Christmas Gift Fairs

Artists and designer-makers offered their unique alternatives to mass-produced Christmas gifts including millinery, ironwork, photography,paintings, baby clothes, wooden gifts, textiles and jewellery.

Dec 5th - 23rd 'Inspired' A Festive Exhibition

Lizzie Adcock and Jill Perry presented a festive celebration of art and textiles bringing history back to life.

Original works include paintings, limited prints, framed textiles, gorgeous gifts and interior delights.

Round Earth Imagined corners 11th-17th Dec

“Whether artists or viewers we all select images which inspire us and have personal meaning. ‘Round Earths Imagined Corners’ is our collection of responses to landscape, both in broad expanse and close up detail; seven different ways of seeing.”

This exhibition featured seven artists from around the Midlands:

Deborah Walker – Painter
Susan Steele – Printmaker
Robin Mason – Painter
Robert Perry – Painter
Paul Hipkiss – Printmaker
David Hunt – Painter
Michael Goodrum – Visionary glass


For further information please contact Deb: deb@walkerart.freeserve.co.uk or Susan: susan@steeleart.co.uk

Joanna Geldard Dec 4th - 10th

Joanna Geldard presented a selection of her work. A contemporary look at pointillism, textile based sculptural pieces and canvasses inspired by dance, movement and sensory awareness.

Art Fusion North 27th-2nd Dec

Established group of contemporary northern artists presented their Christmas Exhibition 2007 at View.

The diversity of the group is reflected in the dynamic use of a wide range of media from exquisite objects and sculptures in glass, beautifully patterned ceramic forms and vessels to highly original mixed media art work and limited edition prints.
This is a fantastic opportunity to purchase affordable top quality work by professional artists.

www.artfusionnorth.co.uk

Charlotte Thomson in the Small gallery 20-26th November

A range of original artwork and prints by local artist Charlotte Thomson. Charlottes work is mainly figurative with inspiration from the early half of the 20th century, silent movies, low brow comic book style imagery and burlesque.

The exhibition will feature illustrative drawings in graphite and ink and fine art paintings in acrylic and mixed media.

Charlotte exhibited her popular paintings, prints and quirky characters alongside Nancy in November.

Sirens in Stockings 20-26th November Nancy Farmer

Sullen fairies, belligerent demons and other curious monsters - dark, whimsical contemporary art, all with a satirical edge and a twist of humour – Nancy Farmer’s paintings could be mistaken for fantasy art – but this is not quite accurate, rather, she holds a murky and distorted mirror up to ordinary life.

Her characters resonate with modern-day decadences - the fairies are delinquent; the devils bored, half-heartedly persecuting the Dammed merely because it is their job to do so; the guardian angel is fat and indolent, her rose-tinted spectacles shielding any wrong-doing from her 'watchful' eyes. A sad lost gentleman is found in a bar full of curious demons, but refuses to leave and admit he’s in the wrong place, while the smartly dressed devil is equally on edge in a rather tacky wine bar full of ‘ordinary’ people. Here are monsters and demons, certainly, but here are also our colleagues, friends and relations, and it is often uncertain quite which are which.

Nancy is largely self-taught as a painter. Having completed a degree in jewellery design at Glasgow school of Art, and an MA in Metalwork conservation at the V&A Museum, she turned to painting in around 1999. In 2002 she moved to Somerset and took up her artwork as a full-time career. She has exhibited in a number of exhibitions in the south of England, amongst these two solo shows in Suffolk and several joint and group exhibitions in Somerset and London. The Exhibition at ‘View from the Top’ gallery, in Nottingham, was her first major exhibition in this part of the UK. Her work may also be seen on a frequently updated website at www.nancyfarmer.net.

Shared Experience 13th-18th November

In the main gallery alongside Keep and Share's travelling store, Shared Experience showcased a varied Exhibition which included Jaslo Jewellery Designers Sue Kimpton and Jo Bail and Portrait Artists Ruth Perry & Chelcie Smith.

Keep & Share 14th-18th November

From 14th-18th November, View from the Top's small gallery hosted the Keep&Share's travelling store!

Keep & Share is an alternative luxury label, offering unconventional - yet infinitely wearable - knitwear for both men and women. Each piece is designed to satisfy over time, and is lovingly knitted in rural Herefordshire by the designer, Amy Twigger Holroyd, and her small team of makers.

Although the label mainly trades via its website, www.keepandshare.co.uk, from time to time Keep & Share like to jump in their van and set up the Travelling Store, a 'pop-up shop' which appears for just days at a time at venues around the country. These events offer customers the rare chance to see the full Keep & Share range - including cardigans, shrugs, jumpers and scarves - plus sub-collections such as the Eco Edition line, created from naturally coloured, organic and local yarns.

