Dear Shepley,
There have been some big developments since last month, making Art At The House 2026 the most exciting event yet. We have managed to secure significant funding to help build our event into something bigger and better. We are now able to fund a wide range of creative projects for Art At The House which will benefit the whole community.
This year, sculptor Ryan James, who is fast forming a big reputation in the stone carving world, will begin an interactive community project on a huge stone column on-site which will be developed each year until it is complete and will remain at Cliffe House permanently. The public will be given the opportunity to work on the column with Ryan, who has a wealth of experience in workshop practice. His work may be familiar for some who enjoy the woods in Clayton West.
Also part of our event will be Crafty Devilz who will be on hand for those who wish to try their hand at a variety of circus skills.
Artist and professional musician David Moss will also be providing a very special workshop in overtone chanting, otherwise known as Mongolian Throat Singing, a unique form of vocal melody using the harmonics of the voice. He will also be demonstrating his mastery of this art in the woods.
Join Dō Raku for the ultimate Japanese fast firing experience. Glaze a pre-fired pot and see red hot ceramic plunged into sawdust and flames to make exciting crackle and metallic finishes that can be taken home on the day.
We have been creating some Raku figures we call “Wicks”. There are different kinds of Wicks to be found around the Coach House and throughout the woods in a treasure hunt, the Wicks will be raffled off towards the end of the weekend.
We will be funding a wide range of live music and activities throughout the weekend including Scissett Young Band, Rhythm Stick Drumming Band who will be asking the public to pick up some sticks and join the beats, as well as a wide range of buskers and live musicians, some will be playing piano and performing the spoken word in the woods.
On the front lawn there will be Walk On The Wild Side, a “mini zoo”, featuring birds of prey, reptiles and much more. There will also be face-painting and the new adventure playground will be open. Food will be provided on site by Sons of The North.
And the fun doesn’t stop at Cliffe House. Our event will spill into the village as our friends at The Farmers Boy will transform the place into an Art gallery featuring many of our exhibitors. They are supporting us with sponsorship and will be hosting an after-show party evening of live music and great food.
Whatever your thing is, there will be something that sparks your creativity and sends your home with a great feeling.
Look out for more news about ArtattheHouse26 next month with featured artists and activities for you to do!
Nigel Hoyle and the ArtattheHouse26 Team
