Cathy's Art Diary

Small exhibition at High Cross House in Devon looking at the artistry and craft of basketry and organised by Basketry and Beyond, a not-for-profit organisation encouraging and furthering the craft and skills of basketry. There were examples of different basketry techniques and materials as well as a display of different types of objects. I was particularly taken by a pair of woven boots. On the day we went there were some of the basket weavers upstairs giving demonstrations and showing their work. There was also an area where you could try weaving a basket yourself. The smallest member of our party, aged 3, thought that was good fun, as did his parents!

Exhibition at High Cross House in Devon of work by Group 21 , one of the oldest groups of artists in the county. The group includes professional and semi-professional artists and there were some interesting works. My favourite was John Dodson’s “The Corner Shop” an striking almost cubist picture of factory chimneys. I also liked the abstract landscapes by Val Jones. Can I also put in a good word for the house? It is a National Trust property near Totnes and is a wonderful example of a Modernist house. I really liked the style of it and the few pieces of furniture which were on show. As not all of it is furnished the Trust are also using it as an exhibition space which works well.