News - Arts and Crafts Centre
Fanni loves Fufu presents…
Our unique Craft Fair will be held on Saturday 16th June 2012 at Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre.
Fanni Loves Fufu presents…over 30 stalls – featuring retro, vintage, homewares, clothes, art, craft, face painting and many more!
Open 10 – 4pm, our onsite licenced cafe will also be open for drinks, snacks, and refreshments.
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Exhibition: Mark Hull, New Work
Mark’s work is bright and beautiful, showcasing a fresh use of colour, and featuring bold graphic prints, shapes and energetic abstract patterns.
The Exhibition runs until 1st June 2012, and is open Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm.
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Hands Exhibition: New wire work by Kez Marshall
Hands is an exhibition of new wire work by art maker Kez Marshall.
Kez spoke about her inspiration for the exhibition:
“My name is Kerry Marshall, everyone who knows me calls me Kez. I went to a Main Stream school in the Telford area, then I went to college in Hereford. I now live in Harrogate and I have worked at the Arts and Crafts Centre for nearly 7 years.
I have a love of hands, which I find fascinating and comforting. I can recognise some people by the shape and size of their hands. I also have a love of music. I like to imagine celebrity’s hands – how big they would be? If they were tall, would they have big hands? Is it true? Most men have bigger hands than women.
Recently, I joined a mixed choir in Harrogate and I also like going to the pub, especially Karaoke Night.”
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Henshaws staff member will travel to ‘Top of the World’ for 175th anniversary!
Richard Fountain is reaching for the stars in his new challenge to thank Henshaws for the opportunities the work has given him and to celebrate our 175th year anniversary!
Richard is a keen fundraiser and loves testing himself with new adventures. He has volunteered for many international charities such as International Aid and Development and Human Rights and now he wants to raise funds and awareness a bit closer to home.
“A while ago I remember ‘accidently’ doing a fundraising bungee jump and this time I like to think I have come up with another interesting, engaging and exciting challenge!”
This autumn, Richard aim’s to travel using surface transportation only; i.e. no flying, 
from our Arts and Crafts office in Knaresborough to the summit of Volvan Chimborazo in Ecuador. At 6,310 metres the peak of Chimborazo is high enough, but because of the bulge of the equator it is also the highest point on the planet from the centre of the earth, meaning it is also the point in which tobe closest to space, the stars and beyond – it is literally on top of the World!
“As well as my work overseas I have always enjoyed high level mountaineering and travel in general, I celebrated my 40th birthday recently by hitching around the world on freighters and cargo ships so I am doubly excited about this challenge. A basic outline of the journey as it stands now is to sail from Europe to West Africa, on to Brazil, down the coast to come ashore proper at Buenos Aires before travelling up through the continent, acclimatizing to altitude and having adventures as I go before finally climbing Chimborazo.”
Richard hopes to complete his challenge in approximately 3 months fundraising along the way via http://www.justgiving.com/Richard-Fountain. En route he will also be publishing a blog of his progress, featuring pictures, video clips and maps of where he is up to.
All monies raised in the run up to and during Richard’s challenge will go directly to Henshaws, even some of the small administration fees justgiving charge he will reimburse himself. His target at the moment is set at £6,310, £1 per metre above sea level to the summit of Chimborazo.
Richard’s blog will be up and running soon and we will let you know when it does, in the meantime please support Richard in this amazing challenge and donate to Henshaws here http://www.justgiving.com/Richard-Fountain.
What an amazing challenge! Good Luck Richard!
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Exhibition: My Own Fairy Tales
An exhibition of charming new ceramics, illustrating stories by art maker Rebecca Stevens.
Hosted in our on-site Gallery at Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre.
The exhibition runs 5th March – 13th April 2012. We are open Monday – Friday, 10am – 4pm.
For more information, call 01423 541888 or email arts&crafts@henshaws.org.uk
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Henshaws Celebrates 175th Anniversary!
It is an exciting year for us here at Henshaws as it marks 175 years since the foundations were laid and an ‘Asylum for the Indigent Blind’ was created.
The establishment of the charity was from the generosity of Oldham businessman and philanthropist Thomas Henshaw (1731 -1810) who left a legacy of £20,000 which is equivalent to £1.1 million today.
Henshaw wanted “to maintain and afford such instruction to the indigent blind of both sexes capable of employment as will enable them to provide, either wholly or in part, for their own subsistence and to afford asylum to the impotent and aged blind”. As Manchester’s oldest charity and as a society as a whole, we are proud to have been helping blind and visually impaired people lead independent lives for over 175 years.
It took over 26 years to set the charity up because of circumstances surrounding Thomas Henshaw’s death – he was found drowned in a reservoir near his factory. The Will was contested by his Wife on the grounds that at the time of his death “the Cause of his having so drowned himself was his insanity.”
In September 1834, after the final verdict was given by the Court of Chancery, a plot of land was bought next to the botanical gardens in Old Trafford and the ‘Asylum for the Indigent Blind’ opened its doors for the the first time in 1837.
Over the years, the name of the charity has changed three times from the ‘Asylum for the Indigent Blind, to Henshaw’s Institution for the Blind in 1921, Henshaw’s Society for the Blind in 1971 and Henshaws Society for Blind People in 2000.
In a tribute to our founder, Henshaws is still growing today and in 1971 we opened Henshaws College and in 1998 Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre. We like to think Mr Henshaw would be very happy with what we do today; we employ over 400 members of staff across the North of England, who each year help to support thousands of visually impaired and disabled people and their families, and all thanks to the generosity of one man back in 1810.
We will be celebrating the anniversary throughout the year with special events, including a heritage exhibition, “Henshaws: One Man’s Vision…” opening at Gallery Oldham, where you can find out more interesting facts and about Thomas Henshaw and the charity and an exclusive Anniversary Ball in Manchester, the city where it all began.
To keep up to date with the latest on what we have planned for our 175th celebrations then please keep checking our events pages and news feeds!
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Pampered Chef Evening
Join us on Friday 27th April for an evening of sensational food, fun and friends!
Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre are hosting a Pampered Chef evening to raise money for Henshaws.
From 7pm there will be the chance to try high-quality kitchen tools that fit any budget, and learn tips to make cooking and entertaining easier.
There will also be the opportunity to see how to prepare a simple yet impressive recipe in no time at all. Why not double the fun and bring a friend? Our licensed bar will be open, and we’re providing nibbles too.
For more information visit the Pampered Chef website or RSVP to Maria Dawbarn, (01423) 799605.
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Great North Run ballot ends this Friday!
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Henshaws is looking for enthusiastic runners to take place in the world’s biggest and most iconic half marathon.
Held in Newcastle on Sunday 16th September, we have been lucky enough to secure 25 places for the 13.1 miles run. Entry fee is £48 and minimum sponsorship is £300.
The ballot will be called this Friday 30th March, so don’t miss out, register your place by downloading this form and sending to Hannah Saxon Great North Run Entry Form 2012 or contact her on (01423) 814501 / hannah.saxon@henshaws.org.uk
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Exhibition: Grahaeme Cox – The Black House
5th March – 13th April 2012. 
Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre is proud to host a exhibition of new work from Art Maker Grahaeme Cox. Our Taste Gallery exhibition showcases Grahaemes’ trademark beautiful juxtapositions of simplified figures and flat panes of colour, including his latest painting “The Black House.”
