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Greetings, art enthusiasts and dog lovers alike! I am thrilled to share the tail-wagging success of my recent Solo Dog Exhibition, which kicked off on a delightful Sunday 19th November 2023. The overwhelming support from everyone, especially our four-legged attendees, made it an unforgettable experience.
The doors swung open at 11 am, welcoming over 150 clients and their precious pooches to revel in the celebration of canine artistry. It was heartwarming to witness art enthusiasts and their furry companions immerse themselves in the world of my latest series of dog paintings.
A heartfelt thank you to each person who not only graced the event with their presence but also made it extra special by purchasing a painting. Your support means the world to me, and it fuels my passion for capturing the essence of our canine companions on canvas.
The exhibition featured an impressive display of 26 paintings and charcoal drawings, showcasing the diverse range of styles and breeds. For those seeking a more personal touch, the opportunity to commission a bespoke dog portrait was met with enthusiasm.
Our gallery assistants, Grace, Jane, and Luke, ensured that every guest, human and canine alike, felt right at home. Families immersed themselves in our doggy art workshop, creating lasting memories and perhaps discovering hidden artistic talents.
A special shout-out to top chef Andy Rea from Mourne Seafood Bar and La Taqueria, Belfast, for tantalizing taste buds with delightful treats. The aroma of mulled wine filled the air, marking the beginning of the festive season, as guests and their furry friends indulged in hot dogs and homemade shortbread.
The dog stall, featuring products and treats from Belmont Road based Murphy and Bailey, became an instant hit. Dogs couldn't resist sticking their noses into the soft toy box, creating moments of pure joy and playful chaos.
The exhibition will continue to spread joy until after Christmas, with plans to rehang part of the gallery to showcase smaller original paintings, prints, and festive products. Keep an eye out for exciting offers, as I'm thrilled to present a special Christmas Gift evening!
For those who missed the launch, fret not! December's Ulster Tatler magazine will feature captivating photos capturing the essence of our event. Scroll down for a sneak peek!
To those planning a visit, be sure to check our extended festive opening hours. And guess what? It's not too late to commission a painting! We've also introduced beautiful new Gift Vouchers and presentation boxes, perfect for those seeking a unique Christmas surprise.
Thank you, each one of you, for making this exhibition a bark-tastic success. Your love for art and dogs has created a paw-sitively unforgettable experience. See you at the gallery, where the celebration continues!
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#DogArtExhibition #CanineCreativity #ArtAndPaws #UnleashingJoy #GalleryCelebration
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]]>BELFAST, UK - Nestled in the vibrant heart of Belfast, renowned artist Dawn Crothers is poised to unveil a breathtaking collection that pays homage to the enduring bond between humans and their four-legged companions. The forthcoming Solo Dog Exhibition is a vibrant testament to her unique artistic talent and unwavering passion for animals.
Dawn Crothers, an artist celebrated for over 15 years originally from North Belfast, has become the sought-after creator of timeless pet portraits and is famous for her paintings of snails. With countless commissions celebrating beloved pets, she now promises to capture the essence of Northern Ireland's diverse canine population, reflecting the rich tapestry of breeds that grace this region.
What sets Dawn apart in contemporary art is her distinctive and original style, born from a profound love for animals and the natural world. Her work captures the deep emotions and the beauty that defines the animal kingdom. Through her unique artistic lens, Dawn transforms her subjects, especially dogs, into vibrant and captivating representations, revealing the very essence of their character.
On Sunday 19th November 2023, Dawn will open the doors of her gallery and studios in Belmont, East Belfast, to the public. The much-anticipated exhibition will showcase her latest creations - a mesmerizing array of dog paintings in oil and charcoal, a testament to her enduring fascination with dogs and their unique place in our lives.
Dawn shared her excitement about the upcoming exhibition, saying, "I can't wait to launch my next exciting series of work, and I also want people to bring their beloved doggies to the show too!" This invitation for canine companionsâ underscores Dawn's commitment to fostering a sense of community around her art.
