Sunday, 6 March 2011

Naomi Phelan MA

Naomi Phelan  in full flow at her lecture of Art Nouveau and Art Deco on Thrusday 3rd March. Naomi has lectured in the History of Art and the History of Interior Design for the pas eleven years through the WEA, ARC and Milton Keynes College to National Diploma and Degree students. Her passion and enthusiasm for subject has introduced many a novice to the wonderful world of art giving them the confidence to enjoy looking at art & design in an enjoyable and Knowledgeable way.

Friday, 4 March 2011

Art Soiree - Art Nouveau and Art Deco with Naomi.

Thursday 3rd March....
The evening was introduced by Naomi, the setting was in the upstairs art gallery at the b Gallery. Georgina helped with the refreshments and showed guests to their seats. The evening was very well attended and a lovely atmosphere, there was great interactions between Naomi and the guests which made for a superb evening.
The presentation began with a slide show and Naomi explaining the difference between Art Nouveau and Art Deco. For those who already knew about these two art movements it was a trip down memory lane but for the virgin art connoisseurs, like myself a fabulous learning curve.
Naomi's passion and enthusiasm flowed through us all, it was very in depth but understandable at the same time.
When I was first asked to write a 'blog' for the page I thought I would feel out of my depth at a 'Soiree' but how wrong I was. It was a most enjoyable, informative evening. I feel privileged to have been given the opportunity to have been asked to attend .
I felt the evening brought the art to the people and I came away realising I knew more about Art Nouveau and Art Deco than I thought I did.
I am very much looking forward to Naomi's next Soiree.
All events can be seen on the b Gallery web page or our face book page.
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/B-Gallery/151290631579430

A new member of the Team at b Gallery

Hi I'm Beverley, It has been a privilege and honour to be asked to join the b Gallery team in Toddington as their new Blogger on fb and Head of 'e' Marketing. I hope to attend as many of their events as possible and keep you up to date with all that is going on at the b Gallery. Arrangements are being made at present to interview established and up and coming artists, these interviews will also be available for you to read on the 'blog'. I am looking forward to working with Julie, Mel and the team at the b Gallery. Here's to a good year and a great new future for everyone involved. Keep watching the page as it will constantly be updated. You can always join me and other like minded people on facebook.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/B-Gallery/151290631579430

Thursday, 13 January 2011

Ladies Night

Yup that is right, we are holding another Ladies Evening at the gallery tomorrow evening (14th Jan) This however is more of a pamper evening focusing on health and beauty but yet again bringing in local talent from Toddington and surrounding villages.

So what is on offer?
Aromatherapy
Local Weight Watchers leader
Reflexology
Nutritionist
Osteopath
Nail Bar
Hair Design

Fancy it, all of the above and wine and nibbles (well it doesn't do to be too healthy does it?)

Doors open at 7.30pm so if you are in the area and fancy some pampering pop in and say hi. I am the local weight watchers leader so i will be there with my "pop-up" meeting - easy to spot look out for the bright orange stall!

On another note, our workshops are starting up once again for 2011.  This is what is coming up in just the next couple of weeks

Adult Classes Life Drawing Oil painting Abstract Mixed Media   Portraits Water Colour Acrylic workshop Children’s [5-9yrs] Busy Bees club £7.50  Art Explorers GCSE Art and Design £7.50
Understanding Art Evenings How can a Dead Cow be art? Jan 13th
Understanding Art Through the ages [Periods] Jan 27th time 7.15-9.00

Interested? Then simply phone on 01525 877770 or email. 
We really love to hear from you so please leave a comment to let us know what you think about b Gallery.
Next post will give an insight into our new "talent spotter" Aimi

Thursday, 6 January 2011

Happy New Year

Hello everyone and I hope you are all having a brilliant 2011 so far.  Okay it is only 6 days but a lot can happen in that time.  The gallery does not re-open until the 8th but i thought i would take this opportunity to show you photos of the snowy gala day and our Christmas do.