Exhibition runs 5th March – 13th April 2012.
We are open Monday – Friday, 10am – 4pm.
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Henshaws Receives £30k from Heritage Lottery Fund!
After a nail biting wait, Henshaws are pleased to announce that we have been successful in securing £30,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund to hold a heritage exhibition ‘Thomas Henshaw: One Man’s Vision.’
After the discovery of a tea chest with artefacts and objects pertaining to the legacy of the charity, the team at Henshaws knew that we had to share share the history and interesting stories found in an all-sensory exhibition. The display will trace the story surrounding Thomas Henshaw’s legacy and the rich history of Henshaws. It will explore the charity’s history and the history of visual impairment as well as commissioning new contemporary artworks. It will feature the fascinating stories from people who have been part of Henshaws throughout the years.
The exhibition is planned to open at Gallery Oldham later this year and will then tour regionally. By touring the exhibition we will be engaging with a much wider audience in the legacy, sharing our history and fostering a greater understanding amongst sighted people of the challenges faced by those with visual impairment.
You can read more on some of the interesting stories and history about Thomas Henshaw and Henshaws here. We will be keeping you all up to date with our progress, but do keep an eye out in the press and media!
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Folk Night with Kris Drever & Eamonn Coyne
The Arts and Crafts Centre welcomes an evening of folk music with Kris Drever & Eamonn Coyne. Kris Drever is one of the UK’s finest singers and musicians. Here is teams up with the brilliant Eamonn Coyne.
Date: Thursday 16 February
Time: 7.30
Price: £14.50
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Boxes for Birds
Welcoming the New Year and hopefully the warmer weather of Spring, the Arts and Crafts centre is showing a wonderful collection of nesting boxes and bird feeders.
There are over 50 nesting boxes to chose from which are all handmade by Art Makers as part of our Social Enterprise Handmade at Henshaws.
Themes and styles Include homes for Blue & Great Tits, Fly Catchers, Sparrow Terraces and Towers; houses for hedgehogs and lots of our famous Bug Boxes made from recycled/reclaimed timber and bamboo from our own gardens!
To find the perfect box for your garden visit the exhibition from 16th january to 24th February in the Main Gallery and Cafe.
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Folk CD honours local hero in support of Arts and Crafts Centre
A folk CD called The Blind Jack Band has raised over £2000 for Henshaws.
The CD has been named in honour of John Metcalf, arguably Knaresborough’s most famous character. As well as being a renowned civil engineer and horseman, Blind Jack Metcalf was also a fiddle player. He became completely blind at the age of 6 following small pox. The CD features a range of singers and musicians from across Yorkshire with all the tracks having relevance to Harrogate, Knaresborough and the surrounding area.
The CD was the brainchild of band member Mark Ellison who was so impressed by the services offered to visually impaired people by Henshaws that he decided to raise funds for the charity. Said Mark, “John Metcalfe never let his disability shape his life- his achievements were truly remarkable by anyone’s standards and his triumph over adversity is an example to us all. Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre is very close to Jack’s birthplace in Knaresborough, and Henshaws College is in the Harrogate area where he played his fiddle at dances. The Blind Jack Band CD features the sort of music that would have been familiar to Jack and is in aid of a charity that I’m sure he would have approved of. Henshaws is well known for their good work with visually impaired people, helping them gain self-confidence and independence.”
The last remaining CDs are available from Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre in Knaresborough at the bargain price of £2. All profits will go to Henshaws Arts & Craft Centre.
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Do you want to run in the Manchester Marathon for free? We’re giving away 6 places!
Do you need a little push to run for Henshaws in the Greater Manchester Marathon? Well we are giving away 6 free marathon places to the first 6 people to get in touch!
Henshaws was recently announced as one of the charity partners for the brand new Greater Manchester Marathon in Trafford, Manchester’s first marathon for more than a decade, alongside local charity The Christie.
The race will take place in Trafford on 29th April 2012 and will start and finish in Longford Park in Stretford. The five thousand runners expected to take part will pass iconic landmarks such as the Old Trafford football and cricket grounds and Dunham Massey Park over the 26mile course.
To be one of the first lucky 6 to gain free entrance to the Manchester Marathon (normally £48!), minimum sponsorship is £500, contact Hannah.saxon@henshaws.org.uk or call 01423 814501.
Good luck!
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Yorkshire Estate Agents Host charity dinner for Henshaws
Henshaws would like to thank Dacre Son and Hartley’s senior associate Nick Alcock, president of the Harrogate and District Estate Agents Association for hosting a successful charity dinner, raising nearly £1500 for Henshaws!
The dinner held at The Majestic Hotel in Harrogate was very well attended with over a 100 property professionals dining and chief executive, Gary Verity of Welcome to Yorkshire as the guest speaker.
Mr Alcock said: “The event was a huge success and we are delighted that so many familiar faces could gather together to raise so much money for such a worthwhile cause.”
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Lovely Arts and Crafts for Sale for all your Christmas Presents
Choose the Arts and Craft Centre this year for all your Christmas shopping under one roof! There is a fantastic festive mix of gorgeous, seasonal art and crafts from Christmas Cards and jewellery to festive ceramics and coasters and all priced under £20!
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Henshaws gets a Royal Donation
Fabric used to make the Royal Guards' uniform and Prince Williams’ Wedding Suit has been donated to our Arts & Crafts Centre.
The doe wool cloth, which is used to make the regiment’s scarlet tunics, was donated by the Yorkshire Mill Hainsworths. Art makers at the centre will use the cloth to make regal-themed products and art maker Jenna Foster, who specialises in royal-themed art & crafts, will use the fabric to make Prince William cards and collages.
The donation was organised by Leeds Fashion Works and Leeds, York and North Yorkshire Chamber as part of National Wool Week, a week long-celebration of wool in the UK. The centre was also visited by the sheep that provide Hainsworth’s with the wool used to make the cloth!
Adam Hainsworth, commercial director of Hainsworth Mill said: “The doe wool cloth is one of the country’s most iconic and instantly recognisable fabrics and visitors to the centre will now be able to buy their own piece of royal history. It will be fantastic to see what Jenna and the other art makers make with the fabric”.
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Inspiring art maker wins Yorkshire office commission
Wilton Developments has commissioned a Henshaws art maker to display his work in a new office building.
The company has asked York-born Simon Haw to create a series of bespoke artworks to adorn the walls of one of its newest properties in Leeds. The prestigious development in the city centre will also exhibit Simon’s current collection of works.
Born in 1965, Simon was a tennis ace in his youth but aged 18 and not long after he began studying art, he suffered a severe head injury and damaged his sight in a road accident.
It left him with an eye condition called Myopia, which makes it easier for him to see objects that are near to him than objects in the distance and means he is registered as sight impaired.
Jason Stowe, managing director of Wilton Developments, said: “I was blown away by the quality of Simon’s artwork and inspired by how he has remained unperturbed from persevering with his life’s passion despite the difficulties he has faced.”
Simon’s paintings are awash with wonderful colour and graphic textures radiating from the central theme or focus. His distinctive meandering patterns often go beyond the picture plane and run over the edge of the canvas.