The exhibition promises to be a remarkable celebration of the bond between humans and their loyal companions. Dawn's unique, contemporary style beautifully expresses this connection and is a testament to her passion for animals and her dedication to her art.
As the doors of her gallery open on 19th November, art enthusiasts and dog lovers alike are in for a visual feast that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression. Dawn's work serves as a poignant reminder of the remarkable connection between humans and their canine friends.
In a heartwarming collaboration, Dawn Crothers has partnered with The Barn Animal Rescue Charity organization to bring something extra special to her exhibition. During the event, visitors will have the joyous opportunity to meet and interact with adorable rescue dogs looking for their forever homes.
 Dawn's Solo Dog Exhibition promises to be a day of art, compassion, and wagging tails.
Come and join us for this extraordinary celebration of our four-legged friends.
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Event Details:
Solo Dog Exhibition by Dawn Crothers
Date: Sunday 19th November 2023
Time: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location: Dawn Crothers Gallery & Studio/ Whalley Fine Art
Address: Lismachan Courtyard, 378a Belmont Road, Belfast, BT4 2NF
Admission: Free
Event Highlights: Mulled Wine, Hot Dogs, Festive Treats, Dog-Themed Kids Art Station, and Murphy and Bailey Artisan Pet Store
Dawn Crothers Artist will be launching new original oil paintings, Limited Edition Prints, and products, inviting you to a special preview/launch day at her studio and gallery. This collection is a visual delight, capturing the essence of our beloved dogs in her unique style.
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Everyone welcome, including your furry family members.
We can't wait to see you and your dogs at the exhibition!
For more information about The Barn Animal Rescue charity, please visit www.thebarnanimalrescue.co.uk
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Media Contact:
Stephen Whalley
Email: media@dawncrothers.com
Join us for an unforgettable day of art, compassion, and canine camaraderie at Dawn Crothers' Solo Dog Exhibition.
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]]>Dawn Crothers shared her excitement about the upcoming exhibition, saying, "I can't wait to launch my next exciting series of work, and I also want people to bring their beloved doggy's to the show too!!" This invitation for canine companions is a testament to Dawn's commitment to fostering a sense of community around her art. She added, "I recently sent out a social media post for some inspiration for the show and was inundated with amazing photos and stories about everyone's dogs! I've loved looking at everyone's photos and reading some special stories too, about all the different breeds; it's been fascinating and a real inspiration for the show."
 My elephant sculpture will be instantly recognisable as its very much my style but must not give too much away we want the element of surprise. What I love about this project is how they incorporated the community, working with local artists, by business sponsoring, schools designing and producing their own mini elephants and the reason behind it all, to raise vital funds for Northern Ireland Childrenâs Hospice.
 This free, family friendly art trail will be on display for everyone throughout the summer. Then the herd will travel to Ballymena, Derry London Derry, Newry and Enniskillen before back to Belfast. All the details are available at www.elmerbelfast.com.
 I will keep everyone in the loop as we might me putting together some art workshops at Elmer HQ. I am so looking forward to seeing all the school Elmerâs aswell. I have seen many local schools taking part, Standtown Primary School, Dundela Primary School and Inchmarlo Prep School. I am sure their might be more by now, if you know anymore please let me know. If any of my young artists are involved especially let me know!!
Chat soonÂ
Dawn xđx
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]]>After seeing a drawing of an Enzo with cherryblossom flower's I had to merge these ideas together.Â
Cherry blossoms are a symbolic flower of the spring, a time of renewal and the fleeting nature of life.
Throughout Japan, the Cherry, or 'Sakura' tree is representative of good fortune, new beginnings and revival. ... It's because of this that the Cherry Tree not only represents beauty and innocent pleasures, it also teaches us to appreciate the brief time we share together with our loved ones.Â
EnsĹ is a Japanese word meaning âcircleâ.
