Belper Arts Festival: Jayne Nemeth Interview

In what has become something of a tradition, Belper Arts Festival will close with Belper Open Houses over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Jayne Nemeth has taken over the role of venue co-ordinator and I caught up with her on the Farmer’s Market.
“Belper Open Houses was originated back in 2010 by Viv Wilson and former Brighton based Artist Sheila Guyatt. Sheila had taken part in Open Studio events when living in Brighton, and once she had moved to Derbyshire she noticed a niche to gather all Belper’s many Artists and Makers together to show their creativity,” Jayne said.

“That was seven years ago. The event is traditionally held at the end of May. The ethos being that those taking part open their own studios and homes to the public to show their work, with the only venue inclusion being Number 28 in the Market Place, kindly let by Pippa Mansell to accommodate those few unable to open or from further afield, and to provide a base for refreshments.”

This year the event is being held over the 27/28/29th of May and there’s artists and makers (familiar and new) with a variety of disciplines, throwing open their doors to visitors.  You’ll find collage, crafts, jewellery, glass, painting, photography, textiles, leather work, pottery and clothing design. With 30 artists in 11 venues, Belper Open Houses offers a compact yet extensive event.

“Entry is free of charge and no obligation to buy, so come along and chat to Belper’s locally based creatives, and in some places have a go. I’ll be running a series of Drypoint workshops,” Jayne said. “But be warned, creativity is catching!”

Brochures are available locally and beyond and you can go to www.belperopenhouses.com to see who is taking part and for more information. It’s a chance to plan your visit in advance and to spot which artists are offering refreshments.

Some venues may have restricted access for the disabled and its advisable to check in advance, either via the brochure or the web site.

At this point Jayne went on her way, distributing brochure as she went. Then she hurried back with one final comment. “Look out for the black and white bunting and balloons!”

Belper Open Houses 27 / 28 / 29 May

Free Admission to venues but please check a brochure or belperopenhouses.com to confirm individual opening terms.