ONE of the most frequent comments at the end of Hatherleigh Festival is just how much everyone enjoyed the exhibitions. This year's festival — which runs from July 6-9 — has superb collections with a diverse selection of talent, all working in different media,with very different styles.
Wood sculptor John Butler from North Devon is a unique craftsman. He carves character into the faces and forms of his sculptures that leave you incredulous that they were once a simple block of wood.
Many are humorous, some are haunting, all are carved with sensitivity and a shrewd observation of his fellow creatures.
His work 'The Elopement' was chosen as a wedding gift from Britain to Danish Royals, while Billy Connolly and Pamela Stephenson are also proud owners of his work. Commerce House in Market Street is the venue for this unmissable exhibition
Painter and printmaker Ken Sprague uses the varied experiences of his colourful life to great effect in his attention grabbing work. As a former miner, circus performer, boxer, baker and speech writer for Martin Luther King you will see an extraordinary range of subjects,
They range from gateways in the Devon countryside to the death of Stephen Lawrence, all portrayed with his own distinctive style.
Ken will be giving a talk about his work on the Thursday of festival at 5pm at the Old Schools in the town square.
Jenny Kyle from Moretonhampstead is exhibiting in the Salar Gallery. Jenny works her figurative and abstract pieces from felt. The process she uses to achieve this medium will form a display in the gallery, demonstrating how these combed fibres became such beautiful textured images.
Acorns Café will host an exhibition of etchings by Oxon based artist Michael Mattingly, with landscapes and wild plants being his subjects.
They show, through use of this unusual medium, a different perspective on an ever popular theme.
Festival details on 01837 811116 and website hatherleigh-festival.co.uk