The EnsĹ Circle of zen symbolises enlightenment.Â
They say people who draw the ensĹ circle have a desire to express a complete and fulfilled personal state, where everything and nothing exists simultaneously in the present moment.
This painting is available as a limited edition print, all the details are on my website.Â
Thank you,Â
Dawn xxxÂ
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#Japenaseart#cherryblossomtree#zen#pink#newbeginings#goodfortune#enso#snail#spring
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]]>Sunday 12th September 2021
]]>(Jake Whalley having a little dance on his make shift canvas!)
 I think the appeal falls into three categories: scale, personal attention and filling in the blanks. The scale is BIG, and thatâs fun for little kids. This body tracing therapy activity provides positive reinforcement and gives us parents a chance to encourage them to see themselves in an awesome way.
To get started you will need paper, I used an old roll of wallpaper I already had at home but anything similar would do. Once you have a roll of paper just tape it to the floor and trace around their body. Its now up to them to create their self-portrait. We used felt tips and watercolour paint, but any art materials would do. When we were finished I hung them proudly on their bedroom doors.
Jake with his wonderful creation!
Ethan Whalley getting creative!
A great place to display your finished portrait creations
Ethan eyeing up his artwork
Why not give this little project a go and feel free to send me some of your finished creations! Feel free to photograph and upload your amazing artwork to your social media stories and tag me in them so I can see them...I'm so excited to see how you all get on!!
]]>Â If you have a little artist at home doing some art activities together would be the perfect bonding experience. From my knowledge of teaching art to children, I know that children love drawing and painting big. Having something large to work on really helps to stay away from feelings like perfection. You might find them saying things like âThat doesnât look rightâ which can lead to frustration. Always reassure with positive comments like, âyour art is uniqueâ, âthere is no right or wrong wayâ or âyour drawing is fantastic!â
 I used a large delivery box and cut up and laid it flat and just used a mixture of felt tips, colouring pencils and charcoal. Anything you have around the house would work fine. Another artist to check out before you start this project is Mr Doodle, he is an exciting artist to watch, he doodles a lot on very large spaces. https://www.mrdoodle.com
I really hope this blog inspires you to get on the floor, pause, appreciate and connect with your child or children. Feel free to take some lovely photos and send me your creative time togetherâŚor just keep them for memory purposes and feel free to inspire others socially online as we all need to help each other and feel that sense of community to get through it altogether.
âAlone we can do so little, together we can do so muchâ Helen Keller Â
]]>There are three elements to this retreat at home box, yoga by the senior yoga teacher Elizabeth Welty PhD, mindful jewellery making by Caroline Rea, creator and owner of Threaded Stones Designs and art by myself.
Iâve put together an art kit containing a watercolour paint set with all the materials and instruction you need to produce two lovely pieces of artwork. I have filmed a short tutorial at my studio to go with it, showing you step by step how to use the art kit and create a tranquil âSun and Moonâ painting. I'm so looking forward to sharing lots of inspiration and techniques with you all.
Caroline and Elizabeth also have tutorials and beautiful items in the retreat box. You could spend the entire day indulging in all three crafts or practice one a day.
We our now ready to take pre-orders, so just let me know or email me at dawn@dawncrothers.com. We are launching our brand-new website next week theartofyoga.co.uk and have amazing plans for spring/summer 2021!! The three of us will be hosting our unique retreats at Snail Studios at Lismachan Estate in East Belfast. Please join our mailing list to be keep up to date with the new project and news as we launch our retraet days and experiences next year. I wish you every bit of joy discovering your artistic talents.
