Hannah Willetts at the Ship Inn Piel Island The Artist Hannah Willetts started this year by declaring she was pursuing her career as a full time Artist. And what a start she has made! So many highlights this year, from mural painting, to regular art in her Big Skies series through to being a wildcard on Landscape Artist of the Year. Hannah has a very distinct style that is easily recognisable and transferable to many surfaces. So you will find her work on canvas, on glassware, furniture and inside and outside buildings as murals. She is a 'Walney Lass' who describes her passion for painting as capturing communities. Creating intricate illustrations of landmarks, events, people and wildlife. They are certainly recognisable as she often uses her home location, Walney Island, and the near towns and scenes as her inspiration. She takes great pleasure in the everyday and transforming them into works of Art. Multi Media Work by Hannah Willetts The Adventure Recently Hanna's work has been focused on Community. She was part of A team promoting the enjoyment of art and literature in Barrow in Furness. The BookTastic (an exhibition at the Town Hall) artwork was developed by Hannah and delivered by a team. Hannah has also worked in schools with children teaching drawing and painting techniques. The Works From her latest series of Acrylic on Canvas paintings Big Skies through to her intricate detailed Enamel Acrylics' on Glass, Hannah's artwork is exquisite. And we were lucky at Barrow Society of Artists to have some of her work entered into the Barrow Society of Artists Exhibition 2025 at the Dock Museum. Her paintings sold well! Art by Hannah can be viewed and purchased from her website shop: HANNAH WILLETTS Some art can also be viewed at stockists of Hannah's Artwork - Home Images on Duke St and Furness Heating Ltd on Abbey Road and the Ship Inn on Piel Island. Commissions' for custom drawings are also a speciality. Memorable moments and people and places make exceptionally good gifts. Mural Work by Hannah I first saw Hannah's work in the King Alfred on Walney many years ago when the pub was refurbished. I marvelled at the mural she had painted on the wall in the dining room there. This was followed by many colourful cheerful depictions of Hannah's Mural work out side and inside at Bumble Bee in the Hive, Festivals in Ulverston where shop windows became works of art and most recently at the Booktastic Event in Barrow Town Hall. What Next? Hannah can frequently be found over the Summer months serving refreshments at the Ship Inn on Piel Island where I am sure more inspirational paintings will be produced. Hannah also designed the logo for the Ship Inn. I personally wish Hannah Good Luck and can not wait to see the episode of Landscape Artist of the year where Hannah was a wildcard. Hannah can be contacted at her on-line shop: HANNAH WILLETTS She also has a Facebook page if you want to follow her: https://www.facebook.com/HannahWillettsACollectionOfCrafts She also accepts email contact at hannahwilletts@hotmail.co.uk Blog by Marina Chair of Barrow Society of Artists

Sunday 10th August 2025 Calling all Plein Air Artists and Sketchers for a meet up on the Island of Piel Island. Everyone Welcome. ----------------------------------------- Order of the Day 11am to Midday Arrive on Piel by Piel Ferry from Roa Island £7 return Click on link for further information Piel Ferry – The passenger boat to magical Piel Island and marine safari seal and sea bird trips Explore Paint or Draw Refreshments Available at the Ship Inn on Piel where you can meet the King of Piel Ship Inn, Piel Island Link will take you too website and menu. Meet up at 2.30pm outside the Ship Talk by Local Guide John Murphy Ferry Back to Roa Island by the last Ferry at 4pm -------------------------------------- There is an Ancient Castle, Sea Views, Seals, Lake District Mountain Landscapes, Seascapes and on the 10thAugust 2025 Tall Ships attending Barrow in Furness Festival of the Sea. Grab your gear and come and create with us! There is something special about a group of Artists meeting up in a beautiful location, this magical Island of the Northwest Coast of England boast brilliant inspirational views. As it’s in the school holidays accompanied well behaved children are welcome. The safety of the children is the responsibility of the accompanying adult. This is a meet up not an Organised Event so you have time to explore and paint at your leisure and there is no ticket or event cost. For the more adventurous you can bring a tent and camp overnight on Piel, see the Ship Inns website for more information. The night sky is as stunning as the daytime views.

