Art In The Park - Sunday, 13th August 2023

For a second year running Harry organised an extraordinary art extravaganza at Stevens Park & Memorial Gardens, Quarry Bank working with Emma Jackson for Dudley Community Development.

An extended line-up of arts and crafts artists, and musicians put on FREE workshops to entertain visitors to the park, including; wellbeing art walks, bear making, felting applications, children's art activities, willow weaving, clay modelling, balloon moulding, art sales, sketchbook action and puppetry. Demonstrations and performances included; TAY's art club, Dudley Society of Artists and photography, with live music from Lily Chavez, Abierto Domingo and Nell Chadwick. In addition, an all day portrait session place on the main band stand to which the public had FREE access.

Stevens Park & Memorial Gardens was given Lottery Funding a couple of years ago to develop community access to the park and its community services. Emma Jackson was brought in by Dudley Council to help the public gain access to the park's facilities.

Harry said, "By far this event involved the most arts and crafts activities that The Art Yard team has ever put together on a single day, with some 27 artists and performers of all ages taking part. It was great to see everyone enjoying the day.

We were slightly apprehensive early morning before 10am when there was a heavy downpour of rain that threatened to ruin the show but that soon cleared away and people came out into the park to join in the activities. It was great to see so many people enjoying taking part who ordinarily do not have access to arts activities.

Bringing live music performances into the park to play against the backdrop of the horticultural centre was a real bonus and an extra treat for those seated around the café area'.

Emma and myself are so grateful to all who helped the event take place."