Feel free to follow us on Instagram @theartofyoga_ni
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Dawn xx
]]>I started my art classes for kids using the Zoom platform in the summer and it was a great success. I was so impressed with how I was able to engage with my students. Every week I delivered step by step tutorials in many different mediums and subjects. Using my past knowledge of teaching art from my studio for the past ten years. Iâve now created a weekly Saturday morning and after school class online program, which changes every month. Last month we painted Sunflowers by Vincent Van Gogh, we also created beautiful an autumnal tree painting using watercolour's and practiced our drawing skills by sketching a barn owl. Here are some finished pieces from September.
In Octoberâs art classes I have some very special projects including Halloween themes. So, if you have a child who's interested in art this really is the perfect activity to do at home. All you need to do is follow the links, create a little art space at home, the kitchen table is perfect and invest in some art materials. Which if you have arty kids you probably have many of these materials already.
Feel free to email me if you have any questions and I look forward to seeing you at my next set of Virtual Art Classes online!
https://dawncrothers.com/collections/art-school/products/october-saturday-morning-virtual-zoom-art-classes?fbclid=IwAR0g2lMlO8xQHsQif77OeoFIABI3UBwX8MsZ1EVb2PSWjLYkV8wzca0QX-8
I was hesitant at first when I heard about online art classes, probably because I have no idea of how the whole virtual world works, but after reading many articles and watching the art online business grow, I decide to give it ago.
Over the last few weeks, I have been teaching step by step tutorials to children from my studio using the Zoom platform. I have to admit I had a shaky start, but as my confidence grew so have the students and Iâm so pleased about how well teaching drawing and painting on Zoom actually works. Iâm really happy to be starting my six-week art course learning from home in September. I will be teaching two live Zoom classes a week with same subject content, one after school on Tuesdays and another on Saturday mornings. If you miss any of the classes just let me know and we send you a recording to watch when your ready. All you need to do is invest in some art materials, I will send you a full list of ever thing you will need, as well as a list of topics and subjects we will cover every week.
Setting up your own art space at home can be a lot of fun, with clear instructions on what materials and colour's needed for each class children can be fully ready for the session. Many of the parents have told me that from taking part in my online art classes at home the children have been inspired and are painting and drawing everyday! With space to be creative, giving step by step guidance and all the art materials at hand itâs a real sense of encouragement for them.
Family Unicorn Art Class recently held at Dawn Crothers Artist Studio
Being a parent myself in these uncertain times, my thinking concerning my art students is how to keep them engaged by providing a weekly regular routine to my art classes and to keep my own style of teaching. I am a practicing professional artist and I take my students along with me on this journey. Sharing my ideas for artwork and how the whole process of painting comes about is all very personal to me.
Moving forward I feel these Zoom classes offer a perfect platform to continue our young artists class. So please just send a message or call if would like to know anything more. I hope all my existing students and some new ones will join me in this new venture. All the details are on my website and I wish all my arty kids the very best heading back to school, with big smiles and a confidence when tackling their schoolwork especially the creative and artistic subjects!
]]>Thankfully we have made it through 2 months of âLockdownâ and spring has well and truly sprung! Itâs lovely to see the good weather back again and as you will agree it helps to lift everyoneâs spirits.
Iâve managed to find time at my home studio most days to paint which has been lovely in between homeschooling my two boys but to be honest it has been a challenge juggling everything and continuing my creative work.
I did notice the whole transitional element of spring this year as most of us had very little to do but go out into our gardens and observe the world around us on our daily exercise routines. Living in East Belfast I noticed an abundance of beautiful cherry blossom trees and that magical moment as they begin to bloom!
This gave me the inspiration for my next large painting and the memories of the sweet smell of spring helped me put oil paint to canvas during lockdown.
I arranged a Zoom class with my current art students from my Saturday morning class and started off by sketching out the layout of the cherry blossom tree, which gave my class a little inspiration to start a tree of their own.
The significance of the cherry blossom tree in Japanese culture goes back hundreds of years. In Japan, the cherry blossom represents the fragility and the beauty of life. It's a reminder that life is almost overwhelmingly beautiful but that it is also tragically short. I love researching different elements I wouldnât have done so before, when starting a painting like this and love learning more in depth meanings into what some of the elements represent.