The Travelling Store took residence at View from the Top for 5 days in November, as part of an autumn tour which also takes in London, Bath and Hereford.

Emergence MA photography De Monfort 6-12th November

View from the top played host to Demonfort University's MA Photography graduates in a group show, which showcased some great photographic ideas and was beautifully presented.




NIGEL TACEY

Charles Thomson 30th Oct-5th Nov

Charles Thomson, contemporary painter and script writer took over the small gallery, with vibrant colours and exciting compositions.

Look out for more work from Charles in the near future at View from the top!

Danse Macabre 30th Oct-5th Nov

Darkwave Art, The Paint Distresser and Charlotte Thomson Art & Illustration Present-
Danse Macabre

Like the archetypal White Rabbit, follow the artists as they take you on a labyrinthine journey through their weird and wonderful worlds. This exhibition featured 15 artists from around the UK whose work is concerned with the macabre and gothic.

Artists included - Natalie J Watts Photography, Vicky Mather,Steve Allen,Vicky Wilson,Christiane Pedros, Geoff Sims,Andy Cole, Andy Hixon, Matt Vickerstaff (DarkWave Art), Paul Bowring (The Paint Distresser) and View from the top's own Charlotte Thomson.

The Private View (RSVP to info@dansemacabre-art.co.uk took place devilishly close to halloween on October 30th with refreshments sponsered by the Pit & Pendulum and featured performances from the spectacular Vicky Butterfly and disturbing Rachel Parry.

The exhibition was intended to become a regular collaboration and was a huge success ensuring its' reoccurrence in the future! Where fear and dread meets longing and anticipation!

Game City 22nd-28th November

Game City, Nottingham's annual video game festival took residence at View from the Top as one of its' many venues this year. Things got messy with cutting and sticking the new Keita Takahashi video game characters! Then lego filled the space, with a brilliantly busy brick-a-thon!!! The gamesmaker workshop allowed 20 kids and adults alike to learn and create their own videogames, whilst parents were given a lesson on playing videogames in the session "who's afraid of video games?"

Frame of Mind 9/10/07-22/10/07

This October, Nottinghamshire Mental Health Trust returned for the third time to show their beautiful paintings, photographs, sculptures and prints.

The show was a brilliant success with the gallery being filled with creations filled with energy and honesty. It was a best selling show and we look forward to its' return in the future!

Image Alison Walker, Textile

Maureen Dybala Oct 2nd - 8th

Nottingham artist with work in the abstract or non-objective tradition - pure invention. Maureen says 'art at it's best is an act that restores a magical content to life and this magic is essential to our happiness.I believe that paintings are like music, capable of evoking the same diverse feelings, moods and meanings in each of us and my biggest inspiration has to be music and my aim is always to project this rhythm through my art.'

25 Sept - 2 October 2007 Friar Lane Gallery

Friar Lane Gallery is a small commercial venture on the Nottingham Castle side of Friar Lane. The work thus far has been jaw-droppingly stunning, and the window displays are eye catching and lush. The portfolio is full of work that is visually very striking, and yet remains contemporary and vital. Friar Lane Gallery is exhibiting 25th September until 2nd October at View From the Top, come along to see some beautiful, fresh contemporary pieces.

Green and Organic 12th-23rd September 07

September brought a lot of green love to VIEw from the top in joint collaboration with SUSU Organic. An eclectic exhibition, fashion show and market celebrated eco friendly business and design.

SUSU Organic and VIEw from the Top hosted the exciting 'Green and Organic' opening on 12th September 6-9pm. To mark the opening of this eclectic exhibition, a fashion show helped to promote some upcoming ethical designers. Special guest Penney Poyzer from BBC's "No Waste Like Home" gave us some extra green love, and wines naturally donated organic wine for tasting, ensuring the evening went with a swing.

The exhibition was received well, combining elements of advice about energy saving, the benefits of organic materials, the energy and beauty of recycling using amongst other things - lager bottles! The success of the exhibition could be seen in the disappearance of juicy cherry tomatoes on offer, and the vibrancy of the exhibits as commented by visitors.

View from the top to hosted the eclectic market, which offered advice, education, a chance to buy some lovely recycled jewellery and clothing and even the opportunity to have a massage!

View from the top looks forward to seeing green in future and would like to give a big green loving thank you to everyone involved, especially Mark and Munazzah, new members of the View from the top team!

