Studio space opens to explore your creative talents

Anew creative art space in Earley was officially opened recently.

Art-K is new to the local community based at Maiden Lane, offering a welcoming space for people of all ages to explore their creative talents.

The opening event was centred around art and connection, with a mini art exhibition displaying the diverse works of the budding students, showcasing talent from the different generations in our community.

There were live demonstrations with visitors encouraged to participate in a project exploring simple materials and colours. And Wokingham Borough Mayor Cllr Beth Rowland was invited to officially cut the ribbon, signifying a new chapter in the business’s creative journey.

Art-K is a nationwide business started in 2000 which now boasts 38 studios as well as 12 franchises. Started by Emily Harper, it is named in tribute to her mother Kathryn, with the logo created from an amalgamation of designs from their students.

A creative space for both adults and children, they support GCSE and A’level students with their studies as well as running after school and holiday sessions.

Manager Hannah Blackman-Kurz said their aim was to boost drawing skills through a series of projects, fo- cus on proportion, scale and space and develop motor skills.

They use a variety of mediums including acrylic, watercolours and clay to develop their 3D skills.

With a ratio of support staff at 1:7 as well as art students assisting them, there will always be plenty of creative support to draw on.

Hannah studied illustration at university before becoming a book illustrator and doing her Masters.

She said: “We are really looking for-

Charity art exhibition helps to feed communities

The Rotary Club of Reading Maiden Erlegh presented its 13th annual Reading Charity Art & Craft Fair recently.

To date, more than £60,000 has been raised in support of local charities. This time the 2023 beneficiary of the event will be Feeding Communities, part of the Thomas Franks Foundation.

Feeding Communities provides healthy meals to support families struggling from food poverty or food insecurity within our local community.

The fair, at Leighton Park School, had on display paintings, ceramics and crafts including jewellery and wood crafts by local people. There were refreshments available including sandwiches and cakes at the Art Café.

And the entire weekend kicked off with a charity preview drinks and canapes evening. A panel of judges reviewed the art and ceramic entries prior to the preview evening with the top entries and commendations in each category announced during the preview evening.

Artists with their work on display included Lisa O’Brien’s Molten Silver jewellery collection. Based in Earley,

Lisa designs jewellery using recycled and ethically sourced materials. Karen Spencer had her original artwork on display while Lauren Read exhibited her beautiful pottery.

Hundreds of visitors dropped by over the course of the weekend to see the dozens of other artists’ work on display which could be purchased.

The Thomas Franks Foundation was created in 2019 to support disadvantaged children and young people.

In response to seeing how communities were affected during the pandemic we knew we had to do more.

In response to the pandemic, the constitution of the Foundation changed to support and launch the current projects you see today – including Feeding Communities.

This provides essential food provisions and fresh healthy meals to support food banks or families struggling from food poverty or food insecurity. An unimaginable amount of people across countless communities are having to suffer and are making untold sacrifices just to feed themselves and their families.

To find out more, visit www.thethomasfranksfoundation.org ward to our classes and meeting students with a range of needs. There will be a lot of inspiration for individuals of all ages to explore their artistic potential.”

And Emily added: “We are very excited to have this new studio in Lower Earley. We like to be near a residential area and this location was perfect as there is a range of shops and services. It is a small, friendly community and with plenty of parking, it is the perfect spot.”

And she added: “Our goal is to en- sure that every child or adult passionate about art has the opportunity to be a part of an art-K club in their local area. We’re looking to build a community of individuals who share a common passion and enthusiasm for creating art.

“Our classes focus on building on the basic fundamental principles of art and using these skills as a foundation to build on to develop our student’s confidence in experimenting with all different artistic styles and mediums. That’s why our classes are tailored to each individual and open to everyone.”

For more information, visit www. art-k.co.uk

Giving the gift of friendship this Christmas

The Link Visiting Scheme is an award-winning charity dedicated to reducing loneliness in Wokingham Borough. For more than 25 years, they have brought vital, life-enhancing social connections to older people through regular visits and local community activities. With the support of over 420 wonderful volunteers, they currently help around 570 people feel valued and connected.

For many, Christmas Day is a day for family, for getting together and celebrating with loved ones. Sadly, however, for some people, it is a difficult day where isolation, loss and grief are even more keenly felt.

For the 12th year running, The Link Visiting Scheme is planning to change that story for older people who are alone.

CEO Marjie Walker said: “If you think you would benefit from some company on the 25th, we’d love to hear from you. Our Christmas Day lunch is a shining example of what we do all year - providing good company and warmth and making a world of difference.

“On Christmas Day we also provide delicious food, treats, and gifts too! It’s not to be missed. We want to help those who are housebound or those who would like to be with others in a local venue. This Christmas, join us in making a difference. To refer someone for our lunch, to volunteer or to donate, visit our website. We look forward to hearing from you.”

For more information, visit www. linkvisiting.org/christmas or call the office on 0118 9798019.