 This painting has two charming blue tits and one proud peacock perched in the tree. I certainly donât have a peacock in my garden, but Iâve featured one here as I felt it compliments the vibrant pink colors and style of the tree. All over the world there were so many stories of animals taking over cites during the coronavirus pandemic. Our way or life has changed, wildlife is roaming free and we are noticing nature more than ever.
 As Ferris Bueller once said âLife moves pretty fast. If you donât stop and look around once in a while, you could miss itâ
This painting is depicting Belfast Zoo, but not as you know it. Using my imagination Iâve created a collective of images that the zoo represents to me. Fond memories from my own childhood and historic changes, which have taken place over the past eighty-six years. Before the zoo the site was used as a playground and pleasures grounds, it was a popular designation for day trips. Its was called Bellevue Gardenâs, Bellevue means âgoodâ or âpretty viewâ. In my painting you see the name Bellevue where it previously was at the older entrance. This entrance is so familiar to me because I used to take the school bus to Glengormley high school everyday. We drove passed the high brick walls and the remnants of the previous entrance along the Antrim Road.
The elephant in the painting is called Daisy, sheâs important to the history of the Belfast zoo, as she was the first ever elephant. Daisy arrived in Belfast on the 27th of March and it was the day before the official opening. She travelled into Belfast docks on the Heysham steamer with only a note attached to her ear saying âlead me with thisâ So the zoo worker at the time Manus Kane offered Daisy the stick and she wrapped it around her truck. In the painting you see the zookeeper-leading Daisy along with the stick. Daisy also made a memorable journey to the zoo, causing a lot of mischief, scaring a bakers carthorse causing it to bolt down York Street and scattering loaves of bread all over the road. When she got to Duncairn Gardens, the elephant decided she wanted dessert. She spied a fruit and vegetable display at a greengrocers and plundered straight in emerging with a large turnip on the end of her trunk!
This piece took me over a couple of months to plan and paint. I love the fact and fiction elementâs to it. The Cave Hill is also depicted by âNapoleons noseâ at the top of the hill, this featured distinctive outline is probably the most recognized  landmark, looming over the city. And in the distance over the Belfast lough another iconic image of Harland and Wolff cranes, also known as Samson and Goliath are painted in bright yellow. Iâve painted all my favorite animals in their enclosures and I feel the whole painting gives vibes of excitement and interest with lots of different stories going on all over the canvas. I painted this large canvas in both acrylic and oil, starting with the background colour's of the landscape. Then sketching with the oils and gently building on the colors and textures of the paint. I created all these characters and their personalities in both the animals and the people.
Doing a little animal research at Dublin's Natural History Museum in Feb 2019
Recently thereâs been news reports about the possible closure of the zoo. I not able to comment on any reasons for that but from a personal point of view I would be so disappointed if this was true. Iâve so many happy childhood memories from there and I want to enjoy many more with my own family to. I have two young boys who also love a day out at the zoo. I really recommend an animal experience there; my husband bought me one for my birthday. I got to meet all the amazing giraffes up close and hand feed them, it was fabulous. But make sure your not to squeamish thou as the feeding bit can be a bit gross, especially the giraffe saliva. I ended up covered in it!!!!
Dawn Crothers Giraffe Enclosure Visit, Belfast Zoo 2018
I will be launching âDaisyâs Day Outâ as a limited edition Giclee print and also a very special small run of hand embellished canvas prints too, so please get in contact if you would like to pre-order one from me before the launch!
Many thanks and please Stay Home and Stay Safe during the Lockdown and once again Iâd like to thank all the NHS Staff and keyworkers during these very challenging times we are living in!