8 Aug - 2 Sept 2007 Fresh Art & Design

New graduates, early career artists and designer-maker businesses were invited to take part in this unique event aimed at exposing new talent to customers on the High St. 120 pieces were exhibited and over three weeks, visitors to the gallery were invited to bid for their favourites. Several went at the 'buy it now' price on the opening night with Lincoln graduate, Steve Ingram, making a particular impression (watch this space - you'll be seeing more of him at VIEw) Other new names included Gemma Fielding, Ruth Perry, Lorna Hooper and photographer Gill Choo.

'Fresh' was organised by our gallery co-ordinator, a young artist and illustrator, Charlotte Thomson, with the help of a small team of aspiring artistic practitioners from Nottingham Trent University, South Nottinghamshire College and Loughborough University School of Art and Design. Thanks guys! It was a resounding success definitely to be repeated!

If you are an artist interested in exhibiting at our next open show email charlotte@viewfromthetop.co.uk

July 25 - Aug 6th 2007 'Inspired'

Inspired from Medieval manuscripts to Elizabethan textiles this celebration of art and textiles combines original works, including paintings, limited prints, framed textiles, costume, gorgeous gifts to interior delights! Textile designer Lizzie Adcock creates luxurious interior and giftware inspired by Elizabethan textiles. From exquisite stamped silk designs to blackwork prints of Elizabethan Lace, strawberries, peapods, enchanted gardens to menacing sea monsters, all handmade just for you! http://www.arumliliedesigns.co.uk/ Artist Jill Perry combines her love of medieval manuscripts with traditional folklore, tales and rhymes. The creative energy in Jill’s colourwork and design draws you into her magical anagorical tales. http://www.jillperry.com/

July 25 - Aug 6th 2007 Marie Helene Collection

Marie Helene Collection - Original, contemporary, digital photographic art presented by Sandy Camel Media Productions. The exhibition displays a selection of the images from the 'Marie Helene collection'. Images which reflect upon the reality of life when contrasted and compared with the emotions of life, including hopes, expectations, love, trust, and belief.
http://www.sandycamelmediaproductions.co.uk/

10th - 23rd July Something Wickedly Weird

Original drawings from award-winning illustrator Chris Mould as he makes his gripping authorial debut with the darkly humorous series, Something Wickedly Weird. Chris Mould's wicked humour and outstanding characterisation perfectly complement his integrated illustrations throughout. Chris Mould is a rising star in children's illustration, following the huge success of Vesuvius Poovius and Dust 'n' Bones. His debut into writing is set to be equally successful. There are six books in the Something Wickedly Weird series, including The Icy Hand and The Silver Casket. See see http://www.somethingwickedlyweird.com/

5-8 July 2007 Anita Klein presented by the Fine Art Partnership

Just when the contemporary art world seems full of artists attempting to shock and denigrate, Anita Klein's intimate, life affirming work comes as a welcome breath of fresh air. Her personal celebrations of everyday living rendered with humour, sensitivity and beauty reveal a joyful delight in the 'dailiness of life'.To view a selection of the artworks by Anita Klein and other major 20th and 21st century artists visit: http://www.thefineartpartnership.co.uk/

19 - 25 June 2007 'Femme Fatale'

Presented by Charlotte Thomson Art and Illustration, an exhibition of glamourous divas in paint, pencil and ink. Exhibited in the small gallery - see her work at:

http://www.charlottethomson.co.uk/

Read an interview with Charlotte at the Exhibition at Left Lion Courtest of Mark Mackay.

19 - 25 June 2007 'Intention of Causing'

Eclectic group show featuring Catherine Walls – paintings resuscitating a sense of naïve fantasy and romantic wonder into our world; Jodie Sadler – black and white portraiture photography from simply constructed pinhole cameras; Joanne Warren – exploring public place; Abi Knipe –steeped in nostalgia, materialism and ownership; Cat Forward – beautifully ugly images of everyday banality; Aimee Betts – cut, colour, score, stick, dye, cut; Jane Bowler – explored new potentials in ready made objects.

5 - 18 June 2007 'Lux' 6 Nottingham Trent University Photography graduates

Work from new graduates, Emma Richardson - website: http://www.emmarichardsonphotography.co.uk/ ,Chris Hoare - website: http://www.chrishoare.co.uk/ , Alex Bender, David Baird - website: http://www.david-baird.co.uk/, Victoria Leadbeater, Maria Bertran-Beaskoa

29 May - 4 June 2007 Raw Photographic Collection

Featuring the work of a group of digital photographers who met while attending courses at South Nottingham College and showcasing a diverse range of subject matter including wildlife, fine art, still life and portrait, traditional and modern. Visitors saw what can be achieved with a digital camera, a printer and some imagination. Exhibition sponsored by NOMAD Racing and South Nottingham College

1-14 May 2007 City Arts 'New Beginnings'

Recent work from 14 current and past resident artists from the New City Studio, a dedicated artists studio with space for up to 9 visual artists. It has been open for 15 months and was supported by a grant from New Deal for the Communities. Artists are assisted to develop themselves personally and professionally with business start up advice, training in working with community groups and a range of other opportunities. The Nottinghamshire artists have come from a variety of backgrounds and experience. The main art forms are painting, photography, print and new media.