He makes direct links to his hometown of York, drawing from the castellation of the Bar Walls, and the image of a tennis player or of tennis balls appear in many of his works, harking back to his former hobby. Many works contain his name, not as signature, but as a bold statement proclaiming that, “This is me and I am here!”
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Exhibition Grahaeme Cox – New Narrative Work
The Henshaws Taste Gallery presents new work by Art Maker Grahaeme Cox. Large narrative paintings contain beautiful juxtapositions of simplified figures and flat panes of colour.
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Exhibition: New Small Watercolours from The Art Studio
10th September 2011 – 28th October 2011.
A wonderful group exhibition of new watercolour work by Art Makers. Using colour directly applied with the brush, these works explore a joyous range of themes and textures.
All works are for sale.
Open Monday – Friday, 10am – 4pm.
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Exhibition: The Mad Hatter's Tea Party
10th September – 29th October 2011.
Our gallery hosts a spectacular and colourful group exhibition by Art Makers on the theme of Alice in Wonderland.
Children can explore the Centre's grounds with the Alice in Wonderland-themed treasure trail. Find all the images and win a prize!
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Meet an Art Maker
Debra is a Henshaws College Graduate, and lives in a Henshaws Community House.
She is an art maker at the Arts & Crafts Centre, has had several exhibitions, and her work is for sale in our on-site shop.
Debra shares her story:
“I developed Benign Intracranial Hypertension when I was 20 years old, which means that my optic nerve became permanently scarred. I was in and out of hospital frequently for lumbar punctures, but sadly that didn’t solve the problem and I was left permanently and completely blind.
Losing your sight at the age of 21 is a terrifying and devastating experience. Crowds and busy streets scared me so I stayed at home. My confidence and motivation hit rock bottom. Thanks to Henshaws though, who taught me how to reclaim my independence, I have managed to rebuild my life.
I began my journey with Henshaws by enrolling as a student at Henshaws College, almost 20 years ago now! Today I live in Henshaws Community Housing and am a regular at the Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre. My experience as a student enabled me to develop the skills I needed to live an independent life without sight. Something which at first was incredibly difficult for me to accept I could do, but I quickly started to gain confidence with each new achievement.
My journey as a blind person continues today and I am very happy in my Henshaws home, which is specially designed for blind and visually impaired adults and comes with 24 hour support from Henshaws staff. We’re just like normal housemates, we laugh and joke, go out and socialise – the staff are there to help but we treat the house like it’s our own and it’s our home. I do all my own shopping and cooking and enjoy an active life.
I love attending the Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre in Knaresborough. I regularly get involved in the papermaking and jewellery production units and have exhibitions of my work in the Gallery. My jewellery is even for sale in the centre’s shop, which I’m really proud of.
If it wasn’t for Henshaws I can’t even imagine how my life would have turned out, I don’t think I’d be doing a lot. With the support of Henshaws staff I have made a busy and fun life for myself and I love every minute of it.”
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Exhibition: Matthew Briggs – New small work
18th July – 2nd September 2011. Part of the FEVA Festival.
Open Monday – Friday, 10am – 4pm.
An exhibition around the café featuring small-scale abstract paintings. These provide an in-depth look at art maker Matthew Briggs’ exploration of pattern, colour and mark making.
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Exhibition: As Far as I can Reach
Michael Woods: As Far as I can Reach
18th July – 2nd September 2011
Open Monday – Friday, 10am – 4pm.
As part of the FEVA Festival, the Taste Gallery hosts an exhibition of large playful abstract works by art maker Michael ‘Woody’ Woods.
Our on-site café is open Monday – Friday, 10am – 4pm and if you haven’t tried our new menu or sampled the Henshaws sausage yet, you’re in for a treat. We are fully licensed and open for breakfast, lunch and snacks. You can choose from tasty sandwiches, homemade soup, hot meals, homemade cake and of course, the famous Henshaws sausage.
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Exhibition: The Auschwitz Project
Exhibition: The Auschwitz Project
18th July – 2nd September
Open Monday – Friday, 10am – 4pm.
New work by art maker Di Lofthouse, MBE, inspired by a visit to Auschwitz.
This exhibition is part of the FEVA Festival.
Di talks about her visit to Poland and inspiration for the exhibition:
“Hi my name is Di Lofthouse M.B.E I am an artist and a disabled rights activist. I have always spoken out since my teens for my disabled friends who have not been treated fairly.
I’ve always been interested in history and have wanted to go to Poland to see Auschwitz since I was nineteen. Last year I went to Poland, supported by Julianne Lunn (someone who supports me). It was physically difficult for me to visit Auschwitz because it was not wheelchair friendly. I couldn’t see everything, as there were a lot of stairs. But from what I did see, I felt very moved.
There was no birdsong, just a deadly silence. Just the sound of visitor’s voices in many languages. I was really moved by the gas chambers and the rooms with the objects. Body aids for the disabled, glasses, lampshades and wallets made of human skin. The number of people who had to sleep in a room and thousands of toilets all lined up. I felt that people had been treated like second-class citizens.
My belief is that everybody should be treated with dignity and respect. Whatever skin they live in.”
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New on the menu at Fodder
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Handmade at Henshaws now at Fodder
Gift items produced by art makers from Henshaws Arts & Craft Centre in Knaresborough have been added to Fodder’s shelves.
Fodder, based at the Great Yorkshire Showground, is Harrogate’s premier local food specialist and showcases the very best food and crafts from Yorkshire. It is now offering a selection of handmade gift bags, cards, coasters and key rings crafted as part of Henshaws’ innovative social enterprise – Handmade at Henshaws.
The scheme provides 120 visually-impaired and disabled art makers with vocational and practical work experience producing a range of products including artwork, cards and paper to be sold in Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre as well as through local businesses.
Heather Parry, managing director of Fodder said: “Handmade at Henshaws is a truly innovative scheme and we were thoroughly impressed by their products. As well as providing art makers with vocational skills, the scheme gives art makers a sense of achievement as their creations are sold to the public. These fantastic items will make a fabulous addition to our range of stock, and I’m sure they will fly off the shelves!”
Louise Ashton, marketing and communications manager at Henshaws added: “This is a very exciting development for Handmade at Henshaws. Fodder is a champion of local produce and reinvests all its profits into the rural community – it’s fantastic that they have added our gift items to their shelves.
“Henshaws’ social enterprise programme allows local businesses to put something back into the community and brings our delightful range of arts and crafts gifts to a wider audience. We’d like to thank Fodder for their ongoing support and hope this is the start of a mutually beneficial enterprise.”
Products made or grown at Henshaws’ Arts and Crafts Centre are sold at the onsite shop and café, which are staffed by art makers from the centre and students from Henshaws College. All profits generated are reinvested back into the centre.
For more information visit www.fodderweb.co.uk and www.henshaws.org.uk/arts-and-crafts-centre
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Big Night Out presents A Stay Up Late Disco
Friday 17th June 2011. 7.30pm 'til late!
The 'Stay up Late' campaign was started by Heavy Load, a punk-rock band formed by people with and without a learning disability. They started the campaign because people with a learning disability were having to leave their gigs and go home early because their support workers had come to the end of their shifts.
