Café puts "Meadows" on the menu

Press release - 4 June 2007

Café puts "Meadows" on the menu

An award-winning visitor centre and a professional group of Shropshire artists are once again working in close, creative partnership to offer the public the chance to see another top class exhibition of work.

The relationship which has developed between The Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre and the Secret Hills Arts Café since 2004 has worked to the advantage of not only the centre and the artists, but also the general public who have been able to visit and enjoy a wide range of exhibitions in the last three years.

The latest of these, focusing on “Meadows” is scheduled to run from Saturday, June 16th, through to July 16th. The exhibition will be complemented by a programme of creative workshops including “Art for the Terrified”, “Drawing for all Abilities” and “Felt Making”.

The creation of the innovative Secret Hills Art Café has helped to form a natural link between landscapes surrounding the Centre, and the artists themselves.

The loose-knit grouping of artists have made the Centre the 'spiritual home' for their activities, and all share the common aims of: promoting artists operating in the south Shropshire area; promoting the Arts in the widest sense and to the highest standard within the area; facilitating networking amongst its members and with other arts groups within the area; and to promoting collaborative events in the area, and possibly further afield.

“We enjoy working with the Art Café, and view our relationship with them as another example of the role of this Centre,” says Centre Manager, Joanna Bickerton.

“It’s another ‘perfect fit’. We can provide them with a base to meet, as well as a highly accessible Gallery in which they can exhibit their work. And they give us a tangible link with people who are inspired by the Shropshire Hills and their surroundings, and who want to share that experience with a wider audience.”

Like many of the other exhibitions staged at the Centre, “Meadows” will be a selling exhibition, offering visitors the chance to obtain a piece of original art.

The exhibition can be accessed entirely free of charge during normal opening hours: from 10am to 5.30pm. Contact the Centre for a complete list of workshop dates and charges.

The award-winning Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre has proved to be one of Britain's most successful "Millennium Attractions". It is operated by Shropshire County; and much of it - including the café, gallery, shop and meadows - is accessed entirely free-of-charge. For more details, telephone 01588-676000, or visit www.shropshirehillsdiscoverycentre.co.uk.

ENDS

For more information, photo-opportunities and images, please contact:
Jo Bickerton, Visitor Facilities Manager, Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, Shropshire County Council on tel: 01588 676000 , Zoe Griffin, Administrator, Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, Shropshire County Council on tel: 01588 676000

For media contact call Charlie Crowl, Communications Officer, Community Services, Shropshire County Council on tel: 01743 253885

Notes to editors

Press invitation:
Preview - Friday 15 June, 6pm – 8.30pm.
Exhibition to be opened by Philip Dunne MP at 7pm followed by a short talk on Wildflower Meadows by Fiona Gomersall.