Put a date in your Diary! Everyone welcome Popup Event for Artists - 10th August 2025. We would be delighted to see you there! Further info on the Events Page of our website: Events | Barrow Society of Artists Marina Chair of Barrow Society of Artists

Dive into the Creative Influence I met up with the lovely Artist, Sian Jeffreys, this week at the Art Gallery where she displays her work. Jitterbug on Market Street in Ulverston. Sian works mainly in Acrylic paint to create vibrant paintings that reflect the places she has lived in and visited. Subject matters range from portrait paintings, urban scenes to landscapes right through to animal artistry. Sometime her work becomes mixed media because they are enhanced by coloured glass jewels: Other-times, allowing the acrylic paint application to speak for itself. Original Art is exhibited alongside affordable prints and cards in the Gallery space on the third floor of this charming shop. Jitterbug, the shop is a wonderful eclectic mix of curiosities and keepsakes on the first two floors. It is incredible to learn that Sian only began painting in lock down with a set of Acrylic paints that had been left by the previous tenants in a property she was renting in Thailand. In this period her plans of exploration changed suddenly. Finding herself quickly in lockdown, on her own, with time on her hands. She recalls on-line lockdown painting competitions with some of her close friends to ease the fears and boredom of being locked in. She felt as though she was interested in Art at School but her interest was never developed or encouraged as she didn't feel she was very good and wouldn't get a good grade. She has spent her working life as a teacher of History, Philosophy and English, but with her new found passion for Art retired early from teaching to develop her own new found Dedication to Art. Midsommer Cows series of paintings Sian's work enhanced by glass jewels. Painting A Painting B Painting C Painting A is of a reclaimed slum area in Yagon. Painted between 2019 and 2021. Painting B Fox in Snow. Painting C is Girls in Angkor Wat which Sian developed from a photo taken while visiting Cambodia. The Gallery at Jitterbug Sian shares an Art Gallery Space on the Top Floor at Jitterbug with other local Artists. This can be found on Market Street in Ulverston, where her work can be viewed in the Gallery. Barrow Society of Artist fellow Artist Jack Webster also has some work displayed here. So make that trip up to the top floor of Jitterbug to see the Art Gallery. Music as Inspiration Sian said she spent her teenage years and early twenties singing, touring and recording in a London band before moving to the Lake District. She has what she calls her 'Jazz Greats' series in the Hope and Anchor Pub in Ulverston and is open to painting to commission if you would like to contact her she has a website sianjeffreysart.co.uk email address is : sianjeffreysart@gmail.com instagram sianjeffreysart Jazz Greats which are on Display in the Hope and Anchor. See you soon with another feature on our talented Members! Marina Chair of Barrow Society of Artists

The first six months of the year has flown by brimming with exciting events and achievements and some great demonstrations. Behind the Scenes Steve Cook (Programme Organiser) is busily working on what to include in the programme for next year by monitoring what we seem to enjoy seeing and doing at our monthly meetings. Steve took over this important task from Alan Calvert in March this year. Steve is well placed for this role as he has been working with Artists in the area for a long time and has his finger on the pulse of the local Art World. We have also welcomed a new member to the Committee Tracy Garnett who will be helping Cathy Holmes with some Event management. I would personally like to say a big thank you to Steve for all he has done for the Society since taking on this role. And thank you to Tracy and Cathy for stepping forward. We still have a vacancy on the Committee if any member is interested. Exhibitions Success Well done to those who sold paintings at the Dock Museum Exhibition! In today's climate selling art is a major achievement. But, the struggles to get work out there has definitely not dented the quality or enthusiasm of people creating original Art. To those who did not sell work people saw your work and noted your names for times when they are ready to buy art, many viewers just appreciate your work when they are on public display marvelling at the work you have personally created. Faiqa did a great job of promoting individual artists on Facebook. Congratulations are due for every member who participated in the 2025 Exhibition to showcase our artists work there was some fantastic Original Artwork displayed. Well Done! The Artists who gave time to meet the public by having artists in residence days also got the word out there that some fantastic art is being produced in this area. So, thank you to those who took time out to promote art. Some weekends are busy other weekends are quite in the Dock Museum. But all who gave their time are appreciated. The first six month ended on a high for Barrow in general with the return of Dave's Day. Our Exhibition at the Dock Museum was replaced by the Dave's Museum which is definitely worth a look at. There is a photo of Graham Twyford (Barrow Society of Artists Art Advisor) with Dave amongst many other inspiring stories of Dave's life. There is even some of Dave's Artwork! Paula Martin (Paula Marie Art) created a pencil drawing of the Hairy Bikers, Dave and Simon, that was auctioned at a fundraiser dinner on the have a Dave Day weekend. Coming Soon Behind the scenes we are now looking at where we are next going to hold our annual exhibition to show case Members work. We also have a table for Art in the Park in September in Ulverston and I am trying to arrange a plein air meet up in August on Piel Island for those interested, preferably a weekend has been the call. I will let you know more on this at the end of this month. Change to Programme Next month the programme has been changed as Andy Curry Scarr is no longer available due to a recent job change and moving. We wish him good luck in his new adventure. The demo for the month will be replaced with 'It's Not Such a Still Life' organised by Steve Cook. The idea is that artists bring things to paint or draw, and these are set out on tables. The artists then move around the tables at timed intervals. It is like speed dating but with art being created not dates. It was well received last time we did it. I sincerely hope you participate. The idea is to get people drawing and painting things they would not normally do. And results in a fun night. There will of course be the usual coffee, tea and biscuits interval, if your not to engrossed in creating. This Month This month's demonstration is on Monday July 7th and is a workshop by Marilyn Hale, a glass fusion Artist. For further info see the website events page then click the link button. There is no Life Drawing this month. There is a break from life drawing as the summer months can get busy for Artists, so we take a break from life drawing until September. If you are interested in attending a demo or becoming a member just go to the contact us page and send an email from the link. The membership fee for the final six months of the year is now £10 because the membership year runs from January to December. Have a great time over the Summer Months, hope to see you soon at one of our events. Marina Chair of Barrow Society of Artists.