Now you can shake your stuff at our fabulous 'Stay up Late' Disco for adults with learning difficulties/disabilities.
Resident DJ Lee will be spinning the decks along with podium dancers and a comedian! Chill-out area with bar, hand massage, face painting, films and music.
£5 which includes a free drink on entry. Admission by ticket only. 18+
Bar and food. Late curry supper: £1.50
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Exhibition: Twist Thread and Roll
Monday 6th June – Friday 8th July 2011
Our cafe-gallery hosts our latest exhibition, showcasing work from four of our artmakers, featuring textured, tactile pieces made using a variety of materials.
Featured artmakers are: Ian Watts, Graham Cook, David Leedham and Tracey Moment.
Our on-site cafe is open weekdays for breakfast, lunch, hot and cold snacks and drinks.
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An old fashioned Jumble Sale!
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Come along to our old fashioned jumble sale. Quality pre-loved and vintage items at bargain prices!
It's such a big event, we're opening on a saturday to accommodate all the bargains!
Saturday 18th June 10:30am – 3pm.
Entry 20p.
All proceeds to charity: the art maker council are raising funds to buy a donkey for an Albanian Children's Orphanage.
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Baked beans bath brings in a bucketful!
Community Housing staff member Jeremy was full of beans at our Arts & Crafts Centre as he celebrated a memorable effort to raise money for a good cause.
Jeremy, a staff member at Henshaws Community Housing, sank into a bath full of baked beans to raise money for a memorial bench in honour of Mark Porrit, who lived in a Henshaws community house and tragically died at the start of this year.
Louise Ashton, marketing and communications manager at Henshaws, said: “The celebration was fantastic – Jeremy was very brave to take the plunge and art makers, staff members and visitors were more than happy to keep the bath overflowing!
“We are very grateful to Jeremy for his efforts. We’re touched that through his fundraising we will be able to remember Mark in this way – he was one of our most independent service users and a former student at Henshaws College.”
The grand total raised from the beans bath was £85.
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Exhibition: Dolly's World
An exhibition of work by art maker Dolly Connor. Dolly's bright and sparkly work includes beautiful sculptures and wall hangings.
Also on display will be work from Dolly's personal collection, which has never before been exhibited.
Come enter Dolly's world – full of sparkle and bling!
FREE Event.
Open daily Monday – Friday 10am – 4pm.
18th April – 27th May 2011.
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Art makers bag International Business Convention deal
Delegates at this year’s Yorkshire International Business Convention (YIBC) will be treated to extra-special delegate bags for the second year running, after Henshaws was selected as the event’s chosen charity for another year.
Art makers at our Arts & Crafts Centre have been commissioned to make the 1,500 delegate bags through our social enterprise, Handmade at Henshaws.
Each bag is being hand decorated with one of a selection of unique designs created by the art makers. College students and art makers will also help to fill the bags with delegate information, and we will benefit from further involvement at the event which is to be held at Harrogate International Centre on 10th June.
Billed as the biggest business networking event in the North of England, the convention has been an annual fixture in the region’s business calendar since 1995 and has featured keynote speakers including Bill Clinton and Mikhail Gorbachev, as well as celebrities such as John Cleese, Sir Bob Geldof and Neil Armstrong.
The theme of the 2011 event is “Winners” and guests will include Sir Tim Berners-Lee, the British inventor of the World Wide Web, and Andrew Strauss, captain of the Ashes-winning England cricket team
YIBC organiser Mike Firth said: “We were delighted to nominate Henshaws as our chosen charity for a second year, and commission another set of their wonderful delegate bags which were one of the most commented-upon features of the 2010 event. The partnership is a perfect complement to this year’s theme of winners, as the dedication and positive attitude from the students and art makers makes them winners on every level.”
Louise Ashton, marketing and communications manager at Henshaws, added: “Handmade at Henshaws is a very valuable initiative, bringing great benefit both to the art makers involved and businesses and individuals who use its products and services. It’s great that YIBC has recognised the mutual advantages that a link-up like this can bring, and we look forward to working with Mike and his team once again this year.”
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Bread Baking
Here at the Arts & Crafts Centre we are now baking our own bread!
Art makers are learning this exciting skill. Why not pop down for a Henshaws sausage sandwich in freshly baked bread.
Pictures is art maker Yvonne, with a basket of 'handmade@henshaws' bread rolls.
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Exhibition: A Right Royal Exhibition
Monday 18th April – Friday 27th May.
Open Monday – Friday 10am – 4pm.
Celebrate the Royal Family in style! Portraits of the Royal Family created by Henshaws art maker Jenna Foster will be on show.
Jenna has oral dyspraxia which means she mainly uses sign language to express herself. She works in paper making, textiles and jewellery and loves anything brightly coloured and sparkly. She has made some beautiful things to sell in the centre’s shop. This is her first exhibition.
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Cow on the Moo-ve
Cow on the Moo-ve!
The life-size papier-mâché cow made by art maker Jon Cove, has moved to its new home.
The buyer, who lives in York, already has 2 Jon Cove life size figures in their home.
Below is a picture of the cow featuring in the St John's Church nativity scene in Knaresborough.
If you are interested in commissioning art for your home or business, more information is available on our Henshaws means Business web page.
Click here (link will open in new window).
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Cafe grand re-opening
Our Arts & Crafts Centre cafe has had a mini refurb, and now has a brand spanking new floor!
Come see how fancy it's looking. We're open 10 -4 Monday – Friday. We've got a special Henshaws sausage feature dish for spring; sausage served on a bed of Spring Cabbage, Leek & Onion Mash served with a rich Onion Gravy”
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Trophies commissioned for 2011 Social Enterprise Awards
Social Enterprise Yorkshire & Humber have commissioned Henshaws to produce 4 trophies for their 2011 awards.
Alex Sobel (General Manager, SEYH) said: “ ‘SEYH is delighted to have commissioned a local Social Enterprise, Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre, who have a great track record in working with people with disabilities, to design and make this years SEYH Awards trophies. The design reflects our sectors ethos of social mission and working together.”
There will be 4 ceramic pieces produced, depicting hands holding a golden ring, on top of a small plinth. These trophies will be made by Graham Cook, art maker at Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre. Graham is one of our most prolific crafts people and has exhibited in the Henshaws Gallery and in many other galleries.
Graham is 38 years old and originally from Liverpool. He graduated from Henshaws College in 1994 and lives in a Henshaws Community House. He has attended and worked at Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre for 13 years. Graham is visually impaired, has a learning difficulty but is extremely independent.
Graham always has a range of items for sale in our shop.
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Folk Night: Vin Garbutt
Friday 3rd June 2011. 7.30pm.
Vin Garbutt is an international, award winning singer songwriter completing his 40th year on the road. He is one of the best known performers on the music scene today, and one of the most sought after. It is no surprise. His song-writing is witty and powerful, tackling thought-provoking issues which others prefer to avoid, and he is an accomplished guitarist and fine whistle player.
He is forever in demand and his shows continually sell out, so get your tickets early!
Tickets £12.50
Bar & Food available.
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Folk Night: Clive Gregson
Friday 6th May 2011, 7.30pm.
“One of Britain's most cultured singer-songwriters.” The Times.
