DARTMOOR Arts and Crafts Show got off to an excellent start last weekend despite the fact that arts and crafts are ?in a bit of a doldrum? at present, according to joint organiser Victor Briggs. Victor, who is editor of Workbox Magazine, said people were not spending so much at arts and crafts shows in general, but the 40 plus exhibitors at the Dartmoor event were happy with how things were going at this show and attendance was up on last year. The show is held at Princetown Primary School, and the other joint organisers are Nancy Briggs and Ann Silcox. Arts and crafts include textile art, woodturning, stained glass, rug making, pyrography, painting, pottery, scrimshaw, parchment craft and knitting. Quilting is also in evidence, including exhibits by City and Guilds students from Duchy College. Most of the stands offer taster sessions and demonstrators, although planned workshops were not able to take place this year. Next year, however, it is hoped to have a full programme of workshops and taster sessions. Princetown Primary School will receive £1,500 from the takings, and prize money for the Wistman?s Wood art competition totals £600. Competition is fierce, and is expected to be even stronger for next year?s competition, which will have the theme ?Shades of Dartmoor.? The show is open until Saturday from 10am to 5pm daily. Refeshments, provided by the High Moorland WI, are available each day.
