A SINDLESHAM church held a creative fair, with paintings and crafted items for sale, and opportunities for visitors to learn new skills and techniques.
Event organiser and area pastor for Baptist church, The Gate, Joanna Parmar, says: “We had a wonderful day.
“The event was well supported, with people coming not only from the local community, but from as far away as Abingdon.
“There were various stalls, including my own, with a range of art and crafts.
“Displays included Japanese art, acrylic art, textiles art, mixed media, knitted toys, cards, clothing, and stunning Hong Kong cakes and bakes.”
While Joanna demonstrated the art of felting, other artists were showing visitors how to create Japanese Nagomi art with pastels, produce textile art and acrylic paintings, and make cards.
Those interested in jewellery making were able to take part in a three hour workshop, before popping in to the tea room for refreshment.
“We have a thriving art community at The Gate,” says Joanna.
We love to encourage our artists with these sales, but we also offer workshops throughout the year, where anyone can come along and learn how to create art with different mediums.
“Our artists were even featured last summer on BBC One’s Songs Of Praise.”
Each artist and stall holder was asked to donate a percentage of their profits to the Churches Building Fund.
A final figure for the amount raised is still to be calculated.
As well as visiting the art stalls, people were able to enjoy a fashion show, and buy ethical clothing items from Good Lord London.
“The company is committed to the environment, recycling and the treatment of workers in the clothing industry,” says Joanna.
“And to support local people in need, they have partnered with the Churches In Reading Drop In Centre (CIRDIC) for homeless people in the area.
“They help CIRDIC with fundraising, and promise to donate an item of clothing to the centre for every garment they sell.”
The traditional style tea room at the art fair, and the homemade cakes, proved very popular with visitors.
“We were so encouraged to have so many visitors from the local community and beyond,” says Joanna.
“They were able to come and enjoy being part of the day, as well as taking home some beautiful pieces of art, and some inspiration for creating their own.”
To find out more about The Gate, Sindlesham, search for them on Facebook.
For information about Good Lord London, visit: www.morelord.com