]]>I have painted many 'still life' paintings over the years, but never taking the abstract approach and painting the snails onto the plants, and letâs face it, the two definitely go together. As Henry David Thoreau, the american poet and philosopher once said âthe world is but a canvas to our imaginationâ. This seems a fitting quote when looking at this new piece. The painting is titled âLove Life, Love Leavesâ. I really hope everyone likes it and sees the quirky uplifting vibes Iâve tried to create. Plants really do make us feel better, even looking at prints/ images of plants or a landscape produces psychological benefits, reduces stress and improves concentration.
Nature really is the best inspiration for creating art. With us all being asked to stay at home during these unprecedented times, maybe now is the time to look out your window or bring in a plant and set up a still life of your own. Its always good to include another couple of household objects too, if you have anything interesting sitting around such as a vase or a bowl. Start with sketching in pencil or if you have charcoal, give it a go too. Then move on to maybe watercolours or acrylics, whatever medium feels natural to you when youâre looking at your still life. For all my lovely artistic people that come along to my classes, this could be the perfect subject to work on, plants.
The practice of creating art is in itself so relaxing and a great activity to do at this anxious time for everyone. So thereâs no excuse to gets the paints out and find a quiet space at home. If you do create something and have been inspired by this blog post please feel free to upload it onto social media and use the hashtag dawncrothersartist and I can get to see all your amazing creations!
As for all the young artists out there who might need I little bit more encouragement, I will be launching a children art competition this week. The theme is plants and nature and it can be a drawing or painting using whatever pens or paints you have available at home. Iâm in the process of creating special Dawn Crothers Art Pack with art materials and loads of inspirational ideas, projects and art activities to do at home. They will be available to buy from my site next week. The age limit for the competition is 4 to fourteen, the winner will be announced in April via my Blog. Just upload and tag me via social media or send me your photos of your artwork via social media or emailâŚdawn@dawncrothers.com. The winner will receive a ltd edition print valued at over ÂŁ100. Good luck everyone!
This new painting âLove life, Love Leavesâ will be available to buy as an original oil painting and I will be releasing 10 hand embelished canvas prints of this one tooâŚso if youâd be interested in one please get in touch!
Thanks again and I'll try and work on one blog post a week if I can for everyone to enjoy!!
Stay safe everyoneâŚx Dawn x
Top local artist hosts fascinating Rathlin Island inspired Art Exhibition
Dawn Crothers has been a staple in the Northern Ireland art scene for the past 12 years and has been working on her next compelling exhibition entitled âClowns of the Sea, Rathlinâ which will take place at her gallery and studio on Friday 15th November from 7pm.
The show was the product of various family visits to Rathlin Island over the past 2 years which inspired her to look at the wildlife and inhabitants and produce a number of oil paintings from her studio based in Belfast in an historic stable building on Lismachan Estate, in the Glenmachan area.
Her family home is within walking distance of her studio, where she lives with her husband and two sons. From childhood Dawn was a bit of a day dreamer spending many days drawing and making things. Mostly sketching animals, when she was growing up, she wanted to be veterinary nurse, often bringing home injured animals to her Mothers despair, from stray dogs to wounded birds in shoe boxes. She generally has a love for nature and the outdoors. Her happiest memories running freely around her family caravan sites, in Northern Irelandâs magical seaside towns and countryside.
She enjoyed Studying Fine Art at the University of Ulster but decided to leave early as she started selling her paintings in a local gallery. As a result, she would describe herself as a self-taught painter and in many ways feels this helped her create her own style early on. Marc Chagall has had the greatest influence on her and her work. In high school she came across a Marc Chagall book in the library. For Dawn her art career started the moment she caught glimpse of his bold and colourful brush strokes and fantasy themed work. It was an instant connection; she adored his beautiful dream like paintings. From then on, she knew her life would involve in art someway.
Dawnâs medium of choice is oil on canvas, depending on what the subject is she may use different techniques. For example, her famous Snail paintings are created using paints straight from the tubes applied thickly and haphazardly, using quick movements, blending colour and texture together to create the desired effect. Other works are started by sketching with charcoal on the canvas firstly then applying the paint in gentle layers using paint from her palette. Working from photographs and drawings made from life or her imagination.