20 -29 April 'The Fabric of Design' - Concepts for Lace Market Square, Nottingham

Fiona Heron reveals the inspiration behind the square through sketches, photography and 3 dimensional pieces. Themes drew on the history of the area and the industry of lace making as well as nature from which many lace patterns are drawn.
Key to the design was the enfolding of all elements into a single, integrated work of art. One where nature’s patterning and repetition entwines with the lace - making motifs of weave and weft, pins and pricked paper patterns. The resulting design interweaves the rich influence of historical lace buildings with the innovative forms of modern architecture

28 March - 15 April 2007 'The Art of Wedding Photography'

VIEw from the top offered local wedding photographers the opportunity to exhibit in the gallery and selected the best – highlighting a variety of approaches and, frankly, some absolutely stunning work, which we’d defy anybody not to define as art.

20 - 26 March 2007 Ooh La La! Burlesque Inspired Art

Charlotte Thomson & Natalie J Watts presented an exhibition of Burlesque inspired photography, artwork, illustration and beautiful handmade clothing and gifts.
" Ooh La La! Burlesque Inspired Art" brought together over 40 artists and makers from around the UK, Europe and the USA to celebrate the revival of Burlesque.

Read a review at Left Lion
http://www.oohlala-art.co.uk/

6 - 19 March 'Celebrating Creativity' presented by The Prince's Trust

The Prince’s Trust Creative Industries Project showcased the work of 20 creative businesses including fashion, jewellery, photography and design. The project had been running since 2002 and had helped over 200 businesses to start up and provided them with comprehensive business support. It has been generously supported by the Arts Council England, East Midlands and East Midlands Development Agency.

6 - 12 February 2007 German Beuamont in aid of Venezuelan Children in Need

The first ever Nottingham Art Auction in aid of Veniños. See their website for further information

http://www.veninos.org/events.html

30 Jan - 5 Feb 2007 Persona Creative

Exhibition of work from Persona Creative - a multi-skilled marketing agency, working with public sector and private commercial clients across the UK - http://www.personacreative.com/

Preview party opened by the mayor and highlighted in City Life magazine.

23 - 29 January 2007 'Feast'

‘Feast’ marked the culmination of a 12-month programme of artistic activities involving service users from Double Impact, a drug and alcohol service based in Nottingham City.
Building upon an existing relationship with the Lady Bay Open Studios Artist Group, this artist- and service user- led programme explored innovative ways of working. Centering around different themes over two distinct 6 month periods, the programme consisted of a series of regular in-house workshops, and visits to galleries, exhibitions, the theatre and places of interest both locally and further afield. The activity was funded by the Arts Council East Midlands and the Nottingham Crime and Drug Partnership.

9-21 January 2007 Independent Artists Group

Exhibition of artwork from international artists selling on ebay. The work was varied in style and theme representing the eclectic and inclusive nature of the groups work. Included abstract, illustrative, pop art, figurative, decorative and much more to cater for many tastes - prices from £50 - £1000. See http://www.independentartistsgroup.org.uk/

21 -23 December 2006 Christmas Art Sale from Fine Art Partnership

A stunning exhibition and sale of original etchings, lithographs and screenprints by some of the world’s greatest artists including Hockney, Picasso and Miró, set alongside famous contemporary British artists such as Tracey Emin, Damian Hirst and Howard Hodgkin.

From regular exhibitors, Rebecca and Vincent Eames www.fineartpartnership.co.uk

6-10 December 2006 Christmas Shopping Party

Gorgeous, unique gifts from designer-makers.

21 - 27 November 2006 Olivier Jamin

Olivier Jamin is a freelance Deaf Artist. His debut solo exhibition show was held at VIEW from the top in Nottingham. He selected his work showing abstract multi-coloured pictures based on his life experience, travels and moods. A unique dimension is introduced as hands forms pictures translating from sign language to art images.

21 - 26 November 2006 'Art-Routes'

Five Artists One Theme - Five linked interpretations of the words Routes and Roots
Five journeys of explorations of the common theme with each artist retaining her own individual style and visual interpretations. The exhibition was brought together by the artists: Tina Combellack, Judith Orchard, Freda Rhodes, Dot Wheeler and Sue Woodford sharing their current research, ideas and thoughts.