Glossop artist to exhibit work in Hadfield as part of Derbyshire Open Arts

As part of Derbyshire Open Arts, local artist Greg Williamson is exhibiting at The Craft Barn in Hadfield. Well known for his colourful depictions of local wildlife and animals, Greg goes by the name Sharkman Art. 

Forming part of the open studio event around Glossop, Sharkman Art will be exhibiting 52 paintings, which will also be available to buy at The Craft Barn in Hadfield from May 25 to 27. The exhibition will feature some of the artist's bigger statement pieces, as well as some of his "unique" work on heated metal.

Sharkman Art's exhibition will be called "Jollity", reflecting the fun and playful nature of the display.

The artist said: "As a child I was taught art by Dave Moss, aka Dr Jelly. He played in a band called the Dr Jelly Band and they covered a song called Jollity Farm by the Bonzo Dog Doo Dah band. There’s a town called Misery, but of that we’ll have none.”  

He commented on his inspiration and technique, stating that his artistic style can be “likened to confetti – a vibrant, chaotic and exuberant spectacle.” His work uses a combination of watercolour, ink, rust and spray as the primary mediums, with texture infused into the pieces by incorporating floral and plant prints as well as stencils.

Sharkman Art’s work aims to honour and explore the rich variety of wildlife found in Derbyshire while also bringing joy to the viewer.  

Glossop and Manchester are surrounded by breathtaking countryside and magnificent wildlife. Alongside this, Manchester has a thriving and dynamic art scene, featuring exceptional street art. Sharkman Art embarked on creating "rural urban art" that blends the two themes together.

“I recently painted a 20m x 3m mural at Crossgate Farm Campsite in Tintwistle and it’s well worth a visit," he noted.

The Craft Barn has been providing space for Sharkman Art to display his pieces and share them with others for a number of years. Unfortunately, The Craft Barn will be closing for the last time after this latest exhibition. Sharkman Art said: “It will be a great loss to the town and future young artists of the town.”  

The 18^th annual Derbyshire Open Arts event will showcase 200 artists at 61 venues across Derbyshire. It will take place over the Whit Bank holiday weekend, May 25 to 27, 2024. In the Glossop area, there are 16 artists at three venues: Victoria Hall and KIN.DER in Glossop, and The Craft Barn in Hadfield. At these venues, you will see many original artworks, including paintings and drawings, sculpture, glass making, printing, textile, and ceramics. Derbyshire Open Arts is an ‘open studio’ style event, and all venues are free to visit.  

For full details of Derbyshire Open Arts, visit www.derbyshireopenarts.co.uk where you can download a brochure, view the map and create your own personalised trail. There are suggested routes and details about all the artists taking part. You can pick up a physical brochure in libraries, cafes and schools, and find out more on social media.