Born and raised in Manchester, based in Nashville, Clive Gregson is an accomplished singer, musician and record producre of world-renown.
Mary Chapin Carpenter named him as one of her favourite songwriters. Melody Maker described his band Any Trouble (featured in BBC4s Stiff Records tribute recently), as the most exciting new rock 'n' roll group since The Pretenders and according to Guitar Player, he is one of the 1000 great guitarists.
Clive solo shows are something special and not to be missed.
Tickets £12.50
Bar & Food available.
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Room Hire
The Arts & Crafts Centre is an ideal venue for a wedding or family celebration. It is also perfect for business away days or team-building sessions.
We offer:
Room hire to accommodate up to 80 people.
Fully-equiped rooms.
Refreshments, buffets and sit-down meals.
Rooms are also available for hire at Henshaws College in Harrogate.
For further information call 01423 541888 or email simon.burgon@henshaws.org.uk
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February Craft Fair
Sunday 20th February 2011. 10am – 4pm.
Our popular craft fairs take place on the third Sunday in each month to coincide with Knaresborough Farmers Markets. We offer a range of beautiful and original gifts.
Admission to our Craft Fairs is free so bring the family and make a day of it!
For further information or to enquire about taking part call 01423 541888 or email simon.burgon@henshaws.org.uk
Our licensed cafe is open for breakfast, lunch, snacks, sandwiches and hot and cold drinks.
FREE Event.
FREE onsite parking.
FREE admission to our craft centre and woodland walk.
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Disco Fever!
Thursday 10th February
4.15pm – Film followed by a buffet
7.15pm – Disco
Get your groove on for our fantastic monthly disco night for adults with learning difficulties / disabilities.
Film / Buffet / Disco £5.00
Disco only £2.50.
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Exhibition: Artists/Curators
A very exciting exhibition of portraits made by Henshaws art makers at the Mercer Gallery, Harrogate, during the exhibition 'Face to Face – Portraits from the Harrogate Fine Art Collection'. These will now be on show in a special exhibition in our Cafe Gallery.
Art makers will curate their own part of the exhibition by selecting work themselves from the Harrogate Collection that will hang alongside their own work.
FREE Event. Runs Monday 7th February – Wednesday 9th April. Monday - Friday 10am – 4pm.
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Exhibition: BIG Stuff
At St John the Baptist Church, Knaresborough.
Friday 21st Janaury – Sunday 20th February.
Open daily.
An exhibition of large scale work by some of the most accomplished artists at the Arts & Crafts Centre, including Sam Taylor, Jon Cove and Andrew Copley.
FREE Event.
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Happy New Year
Wishing all our friends a Happy New Year.
Artmakers return from their Christmas break on Friday 7th January 2011.
We re-open to the public on Monday 10th January 2011.
Throughout January & February we will be open Monday to Friday 10.00 – 16.00.
We will open on Sunday 20th February (10.00 – 16.00) for our Monthly Craft Fair.
Our Cafe is closed for refurbishment in January, re-opening February. Watch this space!
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Folk Night: Geordie's Winter Almanac Radio Roadshow
Jez Lowe & The Bad Pennies. With special guests Hinny Pawsey, Benny Graham & Andrew Cadie.
Friday 17th December 2010. 7.30pm.
Songwriter Jez Lowe returns to his North East roots in a special seasonal presentation that harks back to the old Tyneside radio shows of the 1950's.
Jez and company offer an evening of songs, tunes, recitations and comedy.
Visit www.jezlowe.com
Tickets: Advance £13 / Door £14.50
Bar & Food available.
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Cow on the Move!
The Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre cow is on the move! Catch the cow at St John's Church, featuring in the nativity.
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Big Night Out presents a 'Stay up Late' Disco
Friday 10th December. 7.30pm 'til late!
The 'Stay up Late' campaign was started by Heavy Load, a punk-rock band formed by people with and without a learning disability. They started the campaign because people with a learning disability were having to leave their gigs and go home early because their support workers had come to the end of their shifts.
Now you can shake your stuff at our fabulous 'Stay up Late' Disco for adults with learning difficulties/disabilities.
Resident DJ Lee will be spinning the decks along with podium dancers and a comedian! Chill-out area with bar, hand massage, face painting, films and music.
£5 which includes a free drink on entry. Admission by ticket only. 18+
Bar and food. Late curry supper: £1.50
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Rock Night: Northern Soundscapes Christmas Party
Sunday 12th December, 7.30pm
The club 'house band' round off the year with jazz-tinged, laid back instrumentals and songs.
Visit Northern Soundscapes website for more information (will open in a new window).
Tickets: Advance £8.50 / Door £10
Bar & Food available.
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Exhibition: Off the Wall for Christmas!
Saturday 4th December – Thursday 23rd December
10am – 4pm
This year's Christmas exhibition features a variety of both art and craft work by our very own art makers.
There's something for everyone and you're sure to find a perfect Christmas present.
FREE Event.
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Henshaws Yorkshire celebrated World Sight Day
Britain’s Got Talent star Christopher Stone was on hand to help Henshaws Yorkshire celebrate the achievements of visually impaired people at a World Sight Day inspired event.
The event, which was held at our dedicated Arts & Craft Centre in Knaresborough, aimed to celebrate the achievements of visually impaired people everywhere, as well as providing a really fun day out for all the family.
During the event there was a live performance from Christopher Stone, as well as arts and crafts activities, face painting and sensory games, in addition to a treasure trail around the centre’s gardens and buildings.
The celebration follows a week in which a host of local businesses, schools and community groups donned their jazziest clothes to support Henshaws Yorkshire’s fund raising campaign, ‘Wear Bright for Sight’.
Participating organisations paid £2 per person (or £1 for schools and playgroups) to sport their most dazzling clothes in order to raise much needed funds for Henshaws, to enable us to continue to provide support and services for visually impaired and disabled children and adults. The campaign attracted an enormously diverse range of support from local organisations like Barclays, Blueline Taxis, Wetherspoons, Hunters Estate Agents, Nidderdale High School and Goldborough Primary School, among many more.
Caroline Smale, CEO of Henshaws Yorkshire said: “It has been a really fantastic time for us, and our successful fundraising and awareness campaign has been all topped off by an enjoyable day of celebration at our Arts & Crafts Centre. We are so grateful for the enormous amount of support we have received from the local community, without which we could not continue to provide services for visually impaired and disabled children and adults across the region.”
Singing sensation, Christopher Stone, who performed at the World Sight Day celebration, said: “Singing for Henshaws was very special for me. The charity provides brilliant support across all the areas it operates in and I’m happy to help as much as I can. It’s also very special for me to be performing back near my home town of Harrogate.”
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Wrapped up
Brr, the nights are drawing in. Even the statues are feeling the cold! Come see our enchanting woodland walk as winter approaches.
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Autumn's here
Autumn's arrived!
Come see the beautiful autumnal colours in our sensory garden and woodland walk.
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Nearly the Goat
Henshaws Arts & Craft Centre hosts a magical performance of “Nearly the Goat” – a brand new Christmas play for the whole family …and other animals!
Friday 3rd December 2010, 7pm. By Riding Lights Theatre Company
Somewhere between the tinsel and the cabbage leaves, the crackers and the peelings of the parsnips, comes the remarkable story of Nearly the Goat.
