Wirksworth Art Festival

January 30, 2024

Wirksworth Art & Architecture Festival 2023 was a weekend full of sunshine and there was a real buzz. Art was everywhere, bands played and there were even some new-wave Morris Dancers in action.

For just one weekend every September, the bohemian Derbyshire market town becomes a real destination and a showcase for contemporary artists. As one of the UK’s longest-running rural art festivals, it is an important event that allows artists and art lovers to meet one another. Visitors come from quite a distance to see artwork up close, to get to know the artists and craft people, and to buy art and crafts directly.

Kate Dawes Botanical Art at Wirksworth art trail

Kate Dawes Studio mixed media art at Wirksworth Art Festival © kate dawes studio

Wirksworth Art & Architecture Trail Weekend.

Also, a highlight of the event is the opportunity to explore the town’s architecture and properties. Kind-hearted residents open up their houses to artists and craftspeople for use as art galleries. This means artists exhibit in a wide range of buildings, from the old Town Hall, and the ancient church to historic old houses.

ancient church used as a venue for Wirksworth Art Festival

The ancient church used as a venue for Wirksworth Art Festival

Kate Dawes Studio at Wirksworth Art Trail.

I was privileged to be located in one of the festival’s most beautiful houses, complete with a stunning flower-filled garden that the owners opened for visitors to relax and enjoy the sun.

Handily for me, their soft green and palest of grey walls complemented my work and visitors enjoyed the serene, immersive atmosphere created by my botanical art in a beautiful space.

Kate Dawes Studio mixed media art at Wirksworth Art Festival © kate dawes studio

Kate Dawes Studio Artwork & Giclee Prints.

It was fun to chat with a constant flow of visitors, many of whom selected my signed giclee prints for their walls. I was showcasing some of my new artwork and seeing how they resonated with art lovers was a treat.

My new wide range of print sizes, which now runs from petite framed 6 x 4″ giclee prints to large 1.2 x .9m canvases also meant my work was accessible for people with all sizes of rooms and budgets.

I am delighted to have been part of the Wirksworth Art Festival – a big thank you to the organisers and to all the art trail goers – what a fabulous weekend that I look forward to repeating in 2024.
Along with the Wirksworth Art Festival I am also lucky to exhibit at the Melbourne Art Festival.

Take a look at my Kate Dawes Studio website for more of my work or please just get in touch if you’ve any queries or questions.

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