Grab a handmade gift… or Take Six
If you’re looking for a unique handmade gift and some relaxed Christmas shopping too then the “‘Take Six Pop Up Gallery’ in Deanscales, near Cockermouth, is for you.
If you haven’t met them before, Take Six are a group of local contemporary artists, who have shown their collective work the first weekend in December every year since 2011.
The gallery in Deanscales presents a wonderful chance to visit a beautiful workshop in a restored byre where Phil Bradley normally spends his days weaving willow into everything from baskets to dancing hares. Each year Phil graciously clears out his willow and the artists move in to create their unique gallery where visitors can browse through some lovely arts and crafts.
Each artist brings their unique talent to the gallery – Phil Bradley willow weaver, Jonathon Leech woodturner, Sarah Ames and Emma Wigginton textiles, Steph Leighton print and ceramics, Nikki Clark glass and this year’s guest artist is Gill Owen with her collection of ceramics.
Their work ranges from cards, decorations, notebooks, pictures, tea cosies, vases, bowls, baskets, cushions and more. Buying a gift for ‘that hard to buy for’ person just became a whole lot easier.
Each year the artists give 10% of their proceeds to West Cumbria Carers, a local organisation, who support ‘hidden’ carers, of all ages. According to Emma Wigginton: “It’s a nice way to give something back to the community, especially at Christmas time.”
They also like to mentor a new artist by offering space to a guest maker each year.
As Emma puts it: “Through showing our work together we support and inspire each other. We look forward to meeting our visitors even if they just browse or chat, everyone is most welcome!”
What started as a very small show has grown into a 3-day event as people come back year after year to buy unique handmade gifts for friends and family.
The ‘gallery’ is open Friday 29th, Saturday 30th November and Sunday 1st December from 11 am – 5 pm. Keep an eye out for the signs as you head into Deanscales, CA13 0SL.
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