Art speaks to us in many ways, transcending geography and culture. It reflects emotions, ideas, and stories in forms that capture our imagination. At Barrow Society of Artists we hold monthly meetings to explore different Art Forms. Demonstrations and workshops range from traditional to abstract and experimental, from sketching through to glass fusion and painting art styles developed by Artists themselves in many different mediums. The aim is to foster an appreciation of the bold expressions from artists who challenge and invent the limits of creativity. Join us at one of our demos or workshops if you are thinking of becoming a member. Just send an email to us at Barrowsocietyofartists@outlook.com to let us know your coming. Membership runs from January to December if you join after June you pay half yearly membership. Students pay a reduced fee. See our join us page on our website for further information. Each artwork tells a unique story, prompting viewers to reflect on their personal interpretations and experiences. Experimental Techniques: Innovation at Its Best The Barrow Society of Artists Exhibition is a testament to the bold innovation of contemporary techniques. Artists push boundaries by exploring diverse materials and methods, which leads to an impressive array of creations that defy conventional values of beauty. Our demonstrations paints a rich picture of how experimental techniques broaden the horizon of what art can be. Stories Behind the Artwork The heart of original artwork lies in the powerful stories surrounding each artwork. Every piece connects to the personal experiences as artists put into contexts the world around them. Art work by Sam Harrison who is leading a workshop in October Community Engagement and Support The Barrow Society of Artists mission is nurturing local talent and fostering community involvement. Barrow’s art scene is evolving, and ongoing community support is vital for its growth. Art is something to be shared, celebrating the diverse creative expressions found in each person. Celebrating Unsung Creators One of the standout aspects of holding our once yearly exhibitions is the celebration of artists whose work often goes unnoticed alongside established professionals. Barrow and the surrounding towns and villages are home to many talented individuals whose contributions may not be highlighted in mainstream art circles. Exhibitions and Events actively changes that narrative by offering these creators a platform to showcase their work alongside well known professionals. The resulting diversity enriches Barrow's artistic identity. By highlighting these unsung artists, the Barrow Society of Artists promotes local talent and inspires continued exploration of innovative ideas. Each piece in the exhibition is a reminder of hidden potential waiting to be appreciated. Embracing Barrow's Creative Spirit

This is a spectacular Event for Barrow in Furness and Barrow Society of Artists wish the Organisers and those who are participating in this Event a truly successful weekend. Barrow Society of Artist Member Paula Marie had pulled out her pencils to produce a fantastic portrait of Dave and Simon which she has donated to be auctioned at the presentation dinner held at The Dunes on the evening of 22nd June. (Portrait shown above) Dave was once a member of Barrow Society of Artists and life long good friend of Graham Twyford the societies Art Advisor who shared Dave's passion for bikes and art. It has been both interesting and inspirational to hear about Dave's life and passions. Paula Martin Paula is an Active member of Barrow Society of Artists and recently participated and displayed in the Barrow Society of Artists Exhibition 2025. Paula is an internationally published pencil artist known for creating high contrast portraits and illustrations Atmosphere and emotion are portrayed through clean lines, creating ethereal images simply using one pencil Paula has illustrated book covers, produced artwork for global charities and works with individual clients to create personal portraits that capture beautiful moments in time Links: https://www.facebook.com/paulamarieart1 www.instagram.com/@paulamarieart https://msha.ke/paulamarieart She also has some prints of her work to view in Home Images on Duke St. Paula Martin with her pencil portrait of Dave and Simon. Have a Dave Day has inspired and invigorated the people of Dave's home town -Barrow in Furness- to come together and welcome a very large biking community, celebrating food, music, art and bikes and hospitality - We have a new mural on the side of the King's pub which has affectionately been renamed Si Kings Free House. Lili, Dave's wife has also become a much loved familiar face and inspirational writer in Barrow in Furness. The day was exceptional last year and promises to be as spectacular again this year. Good luck and Have a Dave Day to all involved!

