If you venture into Woodstock on March 1, nestled above the Farmers Market, happily ensconced on the upper floor of the Town Hall, you’ll find a fascinating array of professional artists and creatives.
There to support each other and show the community what they have on offer right on their doorsteps, Artisan Collective Of Woodstock is the brainchild of local Nina Carrington.
Nina, who makes floral heirloom headpieces for special occasions, handcrafted necklaces and amulets from her home workshop, began the Artisan Collective Of Woodstock in June last year after bumping into some fellow artists and realising they needed to pool their resources.
‘There are so maNy talented professional artists here and I wanted to bring them together. Working on your own can be quite isolating, so we aim to change that’
“There are so may talented professional artists here and I wanted to bring them together. Working on your own can be quite isolating, so the monthly Artisan Collective of Woodstock aims to change that,” she explains.
So how did it start? “A few of us got chatting one day and realised we all felt the same way so we decided to do something about it and start The Artisan Collective of Woodstock.
“It’s really motivating because it encourages us all to talk about our work, and get together with like-minded people, as well as the chance to meet the public and explain what we do,” she says.
“We want to show the community the immensely talented artists and makers they have in their midst. So this offers high end artisan products made from scratch, and each item has a story,” Nina adds.
Ceramics, furnishings, headpieces, bespoke clothing, jewellery, vintage clothing , paintings, skincare, oils, basket ware, fresh flowers, candles and perfumes, to list but a few, will all feature alongside the artists keen to chat with the public about their work.
“It’s a lot of work, but I love organising it and Woodstock Town Hall is a great airy, light, cosy space,” Nina adds.
You can also have treatments there from raiki and massage to alternative holistic therapy and breath work.
“I want to create a real vibe there so help us grow the Artisan Collective by spreading the word to friends, family, and fellow art enthusiasts.
“Together, we can create a thriving hub for local creativity and support our community’s unique talents,” Nina explains, “and as it’s on the same day as the Farmers Market, you can buy your fruit, plants and food, maybe grab some breakfast at one of the cafes or pubs, and then venture upstairs in the town hall for a look.
“Come and explore, chat with us and hopefully buy something. We just need more people to give it a go.”
The Artisan Collective of Woodstock is held monthly, starting on March 1 from 9.30am-2pm, which will be the first gathering of 2025! Following dates are April 5, May 17, June 21, July 19, Oct 4, Nov 1 and Dec 6.
For further details go to https://www.ofwoodstock.co.uk/woodstock-artisan-collective
