Well here we all are, involved in our last minute Christmas preparations - and wondering where the year has gone once again. Thankfully the weather has turned somewhat more seasonal -  frosty and cold, and at long last the rain has stopped. We did not suffer any rain damage during the floods, but the area was devastated in some places and so sad to witness.

Visitors are returning now and it is so warming to see loyal customers in the gallery. As usual at this time of the year Keswick is looking very festive and a wonderful place to visit to recreate that traditional 'Christmas' feel.

We have some superb new art work from our artists, - new watercolours by Diane - winter scenes by Jane Ward - vibrant silk paintings by Chris Pollard - stunning acrylics by Venus, and new pastels by Valerie Molly.

 We pride ourselves in Viridian at encouraging local jewellers and craft people and this year has seen a real return to customers appreciating such work.

We are all still trying to come to terms with the very sad death of Jane Matthews. Jane lost her brave battle against cancer in October and it is still difficult to believe she is no longer with us - although part of us she will always be.

We look forward to seeing you in the gallery over the following season, and feel sure you will find something new and interesting. If you are in Keswick on saturday (19th ) afternoon, please join us for a glass of mulled wine. 

May we wish you all Seasons Greetings

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL

Frozen Waters, Rydal By Diane Gainey

Following the adverse weather conditions of November and December, it has felt almost Spring like over the last few days. We were not directly affected by the flooding in November, thankfully, but all know so many people that were, and our hearts go out to them.

The snow that followed was spectacular - once we had all learnt to cope with it - and to drive in it! We many never see the Lakes looking that dramatic again in our life time, and it seems strange that it is all green again. Has felt somewhat like 'The survival of the fitest' though. 

Needless to say we now have some superb snow scenes in the gallery, including a large watercolour of the boat house with Rydal Water frozen over by Diane Gainey.

Diane  has released 3 Artists Proofs, as a precursor to a new limited edition print of this image.

We are currently refreshing our displays for the new season, and have some exciting new work. We have some new silver, design led jewellery by Made in Cumbria members, Liz Gannon, Ali Foster, and Colin Caraway, that will all be on display in time for Valentine's Day!

We are compiling an e-mail data base in order that we can send updates and exhibition info out electronically. If this is something you feel may be of interest, please let us have your e-mail address.

Sadly we know that the difficult weather meant that a lot of our customers were prevented from making their winter visit to the Lake District, and we did miss those of you that would have visited the gallery. However we look forward to seeing you all soon.

Spotlight On Venus Griffiths

Our 2010 calendar is kick started once again by Venus, a regular gallery artist, with her exhibition titled ' Being There'

Venus's exhibition of dynamic semi abstract watercolour and acrylic paintings  brings a wonderful splash of colour, and promise of spring to the gallery. 

You would be very welcome to join us to Preview the exhibition on Friday 5th of March between 7p.m. and 9p.m. The evening will also include an electro/accoustic guitar and violin session by Ron Ablewhite and Edwin Schreiber - and of course a glass of wine!