The blizzard had begun outside so we were coated up ready to go but Naomi had other ideas

A speech and presentation from Naomi for Julie and Mel

and Hazel of course.  Gorgeous flowers

and a Naomi special cake.  THey are lovely
Christmas do - no alcohol honest

Friday, 24 December 2010

Merry Christmas

Have a fantastic Christmas and fun filled New Year.  Photos of  the gala day (which was closed early to enormous amount of snow) and our Christmas meal out will follow after the big day tomorrow.

It has been an eventful and exciting year and we know that 2011 will prove even more so.  Thank you for following this blog thus far and keep reading...

Stay safe and warm.

B Gallery xxx

Friday, 17 December 2010

One Year Tomorrow

So it is official, the gallery has been open for one year.  What a year it has been.  The Introduction to Art lectures are a huge success and if you haven't already read it, there is a review here. Exciting artists are showcasing a variety of techniques and talent.  Our place in the community is also developing and hopefully the intimidation that can often be associated with a gallery is diminishing.

Amidst the frantic planning and organisation for tomorrow's gala day, I took the opportunity of asking b Gallery founder's Julie and Mel what they are most proud of in the past year; what do they feel is their biggest achievement.

I think our biggest achievement for me is the quality and diversity of the artwork displayed.  Not only do we have fabulous fine artwork displayed by well known artists including Rolf Harris with limited addition copies, but we have a phenomenal array of local talent exhibiting.  The variety from glass work to tapestry, jewellery to portraits for me is breathtaking and something i am immensely proud of. - Julie
I am overwhelmed to be surrounded by such a passionate and talented team at the gallery. When we first started a year ago it was just myself and Julie, but along the way people have recognised our potential and have dedicated their time and energy.  The photography studio is up and running and already a hit with a hugely talented and creative, imaginative photographer. Naomi's Introduction to Art lectures were an instant hit and working alongside Linda they have bought together another dimension to the gallery, including the regular and popular workshops.  The passion of the team has made the adventure possible and it is ever growing with the art directory the next step, our talent spotter Aimi is already looking out for artists to exhibit. - Mel
So tomorrow is Gala day, with local artists demonstrating their styles and techniques, Naomi giving taster sessions of her lectures and the all important visit from Santa. 


If you have been to the gallery, please share your favourite bits here and lets look forward to another fun-filled adventurous year.


Thursday, 9 December 2010

Weekday, weekend and Children/student's workshops

The latest list of workshops has now been printed and it includes the brand new Busy Bees and Art Explorers.  Busy Bees is a children's art club (age 5-9) and is run on the last Saturday of each month.  The first session is on the 29th January 2011 from 10am - 12 midday.  The first one is called a Saturday Art trolley and is creative fun under the guiding hand of a professional artist.

The following one is exciting for any of you mums with a daughter. It is called Dads and Daughters, the clue is in the name. Dads get to indulge their hidden pink and sparkly calling whilst spending quality time with their daughters. However, the following month they can become all macho again with their sons when there is a session called "boys". Paint stick and invent, a time to get messy and invent the impossible,

The details will be on the event page of this blog but as always can be found on our facebook page.  If you haven't become a fan yet, please do as it is the easiest way to be updated on up and coming events at the gallery.

Lastly on a wintry note, as I was walking or should I say sliding through the village this week, I pounced upon a photo opportunity.  This is the back of the gallery which leads onto the Church graveyard.  How pretty.


Thursday, 2 December 2010

Christmas is here


Snow in Toddington really does transform the village into a beautiful Christmas Card Picture. What better way to add to this then by responding to the above invitation and decorating the gallery windows.  Situated by the church just off the village green, the gallery will be central to all the festivities on Monday evening. It is lovely to be given the opportunity or rather excuse to get creative with our windows.  Naomi is already on the job and walking back from the post office this morning I got a sneaky peek.

AS you can see the snow decorating as begun. Keep checking back to see the final display. If you are at the gallery or on the green on Monday, please comment and let us know what you think of our pretty windows. We always want feedback