What on earth is his master to make of that eerie singing in the sky? Or a starlit search for a tiny stable while the sat-nav’s on the blink? To say nothing of the wolf! This night of all nights is heading for a flock of disasters. Well, Nearly. And if it wasn’t for one relentlessly cheerful, extremely interrupting goat butting in…
Nearly the Goat lasts for one hour and is suitable for age 5 and up.
Tickets: Children £5, Adults £8, Family ticket (2 adults 2 children) £25.
Performance at Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre, 50 Bond End, Knaresborough, HG5 9AL. Call (01423) 541888.
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Christmas Extravaganza Weekend
Enjoy some festive retail therapy at our Christmas Extravaganza weekend! Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th December. 10am – 4pm.
Our Christmas craft fairs offer a range of original and affordable gifts all produced by local makers and artists. It's the perfect opportunity for you to buy original Christmas presents. Our shop's stocked full of gorgeous Christmas goodies.
Our special Christmas exhibition, Off the Wall for Christmas, is showing in the cafe.
Over the weekend, we will be showing Christmas films for children and our snowman treasure trail, which children will love, is runing throughout December.
To top off the excitement, Santa will be in his special festive igloo from 12-2pm on Sunday.
Our licensed cafe will be open 10am – 4pm, for breakfast, lunch, snacks, sandwiches and hot and cold drinks.
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Monthly Craft Fair – November
Monthly Craft Fair
Sunday 7th November 10am – 4pm.
Our popular craft fairs offer a range of beautiful and original gifts.
Admission to our fair is free, with free parking, so why not bring the family along and make a day of it – in fact, why not get a head start on your Christmas shopping!
Our on-site licensed cafe is open for breakfast, lunch, snacks, sandwiches and hot and cold drinks.
For further information or to enquire about taking part, call (01423) 541888 or email simon.burgon@henshaws.org.uk
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A new home for Dorothy the Mermaid
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Our mermaid Dorothy has just been re-sited by our gardeners. Why not join her by dipping your tail in our stream?
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More than Fashion!
Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre are hosting an ORCA Local Knaresborough Charity Event, “More than Fashion”
Join us on Sunday 10th October, 6.30 – 9.30pm, for our fabulous event, featuring:
- Fashion Show with models from Henshaws and local schools
- Clothes by Giraffe Boutique
- Glasses by Kingston White Opticians
- Hair by Divine Hair
- Make up by Aimes Health and Beauty
- Live music from local bands, including the Henshaws Hotspots, our in-house band
- Dance performance by Freedom Performing Arts
- Tastings from Spice Merchant, Jade Garden, Advent Catering, Taylors of Harrogate and wine tasting from The Wine Shop
- Raffle with lots of prizes
Ticket are £4, including canapés and a glass of sparkling wine. You can get tickets from the Arts & Crafts Centre (01423 886451), and all participating businesses. All participants are volunteers, and proceeds of the event will go to Henshaws.
ORCA Knaresborough Website (will open in new window)
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Henshaws Hotspots EP out now!
Hello music lovers!
The Henshaws Hotspots have now released their brand new extended play CD
YOU ARE MAGIC!
The CD includes 4 fantastic original songs – You are Magic!, Down Town, Equal People and their very own live version of Drowsy Maggie. it is available for the bargain price of £5 from the Arts & Crafts Centre (+£1 p&p). Signed copies are available on request.
Telephone: (01423) 541888
Email: arts&crafts@henshaws.org.uk
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Hotspots Album launch
Tuesday 2nd November 2010. 2 – 3pm
After the success of their EP (one of the highlights of this years FEVA Festival), the Henshaws Hotspots will launch their debut album 'Equal People'.
FREE Event.
Our licensed café is open for breakfast, lunch, snacks, sandwiches and hot and cold drinks.
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Rock Night: Tim Hunter & special guests
Sunday 31st October 2010. 7.30pm
“Deft guitar playing…accessible performing style,Tim's songs are concise, genuinely thoughtful and easy on the ear.” Rock n Reel Magazine.
Tim Hunter is a Knaresborough based musician and writer who has recently promoted a series of rock concerts at Henshaws, and who takes to the stage himself in this special solo concert.
Tim is a multi-instrumentalist who has been writing and performing songs since the early 1970s. Many of these have received success in song writing competitions and received airplay in national radio in the UK and Europe. Tim has also written a number of articles on a variety of topics for the Yorkshire Post and national magazines. Some readings from his publications will be included in the performance, and special guests will feature in the second half of the gig.
Tickets: Advance £5 / Door £6.
Tim's website (clicking on this link will open a new window)
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Gillian Lever Exhibition: Colour, Light and Rhythm
From Saturday 23rd October – Saturday 27th November 2010.
Monday – Saturday 10am – 4pm.
Gillian Lever uses colour to express a range of basic human emotions. Music that evokes a spiritual realm through the abstract language of sound has provided her with a rich source of inspiration over the years.
“Colour and light remain my pre-occupation. I love the suggestive qualities of colour, the intriguing way that it can penetrate the mind and soul. Colour is a secret language with harmonies and resonances of its own.”
Gillian exhibits widely and since 1994 has regularly shown work at Art First, London.
Gillian's Website(clicking on this link will open a new window)
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Hotspots go Rock, Pop & Soul!
Friday 22nd October 2010. 7.30pm
Spend an evening in the company of the fantastic Henshaws Hotspots. Let them take you on a musical journey through the realms of ROCK, POP & SOUL. Join in with their versions of classics from the likes of Abba, T-Rex, Deep Purple and many more.
Why not dress up for the night? Expect some surprises and perhaps some rocking wigs too!
Tickets: £2.50
Bar & Food available.
Telephone: (01423) 541888
Email: arts&crafts@henshaws.org.uk
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Firework Trail
From Friday 22nd October - Monday 8th November 2010
Find all the fireworks that have been hidden around the centre's gardens and buildings and win a prize!
Start in the café.
Free event.
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World Sight Day Celebration
Saturday 16th October 2010. 12-2pm
Join us for Our World Sight Day celebration, an fun event for all the family. Meet 'Britain's Got Talent' runner up Christopher Stone, and hear him sing!
Meet Emmerdale actress Kitty McGeever.
Free admision and parking.
Free interactive sensory games and art & craft activities.
Free firework treasure trail – spot the pictures we've hidden around the centre and win a prize!
Specialists from our Vision Support Service will be available to answer your questions, and give advice and information on eye health.
Hear our in-house band, The Hotspots, perform songs from their new album.
Request your favourite songs with the Henshaws College Radio Roadshow!
Enjoy our fabulous cafe – sample the delicious Henshaws sausage!
See Stray FM broadcast from the centre.
For more information, click here to see our flyer (opens in a new window), or call (01423) 541588.
World Sight Day is an annual day of awareness held on the second Thursday of October, to focus global attention on blindness and vision impairment.
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Folk Night: Megson
Friday 15th October 2010. 7.30pm
Combining the talents of northerners Stu and Debbie Hanna, this husband and wife duo have played up and down the country at numerous folk clubs and festivals. They have recently sold out their own extensive tour dates.
Nominations for the pair range from Best Duo in 2009 & 2010 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, to a 4 star review from both the Financial Times and the Guardian. The Independent has listed Megson in their '5 Gigs to See' section on 3 occasions!