 Dawn was one of the few lucky Irish artists to hit the ground running in the early days of her career. With her first solo exhibition in October 2008 being such a massive âsell-outâ success, she quickly established herself as a household name in Northern Ireland. In fact, as Dawnâs popularity has grown her impact on a much higher level is starting to be felt. Now, it seems every one of her finished paintings naturally achieves collector status.
All of Dawnâs paintings reflect her personality with their bubbly and approachable attributes. She wants people to relish in the many humorous characters and scenes she brings to life and hopes that the viewer sees the emotion she portrays in her work. Most of all she wants people to feel happy looking at her paintings and to feel the light-hearted side to life.
Dawnâs Solo Exhibition entitled âClownâs of the Sea, Rathlinâ will take place at her gallery studio based at 378a Belmont Road, Belfast, BT4 2NF on Friday 15th November 2019 from 7pm to 9.30pm. Feel free to come along and see her next amazing collection of paintings!
More details can be found on her website and social media pages www.dawncrothers.com and Facebook and Insta @dawncrothersartist
CLICK TO VIEW SOLO EXHIBITION ONLINE
Photo CaptionÂ
Pictured - Dawn Crothers painting Rathlin Puffins in her studioÂ
]]>Thursday Evening TEENÂ ART SCHOOL with Dawn Crothers
COURSE DATES
Happens the third Thursday of every month
TIME AND AGES
AGESÂ 13+
6.30pm to 8.30pm each evening
This is a great opportunity for young people interested in art to come along and paint alongside a professional artist in a studio setting.
Dawn has created an evening were teenagers can come along to the studio, relax and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of art.
Creativity is at the heart of this class that's takes place the third Thursday evening of every month and the students are encouraged to build on their own individual art style.
A truly inspiring evening for any teenager interested in art.
Course Details
All the classes and workshops are held at Whalley Fine Art were the teenagers will create high quality art allowing them to develop fundamental skills in a fun and exciting way.
The teenagers are encouraged to bring along school/ course work and work on their own projects. Dawn will be at hand to give advice and help with different techniques and the creative thinking process.
I have found over the last few years that by teaching the children to get back to the basics of drawing, painting and sculpting can really help them in becoming more confident and creative in their thinking in everyday life. Most of all I will make their experience fun and it is always a chance to meet new friends and paint with an established artist and experience a studio/gallery type environment! A great activity for a Thursday Evening!
Who Should Attend
Teenagers 13+
Course Level
Beginner/ Intermediate
Materials
Basic materials are provided at the studio but please feel free to bring along
your own equipment and canvasses/sketch books etc.
Students are encouraged to bring their school work and course work to work on during the evening.
Payment details
To book and secure a place please pay online
For more info please call â 02895 430340Â Â 07730598616
Insurance and Accreditation
Dawn is trained and is certificated in Child Protection and has training in basic first aid.
The gallery is fully insured and is a very safe environment to work in.