Thank You Thank you, to the Dock Museum staff for the work in hosting Barrow Society of Artists Exhibition 2025. Thank you to the visitors who visited our Exhibition. A highlight for me was seeing the children from St James School enjoying the Art in the Exhibition and creating their own Art. Thank you to the current Mayor of Barrow Judith McEwan for opening the event. A final thank you goes to the Barrow Society of Artists Committee and all the Artist who have taken part in this Excellent Exhibition which ends this Sunday (15th June ): It is amazing seeing an exhibition of this size come together and seeing the work people produce. There are many paintings heading to new homes at the end of the Exhibition. If you are interested in buying an original piece of Art talk to the staff at the Museum before the exhibition ends! But hurry this is the final call before the Exhibition Ends. Artists in Residence this Saturday This final weekend the Artists in Residence are Amanda Hetherington and Faiqa Aslam call in for a chat with them. Amanda Hetherington's Art work Swan Song Amanda Hetherington writes, ‘I have had an interest in art from a very early age. It started with my love of cartoons and over the years has developed into various genres. I still enjoy drawing and painting cartoons and comics but have also found a passion for painting portraits in oils.’ Amanda is the society’s Secretary. Work by Faiqa Aslam taken from her social media page. Faiqa is the Society's Social Media Coordinator. Faiqa Aslam has a master’s degree in Archaeology and professional training in Traditional Arts, specialising in Calligraphy and Illumination. She approaches art as both a journey of discovery and a form of self-expression. She writes, ‘My creative process is driven by a deep passion for experimenting with form, colour, texture and technique. Enabling me to explore innovative and distinctive ways to create art. Thank you to Faiqa for creating Feature Artist posts on Facebook showing the work Artists entered into the Exhibition. A View Through the Exhibition at the Dock Museum Oil painting by Graham Twyford - Art Advisor

Barrow Society of Artists Exhibition 2025 at the Dock Museum closes in ten days so this is a call out to those who have not seen it yet. You will not be disappointed with the quality and vast subjects covered by local Artists! It is the best exhibition I have seen in a long time. Set of beautifully in the atmosphere of the Dock Museum's Temporary Exhibition space. There is even a painting of Dave's day to warm you up to the next big event for Barrow in Furness. What is a feature of this Show Case event for Barrow Society of Artists is the vast array of styles used to portray the area we live in. Hope you love seeing the familiar in Original Art Work as much as me. Farmer with Herwick by Deborah Robinson - Contact: Email tarnsideceramics@gmail.com J Lee Payne - Oil on Canvas There really is so much to see at this exhibition a snap shot above shows some of the local scenes we are all familiar with by a variety of Members of Barrow Society of Artists. A View through the Exhibition Patsy Derry is artist in Residence this Saturday. So pop along and have a chat to her. Patsy Derry at Barrow Society of Artists The Opening of the Exhibition.

Join us this Saturday in this vibrant exhibition exploring the artistry thriving in the local art scene. The Artists in Residence at the Dock Museum Exhibition this Saturday are Paula Martin and Sam Harrison so call in and have a chat. Pencil Art by Paula Martin Paula Martin is an internationally published pencil Artist with a passion for monochrome minimalism: This is reflected in the clean, high contrast style of her work. She creates portraits and illustrations using just pencils and has most recently illustrated book covers in the USA. Paula uses her artwork to help raise vital funds for Motor Neuron Disease charities as part of the ‘Artists Against MND’ community. Her mission is to support good causes through her work. Contact: Facebook @paulamarieart1 IG @paulamarieart A sample of Sam Harrison's Art Work from her Facebook page. Sam Harrison writes. ‘Growing up in the Lake District, I feel connected to the beauty of Cumbrian landscapes. My goal is to capture its unique character through expressive abstract paintings that are inspired by the colours, shapes, and textures I experience.’ Her work starts from observations and sketches gathered whilst outside, noticing characteristic features that catch her eye. Little glimpses that eventually re-emerge within the many layers of the paintings, conveying the feeling of being there. Contact: Email sam@samharrisonart.co.uk Website: https://www.samharrisonart.co.uk Art by Denny Derbyshire. Each artwork tells a unique story, prompting viewers to reflect on their personal interpretations and experiences. The heart of an art exhibition lies in connecting viewers to an Art Work that speaks to them. I hope you find your connection. Community Engagement and Support The Barrow Society of Artists mission is nurturing local talent and fostering community involvement. By hosting this exhibition, the society not only supports artists but also engages the public in the creative process. Barrow’s art scene is evolving, and ongoing community support is vital for its growth. The exhibition serves as a reminder that art is something to be shared, celebrating the diverse creative expressions found in each person. Hope to see you there! Let us know what you thought of the exhibition. But hurry it ends on 15th June.

