Putting talent into the shop window

Plans are now at an advanced stage for this year’s Todmorden Artists Open Studio event.

Expanded to run for three days from September 9-11, this growing event showcases the incredible and varied talent that is to be found in the Calder Valley.

Studio groups, artists homes and galleries will be open to the public, to show work for sale, inspire and spread the joy that comes from being creative.

All neatly linked together in a comprehensive brochure with a map which visitors to the town can follow.

Organisers are delighted to announce that local artist, Walter Kershaw, who has decades of experience on his palette, will launch the event at an artists party on Saturday, September 3.

Special guest artist Dale Grimshaw will be creating a piece of work for the town, fresh from international exhibitions, painting in New York, Stockholm and around the world.

There is room for absolutely anyone to join in, say organisers who will also help find space to exhibit if necessary.

Inclusion in the brochure costs £15 which allows you to publish an image, a few words, and your location on the map with contact details.

The closing date for applications is June 1.

Anyone who wants to be involved should register via www.curatorspace.com.

It’s a simple registration then search the ‘Opportunities’ for ‘Todmorden Open Studio.

Anyone requiring help or for general enquiries are asked to email [email protected] or find them on facebook and Instagram.

lMeanwhile at Platform One Gallery in Todmorden railway station poet Kershaw Midgley-Booth and artist Paul Mac share wall space for an exhibition called Off The Tracks exploring life through the eyes of a variety of characters - some of them rabbits!

Paul, who was born in Halifax and studied Fashion and Textiles at Liverpool University, has exhibited his artwork during the past few years at various locations within the Calder Valley. He moved back here in 2010 following a relatively early diagnosis of Parkinson’s.

Kershaw lives in Calderdale and originates from East Anglia. His work has appeared in both local and national publications and his poetry featured in ‘Off the Tracks’ is on the humorous side, organisers say.

The exhibition runs from May 5-29 and the gallery is open from Thursday to Sunday from 11am to 4pm.