National Lottery 25: Meet the Art Makers in North Yorkshire
We believe that creativity makes life better for everyone. Within the leafy tranquillity of Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, sits a place that epitomises how art and creativity can make people feel better and improve their lives. Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre opened in 1998, thanks to National Lottery funding. It has been improving the lives of hundreds of people since. It’s the National Lottery’s 25th Birthday and it’s time to celebrate the countless projects and organisations that it’s funded. Find out more about how the wonderful work achieved at Henshaws is a striking example of the difference that the National Lottery can make.
During a visit to Henshaws, you’ll have the pleasure of seeing some of the great work created there and meeting the people behind the artworks. One example is Kez and her handprint piece, in which she skilfully shaped beads around her friends’ hands and arranged them all onto this canvas.
You just might be introduced to Kez herself – if she’s in, which is likely because she’s one of the centre’s most active Art Makers. She’ll very likely ask to take your hand, the best form of communication for Kez who is blind. ‘Ooh, warm!’ she might chortle. And then, purely based on this interaction, you might end up in a conversation with her about your favourite film, popstar or even be asked to make a funny noise.
Polite and considerate, it was clear how she made the piece above and it was great to learn about how she interacts with the world and then incorporates this into her art. Kez and her work is just one example of this magnificent place and community.
The centre started off with 50 individuals, who are called the Art Makers and 21 years later the centre now supports over 175 talented individuals who attend every day of the week to make outstanding pieces of work.
There are a whole host of different workshops that they can get involved in, ranging from stylish ceramics to funky prints. Each workshop is led by an artist, most of whom work at the centre part-time, each applying their expertise to the sessions with care and consideration for the Art Makers.
Every workshop is bursting with creativity; not a single corner of the room feels bare. The Art Makers have all the tools they need in these workshops and it’s great to see them so focussed and happy in making their art and expressing their creativity.
Whenever an Art Maker joins the Henshaws, they are asked to be independent. And it really shows. Not only does the centre allow them to nurture their craft, but it also allows them to use the space and its resources for their own needs, on their terms, in a way that is liberating to observe, especially for individuals who may face barriers to every day life. Art Makers can leave and re-enter a workshop space as they wish. They make their way through the space as if it’s their home – because in many ways, it is.
If a workshop happens to be too overwhelming or they simply need some space, there is the beautiful garden to retreat to. There’s no noise of conversations or traffic, just the blissful silence of the woods whilst the groundskeeper peacefully tends to its needs.
The centre itself has been constructed to be as welcoming and accommodating for the Art Makers as possible. The overall layout is encompassed with a sense of openness and the sensory in mind. There are features installed that are likely to spark a sensory reaction, such as the handrail or the mosaic throne guarded by a bumpy gate carved from faux bark. Visually stunning for the sighted but intriguing to feel and use as a guide for the blind.
There is a fantastic sense of community amongst the Art Makers and the people who work here and an atmosphere of warmth and familiarity. Henshaws also offers residential care for local people with sight loss and other disabilities, providing them accommodation which, similar to the main centre itself, is designed specifically to meet their needs. Whilst this is a valued initiative to ensure these Art Makers have homes, it further re-establishes the fact they have a family here.
Not only is the centre open and accessible to the Art Makers in its design, the general public are also welcome to visit any time they wish. Each of the workshops has a window display for the work that’s been made. The work is also available to buy, with a proportion of the proceeds going back into the building to raise further money to help continue the exceptional level of support for the Art Makers. With Christmas around the corner, there is currently plenty to choose from when it comes to your decorations.
As well as selling, the Art Makers have the opportunity to exhibit their work – including in well-known establishments such as the Mercer Gallery in Harrogate, the local church or even in places a little more unexpected such as the local Barclays branch. The centre is looking to exhibit more of the Art Makers’ work, not only because it is rewarding for them, but also because it raises awareness about people living with sight loss and disabilities.
A visit to the Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre is one well worth considering if you’re already in the area or taking a day trip to North Yorkshire. It’s a truly remarkable place that continues to improve the lives of those who take advantage of the opportunities it offers.
If you wish to know more about Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre, you can visit their website at https://www.henshaws.org.uk/ and read a series of case studies which demonstrate the impact the centre has had on the Art Makers based there.