Barrow Town Hall - Pencil Drawing by Jack Webster Artists dedicate their time to creating the extraordinary out of the ordinary. I will let the finished results speak for themselves in this blog post; By posting a representation of pencil, ink and charcoal art that is currently on display at the Barrow Society of Artists Exhibition at the Dock Museum. This Saturday (17th May) we have Amanda Hetherington as Artist in Residence who is a pencil artist. So please call in at the Dock Museum and have a chat to her. Artist in Residence this Saturday Amanda Hetherington by some of her pencil Artwork Amanda Hetherington writes, ‘I have had an interest in art from a very early age. It started with my love of cartoons and over the years has developed into various genres. I still enjoy drawing and painting cartoons and comics but have also found a passion for painting portraits in oils.’ Amanda is Secretary for Barrow Society of Artists. Contact : amandajhetherington@gmail.com Hill Top Cottage - by Amanda Hetherington has already sold and will be heading to the walls of a happy original art collector at the end of the exhibition. Just Hovering by Amanda Hetherington Remembrance - Pencil Drawing by Paula Martin Eric Shaw and his wife by his Charcoal Drawing at the opening evening - Lane to Gleaston Eric Shaw since retiring has had more time to make art and explore a variety of mediums. He says he has tried, ‘From watercolour to gouache and charcoal.' When experimenting with painting and drawing techniques he tries to concentrate on locality more than he use to. He is a hobby artist who has been drawing since he was a child, but work got in the way until his retirement. Originally from Nottingham he now resides in Allithwaite: He exhibits mostly in Carlisle where he has sold quite a few pieces. Contact Email : shawricart64@gmail.com Left- by Tracy Garnet from a series of four featuring Local Town Ulverston decked out with colourful umbrellas. Ink Drawings enhanced with watercolours Osprey by Karen Fitzpatrick This month at Barrow Society of Artists we had Ben McLeod a local artist demonstrating his technique using charcoal and graphite mark making combined with thick and thin applications of oil paint. It was interesting to watch as the technique developed and a fantastic unique artwork started to emerge. The effect of the light on the water was quite something, not easy to photograph the full effects sorry. Definitely artwork that has to be seen to be fully appreciated. Ben McLeod runs classes from his own art studio if you are interested contact Ben Directly www.benmcleodfineart.co.uk I will finish the blog on a happy note. Jack Webster's oil painting Walney Channel Boats has sold at the Exhibition. So another fantastic red dot has appeared and another art lover will have an original art work hanging on their wall at the end of the exhibition. As always if you require further information just email directly to Barrowsocietyofartists@outlook.com

At the Dock Museum, Barrow Society of Artists Exhibition 2025, the Artist in Residence this Saturday Is Patsy Derry Patsy Derry is a professional Artist based in Cumbria. She studied Art at Manchester Metropolitan University as part of a Bachelor of Education degree, where she had the opportunity to explore a wide range of techniques including batik, silk screen and lino printing, textiles and drawing and painting. For over 30 years Patsy has been teaching Art to - Children, young people and adults: Currently delivering workshops to art groups across the country. Patsy has taken workshops for Barrow Society of Artists on many occasions. We explored creating art using coloured pencils, ink and other various mediums. Patsy in her own art is inspired by the beauty of the English Lake District, recently the Sea and Sky of the Furness Peninsular and an enjoyment of the materials themselves. Capturing the light on different landscapes in different seasons is a driving force for the work Patsy produces. She names Gustav Klimt as an artist whose work she admires and finds inspiring. Contact website: patsyderry.wordpress.com Following is a selection of work in the Exhibition by Patsy Derry: Piers Ghyll - by Patsy Derry using pastels Daffodils by Patsy Derry painted in Acrylic A Little Light in the Dark- by Patsy Derry using Acrylics We have also enjoyed learning pencil drawing techniques as a work shop for members of Barrow Society of Artists' at our monthly demonstrations lead by Patsy Derry. Don't miss this event that is on for a limited time on the Temporary Exhibition floor at Barrow Dock Museum. Marina Simpson will be available for part of the day (this Saturday) if you would like to discuss becoming a member of Barrow Society of Artist. We have artists from beginners to Established Professionals who have a passion for creating art! Clock by Alan Calvert