Megson continue to deliver on the promise inherent in fellow folkie Seth Lakeman's endorsement: “For my money, Megson are amongst the most exciting trailblazers of British Contemporary Folk.”
Tickets: Advance £9.50 / Door £11.
Bar and Food available.
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Disco Fever – 11th November
Thursday 11th November.
Get your groove on for our fantastic monthly disco for adults with learning difficulties/disabilities.
4.15pm – Film followed by a buffet. 7.15pm – Disco.
Film/Buffet/Disco £5.00
Disco only £2.50
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Disco Fever – 14th October
Thursday 14th October.
Get your groove on for our fantastic monthly disco for adults with learning difficulties/disabilities.
4.15pm – Film followed by a buffet. 7.15pm – Disco.
Film/Buffet/Disco £5.00
Disco only £2.50
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Exhibition: Harrogate U3A Photography Group
Exhibition: Harrogate U3A Photography Group.
Monday 11th October – Saturday 16th October 2010. 10am – 4pm. FREE Event.
An exhibition by the Harrogate U3A (University of the Third Age) Photography Group. The group is made up of non professional photographers seeking to improve their skills and share their work. Please visit and let us know your thoughts.
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Blue Grass Night: Union Central
Blue Grass Night: Union Central
Friday 1st October 7.30pm
Union Central are a five-piece band combining stunning vocals with an all traditional instrument line-up. They play the music of top American Bluegrass artists Alison Krauss and Union Station.
Tickets £8.
For advance tickets contact Phil on (01904) 783029
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Big Night Out – Stay Up Late
Friday 17th September. 7.30pm 'til late!
The 'Stay up Late' campaign was started by Heavy Load, a punk-rock band formed by people with and without a learning disability. They started the campaign because people with a learning disability were having to leave their gigs and go home early because their support workers had come to the end of their shifts.
Now you can shake your stuff at our fabulous 'Stay up Late' Disco for adults with learning difficulties/disabilities.
Resident DJ Lee will be spinning the decks with tunes all night. Chill-out area with massage, films and music, nail bar and face painting.
£5 which includes a free drink on entry. Admission by ticket only. 18+
Bar and food. Late curry supper: £1.50
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Exhibition: Shirley Hudson
Saturday 11th September – Saturday 16th October 2010
Monday – Saturday 10am – 4pm. FREE EVENT
In this exhibition Shirley will be showcasing a selection of paintings made during the past 5 years.
Shirley Hudson is a York based artist, who was born in Oxford and studied at Cheltenham College of Art. She has exhibited widely, including Badcock's of Newlyn, Salford City Art Gallery, Dean Clough Halifax, Hanover Gallery in Liverpool, Grosvenor Museum Chester and at the Manchester Academy. She is represented in many private collections in Britain, Eurpoe and the USA.
Shirley leads the 3D Workshop at Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre.
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Feva: Rock Night. The Tangent
Sunday 22nd August. 7.30pm
The Tangent is an international progressive rock supergroup formed in 2002 by keyboardists Andy Tillison and Sam Baines of Parallel or 90 Degrees and The Flower Kings guitarist Roine Stolt, bassist Jonas Reingold, and drummer Zoltan Csörsz. The septet was completed by renowned saxaphonist David Jackson of Van Der Graaf Generator and multi-instrumentalist Guy Manning. Since 2003, amid several personnel changes, the band has released four studio albums and two live albums, and played concerts and festivals in the USA, UK, Germany, The Netherlands, Sweden and France.
The Tangent album is in the Dutch Progressive Rock Society Top 10!
Tickets £10
Bar and Food available.
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The Henshaws Hotspots EP Launch
Tuesday 17th August 2pm – 3.30pm
Our resident band give a live concert to launch their brand new EP. To include some new songs and old favourites.
FREE event!
Our licensed cafe will be open as usual, serving breakfast, lunch, snacks, sandwiches and hot and cold drinks. We also have a Henshaws sausage speciality dish!
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Orb – Annual Showcase Sunday 15th August
Sunday 15th August 2010. From 1pm
Once again, local positive mental health charity Orb Community Arts will be staging its annual showcase at Henshaw's Arts & Crafts Centre as part of this year's FEVA festival in Knaresborough.
Legendary Leeds band Japanese Fighting Fish will be headlining an eclectic mix of local groups, DJs and performers including beat chemist Rose Ha and The Complaints, The Poems, Prose & Pints Spoken Word Crew and much more.
The event kicks off at 1pm and the entertainment will run into the evening both on Orb's outdoor stage and in the fully licensed cafe-bar.
Come down and make a day of it!
Tickets: Advance £3 / Door £4
(concessions £2)
For more information, please contact the Arts & Crafts Centre on (01423) 541888.
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Folk Night 30th September: Damien Barber & Mike Wilson
Thursday 30th September 7.30pm
Nominated – Best Duo @ BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards 2010.
Damien is a member of the award winning Demon Barbers and Mike is a member of the famous Wilson Family.
Two of the finest exponents of Traditional Song in the United Kingdom; it is difficult to accept that these relatively tender young men have a combined 40+ years experience of performing at folk venues.
Tickets: Advance £9.50 / Door £11
Bar & Food available.
Call (01423) 54188 for more details or to book tickets.
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Getting crafty at Henshaws 50th Fair
These monthly events are very popular with visitors as stands display a wide range of attractive and original gifts and gadgets for sale, from paintings and leather goods to jewellery and other accessories.
Every Sunday fair is complemented by several other family-focused activities at the Arts & Crafts Centre: the Summer Picture Word Trail for children – a treasure trail with clues hidden around the centre and gardens; an inspiring Summer Show of artworks from artists, sculptors and other creative contributors; and of course the centre’s own shop which offers more beautiful gifts created under the ‘Handmade @ Henshaws’ initiative.
The craft fair and exhibition are completely free admission so bring the family and make a day of it – in fact, why not get a head start on your Christmas shopping!
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Exhibition: Summer Open Show
Harrogate artists of all ages and abilities were invited to send in their work. The exhibition, which has no set theme, runs from 24th July to 5th September.
Centre manager Phill Hopkins said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for artists from any discipline to show their works to the public for over six weeks. People of all abilities, from professionals to beginners, have sent in exhibits, and we hope that people from Harrogate, Yorkshire and beyond will take advantage of the free admission and enjoy the exhibition.”
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Jon shows that the skys the limit in Deafblind Awareness Week
Jon, a resident artist at Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre, has been deaf from birth and has Retinitis Pigmentosa which results in tunnel vision; he also has additional learning difficulties.
However, he does not let this get in the way of fulfilling his passion for creating works of art. Over the last 16 years, Jon has become one of the centre’s most accomplished artists; he has held exhibitions to display his work, as well as receiving a grant from the Arts Council to work with acclaimed Escrick-based sculptor, Peter Maris.
Jon – who was a student at Henshaws College and now lives in one of our Harrogate based community houses – works at the centre four days a week, predominantly in the 3D sculpture and paper workshops where he creates large scale pieces using a combination of papier-mâché and cardboard techniques.
