movie trailer with us!


Nicola will be exhibiting in the Wunderkammer during SAT2012

Q & A with Kate Lycett - Open Houser

Kate Lycett, one of our returning Open House artists, has been very obliging to provide some answers to a brief Q&A we sent out to the SAT makers and artists.  Who'd have thought that someone who creates such beautiful work could be a closet speed demon on the road, 68.7 mph in a Fiat Panda indeed!

Kate is in 19 Titus Street this year as part of the Open House event, and can also be found online at www.katelycett.co.uk


Tell us about the work you do and the types of materials you use.
I work on thick watercolour paper, and layers of inks, gouache, acrylic. My paintings build up from
dark to light, and at the final stage I pick out details with my old sewing machine and pieces of gold
leaf.

Where do you produce your work? Does your working environment form part of the
inspiration for your art?
I have a studio in my house, though there is an outbuilding in the courtyard earmarked for me to
move into one day. My environment in key to my work. I live in the centre of Hebden Bridge,
though the house predates most of the town's industrial past. I can see 3 million chimneys from my
studio window, and there are the remains of a vast one in the garden – the flue for steam running
under the road and the neighbour's house. I am surrounded by defunct industrial buildings, and
tiered houses built for the textile workers. I know that they used to be soot blackened and that
everywhere was dark. I love it that the chimney in my garden is now full of nesting birds, and that
the formerly blackened houses are made colourful by washing lines and pots of flowers.

Is your art your main job?
Aside from three small children, Yes!

How did you get started?
I worked for a long time as a corporate textile designer. The design briefs were strict – particularly
when it came to colour – so I used to paint for a bit of escapism. I didn't paint landscapes until I
moved to West Yorkshire 7 years ago. I took the decision when my first daughter was born to take
the plunge and try to make a living painting. I've never regretted it, and I've never looked back.

What work will you be exhibiting at the Saltaire Arts Trail?
I will have a selection of hand finished prints, as well as a couple of original paintings. Most
exciting for me is that I am hoping to have my new lanterns ready to sell for the first time. I've been
working on them for months! They are flat, cut out designs, that wrap around a candle. So I suppose
I am highlighting with light, rather than with gold. I have hit all sorts of technical hitches, but I have
been told that is par for the course. I'm very proud of them. But sending them out into the big wide
world is going to be a bit of a mother hen moment.

Where else can we see and buy your work?
I supply galleries in Hebden Bridge, Brighouse, Pembridge and Knaresborough. I'm currently
preparing for a solo exhibition at the Calder Gallery in Hebden Bridge this autumn. I also open my
house as part of Hebden Bridge's Open Studio event.

What was it about the Saltaire Arts Trail that made you want to apply to exhibit?
Honestly? To look inside the houses! I love Saltaire. I come often with my family to the mill and
the park and have often meandered down the streets of pretty houses. I was thrilled to be invited to
be part of the trail last year.

What is unique about it and how does it differ from other events?
I think the event is unique because Saltaire is unique. Everything is nice and close, and walking
between the venues is as enjoyable as seeing the beautiful things on display in the houses.

Could you leave us with one more interesting fact about yourself or your work?
I currently hold the land speed record for a Fiat Panda at 68.7 mph.

Interview with SAT volunteer co-ordinator Becky Kidner

As you can see, Becky's been with us a few years now.  We thought it was about time we promoted all the good work she and all the other volunteers do for SAT.  Becky really seems to get something out of giving up her spare time to help.  If you fancy joining the team and help out over the weekend of the event then please drop us a line at hello@saltaireartstrail.co.uk  


Interview with SAT Volunteer Co-ordinator Becky Kidner


Q. How did you first get involved with the Arts Trail?
A. When I moved to Saltaire in 2009 I was a visitor to the Saltaire Festival which the Arts Trail was attached to. The following year I had a look on the Saltaire Arts Trail website and noticed they were in need of volunteers. I emailed and volunteered myself to help out over the 2 weekends the Arts Trail was on during the Saltaire Festival.

Q. What is your role as a volunteer?
A. Having volunteered during the Festival I then wanted to become a bit more involved in the organisation of it all. I then joined the Saltaire Arts Trail Organising committee and took on some additional duties throughout the year such as responding to emails, forwarding queries on and some adhoc administration jobs as and when they arose. Last year (2011) was the first year the Arts Trail became a stand alone event, and I was really proud to have been part of the organisation for it. I took on the role of Volunteer Coordinator which I will be doing again this year.

Q. What do you enjoy about volunteering for the Arts Trail?
A. I really love being part of the Arts Trail. It’s a fantastic event and is such a great opportunity to be involved in something so community spirited. I enjoy meeting people, and working with other volunteers who all put so much time and effort into making the event what it is.

The Arts Trail is run almost entirely by volunteers and we are always on the hunt for more people to join the team. If you are interested in volunteering for us either during the Arts Trail weekend itself (5th - 7th May 2012), or with various events and jobs throughout the year - please do get in touch with us at hello@saltaireartstrail.co.uk hello@saltaireartstrail.co.uk.

The Arts Trail really is a fantastic event to get involved with. I thoroughly enjoy being a part of it, and look forward to meeting and working with even more lovely volunteers who will love being a part of it too!

Screen Printing - from concept to product by Open House artist Salts Press

A fantastic glimpse into the screen printing used by Open House artist Salts Press.  From initial idea and preliminary sketches through to the finished product, this video gives a good walk-through of the screen printing process and all it involves.  Salts Press will be exhibiting at 19 Ada Street throughout Saltaire Arts Trail 2012.


Thanks to Salts Press and Dave Hackney for the video.

We've changed our website and brand

Here at Saltaire Arts Trail we've been going through bit of an online evolution in the recent past. We thought it might be fun to post a few thoughts from Laura who works as part of the SAT Marketing team as to why we went through the whole redesign process.

If 2011 was all about dipping our toes in the water as a stand-alone event, 2012 is all about diving in head first! Not only have we got an exciting and packed programme of events, we’ve also spent the last few months revamping the website and visual identity of the trail.

Over the years our website has stood us in good stead, but as the Trail has grown, so have our requirements online. Indeed, one of the key aims of Saltaire Arts Trail is to promote independent artists and makers and we needed an outlet to do this online. This is where we called upon the folks at Maraid Design.

After several months beavering away in the background, we now have a fantastic new website that gives us the control and flexibility we need. It means we have a platform to shout about all 120 of this year’s talented artists and makers. It includes an interactive map for all the Open Houses, as well as a great visual display for the Makers Fair. Each artist has their own page with a link back to their own site and we’ve got plenty of space to add details of exhibitions and events as they get firmed up – especially useful now the brochure print deadline has passed! There’s no way you’re not going to hear about all the great stuff that’s happening now!

Back in November, we also put our graphic design out to tender and following a lengthy pitch process, brought on board the team at Firecatcher. They’ve since been working hard putting together the brochure, flyers, posters and all the printed material that you’re sure to see popping up very soon. All of the illustrations, both in print and online have been created especially for us by Firecatcher and reflect the character of Saltaire that’s so much a part of our identity. The design brief was quite tricky, but I think they’ve managed to strike the right balance and appeal to the range of people we had in mind and am really pleased with the end result.

But more importantly, what do you think?

Laura

SAT Marketing 2012

Saltaire Arts Trail website hompage