New Mills art project awarded £20k funding

New community arts group, Low Leighton Methodist church, Cassie Carrick and Rachel Monteath

Creating Spaces, which launches on Sunday with a ‘crafternoon’ tea and fun day, was awarded the grant from HealthCalm, the community health lottery for Derbyshire.

The scheme, run by New Mills Women’s Group, aims to celebrate achievements through permanent artwork displays and exhibitions within the community.

The workshops, which will take place on Sundays at 2.30pm at Low Leighton Community Methodist Church, on High Hill Road, will provide a variety of art skills to try including felt making, textile work, collage, drawing and clay work.

Artist Claire Parker said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for residents to really make their mark.

“Art is a powerful medium to express what words cannot say.

“Art can be enjoyed by all ages individually and collectively. You don’t need to be good at art to join in, it’s about having fun and trying out new things.

“Bring a neighbour, a granddad or just come on your own. Our Creating Spaces Sunday afternoons aim to provide an enjoyable creative space in the week.

“You never know Ollersett might have the next Van Gogh or budding Picasso waiting to be discovered.”