Phill Hopkins, manager of the Arts & Crafts Centre, said “Jon is an absolute pleasure to work with because he is extremely enthusiastic about his work, which is inspiring and fascinating to witness. We communicate with Jon by signing to him whilst holding his hands, and finger spelling to him.
“Everything that he has achieved just goes to show that deafblindness does not need to be as restricting as so many people assume. Jon is the perfect person to raise awareness about dual sensory impairment this week, I am sure Helen Keller would have been proud!”
CEO of Henshaws Yorkshire, Caroline Smale, said: “Deafblind Awareness Week is an excellent opportunity for us to raise awareness of visual and hearing impairment and celebrate the achievements of our art makers, as well as students at Henshaws College. We are extremely proud of their independence and it’s a pleasure to be able to focus on their successes.”
Those interested in looking at Jon’s work can see it at Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre on Bond End in Knaresborough.
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Craft – A major exhibition
A major exhibition that surveys the craftwork produced by a selection of the
art makers who access Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre. The exhibition is curated by Alan Stimpson & Makiko Hastings.
All works are for sale.
Makers taking part are:
Matthew Briggs Andrew Holmes Rachel Jewett Vicky Pinder Graham Cook
David Stuttard Paul Jensen Dolly Conner Sharon Garrard Thierry Cordero
Stuart Metcalfe Debra Roberts Darcy Lindsey.
The exhibition continues until Sunday 18 July.
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Folk Legend Martin Simpson Friday 20 August. SOLD OUT!
Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre continues to host some of the best folk singers and musicians in the country.
Martin Simpson - 20 August 7.30 – £14
The BIGGEST act to hit Knaresborough during FEVA week!
THIS EVENT IS NOW SOLD OUT!
Knaresborough fanfares for world-famous folk musician
Henshaws Yorkshire’s Knaresborough-based Arts & Crafts Centre has teamed up with an internally-renowned folk musician to stage an exciting live music event.
Martin Simpson, who is widely acknowledged as one of the finest acoustic and slide guitar players in the world, will be playing at Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre on 20th August. The booking is an enormous coup for the centre, which also runs day-care services for people with visual impairments, learning difficulties and other disabilities.
Martin is an extremely accomplished musician with over 35 years’ experience as a live performer. He has been nominated 23 times in the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards – more than any other performer – with nine consecutive years as a nominee for Musician of The Year, which he has won twice.
Phill Hopkins, the centre manager and a passionate devotee of folk music, said: “During 2009 we built up an excellent local and regional reputation for showcasing nationally and internationally acclaimed folk artists. Having Martin play here speaks volumes about the talent that we welcome to the Arts & Crafts Centre. He really is one of the best folk musicians of a generation, and we are so excited about his forthcoming performance.
“The centre is a perfect venue for hosting music as it has a lovely relaxed atmosphere. We also plan to promote local acts as support artists at our future gigs, so the community will really benefit: lots of agents and artists are now approaching us for bookings. Great folk music is very much alive in Knaresborough.”
Damien Barber & Mike Wilson – 30 September
Megson – 15 October
Jez Lowe’s – WINTER ALMANAC RADIO ROADSHOW – 17 December
and then there's 2011…
There's always a bar selling 'Daleside' local beer and food available at all our events.
Telephone: (01423) 541888
Email: arts&crafts@henshaws.org.uk
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Shakespeare's 'As You Like It' – Saturday 26 June
We are giving away a pair of tickets for the Sprite Production at Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre on Saturday 26 June.
(see our 'Events' page for further deatils)
To enter all you need to do is answer the following question:
Q: Who said, “O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?”
Then you can email the answer to us arts&crafts@henshaws.org.uk and don’t forget to include your name and address.
Or send you answer on a postcard, don’t forget to include your name and address, to:
Shakespeare Competition - Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre – 50 Bond End, Knaresborough HG5 9AL
Closing date is Friday 11 June 2010.
GOOD LUCK!
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Centre gets loved up
With the shelves awash with romantic ideas, Henshaws Yorkshire is urging valentines shoppers to opt for unique handmade gifts this year which help support people with visual impairments and other disabilities.
‘Handmade at Henshaws’ is the range produced by art makers at the Knaresborough-based Arts & Crafts Centre. The team of visually impaired and disabled arts makers work with instructors from the centre to create a range of cards and gifts, including notebooks, key rings and broaches.
Centre Manager, Phill Hopkins, comments: “We find the work produced by our art makers proves extremely popular at Valentines as the public look for original cards and gifts. As we are able to personalise many of the items we make, including cards, it adds a unique, handmade element that can’t be found on the high-street.”
All profits from Handmade at Henshaws go back in to the centre while the programme also provides vocational opportunities for art makers who build their skills and are given the opportunity to participate in rewarding activities.
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Art – A major exhibition!
A major exhibition that surveys the artwork produced by a selection of the
art makers who access Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre. The exhibition is curated by Shirley Hudson.
All works are for sale.
Artists taking part are:
Kerry Butler Andrew Copley Jon Cove Simon Haw Mark Hull Andrew Kipling Di Lofthouse
Mark Porritt Sam Taylor David Tomlin
The exhibition continues until Sunday 6 June.
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Sparkle and Shine
This exhibition celebrates all the wonderful art and craft work made at Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre, with a special Christmas twist!
Sparkle & Shine features a fantastic mixture of two and three dimensional pieces in a variety of materials ranging from jewerlly, pottery, handmade paper items and lots more that glistens and shimmers.
All the items in the exhibition are for sale and make perfect unique Christmas gifts.
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Love Birds
This exhibition celebrates the art, craftwork and achievements of two of the most successful Henshaws art makers – Simon Haw and Debra Roberts.
The exhibition, which runs from Saturday 5 September to Saturday 7 November includes paintings, jewellery and other pieces of craft.
Simon and Debra have worked at the Arts and Crafts Centre since it opened over 10 years ago. They first met at Henshaws College and have lived together in one of our community houses ever since.
Simon is a wonderful painter and works in his own large, colourful and distinctive style. Examples of his work can be seen around the centre. Debra makes beautiful pieces of jewellery and other craft pieces and enjoys making items for children.
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Centre gets eggstatic
The Arts and Crafts centre has become home to some chickens! Why not come along and meet the chickens, try the eggs in the café or buy some to take home?
The free range chickens arrived in May and are now laying an egg a day each.
The rare breed chickens – Pied Suffolks, Hipswell Whites and Rhode Rocks – produce a variety of different eggs, including brown and white – and every so often blue!
The eggs are used by the café at the centre and can also be bought in our shop – just 90p for six!
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We've had a makeover!
NEWS FLASH – WINTER SALE!
We are pleased to announce our 20% OFF SALE on ALL stock. This runs until Saturday 27 February.
The Arts and Crafts Centre got a very special 10th birthday present – with a new visitors’ centre and a redesigned café and gallery area.
We welcomed the mayors of both Harrogate and Knaresborough to officially open the new areas. The guests were treated to a tour of the centre, a walk around the sensory garden and lunch in the refurbished café.
A jazz extravaganza was supplied by in-house band The Hotspots.
Phill Hopkins, Arts and Crafts Centre Manager said, “The refurbishment looks great thanks to the hard work of all the staff and art makers. Now it is an even more enjoyable experience for its residents and the many visitors it receives each year.”
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