Open Studios Sept 2009

This year was full of highs and lows.
We had the hightest visitor numbers of any venue, I think - with 1200.
That is 500 more visitors than last year. Everyone participating at Mill Farm was there to discuss thier work for a large part of the event. Anne Thomas helped over 30 people to design, cut and print a lino cut. There was felt making, painting demos (thanks Chris - and me!) and illustration work. Gabi and Phil as always gave their full attention to everyone who came along. Magnhild though famous for her fused glass jewellery, earns exstra fame for her waffles, the smell of them cooking is now NEOS for me.

But through it all we knew that Jenny Beattie was critically ill. We kept a possitive stance and her work was so much admired. She painted with such passion, and her work visibly grew in depth and quality each year that she exhibited. I will dedicate next years show at Mill Farm to her.

The preparations were all consuming, the juggling of family (arrived on the Tuesday before opening), artists and makers (arrived when they felt like it!) - it is the most testing of my skills. Give me a pile of paper, brushes and paint and I will cunjure up some 2D miracle (well sometimes). People are rewarding and vexing and I have chosen the numbers and the activity, it is thrilling what we achieve.. but it does stretch my elastic.
Who ever implied Art could be recreation?

During 2008 for the NEOS ten days we had over 700 visitors.

Now was in the calm before the storm, now is all calm again.