WHERE
Dawn Crothers Studio/ Whalley Fine Art & Framing
378a Belmont Road
Belfast
Co.Antrim
BT4 2NF
Ample car parking onsite
 Corporate law firm A&L Goodbody (ALG) has hosted two art classes with eminent local artists, Stephen Whalley and Dawn Crothers, for its employees as part of Mental Health & Wellbeing Week. Â
 The two 90-minute sessions, hosted at the firmâs Belfast city centre offices, provided a reprieve from the busy working environment of corporate law and allowed the team an opportunity to flex their creative muscles. Â
 Michael Neill, Head of ALGâs A&L Goodbodyâs Belfast office, commented:Â
 âAt ALG we recognise the importance of engaging with the wider interests of our clients and staff, alongside their professional interests. Our employees work extremely hard every day to advise on a vast array of complex legal matters and we are aware that taking time out to relax is vital not only to our productivity, but the health and wellbeing of our workforce too. Â
 âAs a firm, weâre committed to forging strong links with the arts community and very much realise the mutual benefit that this ongoing collaboration can bring. As such, these workshops are the latest in a number of initiatives in which we have invested to support the local arts and culture sector â including our sponsorships at the Lyric Theatre and our partnership with Belfast Exposed.âÂ
 Stephen Whalley is the CEO and Founder of Whalley Group and Whalley Fine Art,âŻwho, together with his wife Dawn Crothers â both eminent local artists â facilitated the workshops. He commented:Â
âŻÂ âDawn had been deliveringâŻartâŻworkshops for children for some time when we struck upon the idea of rolling the classes out for adults as well. Dawn and I can both attest to the fact that picking up a paint brush is a great way to turn off the stresses of everyday life and connect with your creative side.âŻWith societyâŻreally starting to understand the benefits of mindfulness, it seemed a logical step to offer the workshops to businesses as a way to help their staff unwind and take care of their mental health.âŻÂ
âŻÂ âIn recent years A&L Goodbody has very clearlyâŻdemonstrated a commitment to collaboration between business and the arts, so it made sense to us to partner with the firm to launch this new aspect of our businessâŻin Mental Health & Wellbeing Week, and we are delighted to be doing so.Â
âŻÂ âDawn and I see this project as having great longevity. Weâre very much committed to continuing our workâŻwith A&L Goodbody and other firmsâŻto inspire more people to reap the benefits of taking time to be creative. It is with this kind of extended collaboration that we can create tangible positive impacts for the arts community as well as for employees.ââŻÂ
]]>Iâm very interested in strange and exotic animals at the moment, perhaps its taking an everyday creature and turning them into something more captivating.
Iâm still trying to find a name for this wacky bird, so hopefully you all can help me via social media. I launched a competition on Friday to name my Dodo painting to be in with a chance of winning one of the first Limited Edition Prints to be launched of it next weekâŚcheck out my Facebook page for more details on how to enter âŚloving all your ideas so far. This bird once lived in the beautiful island of Mauritius, east of the Indian Ocean. Dodo was a symbol; of stupidity in the past because it didnât hesitate to approach people even when they were are armed with clubs. But the Dodo was portrayed as a very smart animal in Lewis Carrollâs book ââAlice in Wonderlandâ. So looking forward to reading all your name ideas for the title of my new painting of the DodoâŚ.good luck everyone who enters!
Saturday Childrenâs Art Class
It was freezing outside this morning, but it was a warm and cozy oasis in my studio today. Â We had a lovely last day of the January five-week course today with all my amazing young artists. Â We did some fantastic paintings using acrylic paints.
My student Sara, was put forward by her school to enter this years Texaco Art competition the closing date is the 23rdof February. This childrenâs art competition is open to anyone, all the details are on their website www.texacochildrensart.com
Sara is a very talented young artist and she already clearly has her own distinctive style at only 8 years old. Here is a painting hanging proudly in her school. I wish her all the best in entering her artwork and look forward to bigger and better things to come from Sara.
Pictured Above - Dancing Lady by Sara
One of my passions apart from my paintings is to inspire young people to get involved in art. I love to do my school visits and bring all my artwork to the childrenâs classrooms and talk to them about my paintings in the hope that I inspire them to use they imagination and creativity, as I feel this is what my work is all about. Creativity has no boundaries and art is assessable to everyone and with a little bit of guidance and ideas lots of children and adults can enjoy working on different projects from home.
Children's Art Competition
Iâve decided to now make it my mission to encourage children to get their coloring pencils, felt tips or paintâs out at home and by creating an artist of the month art competition. You can now upload your childâs artwork onto my page or messenger and everyone will be given a spot prize for their first entry ⌠the artwork can be of anything, the more imagative and unique the better. Everyone who enters will receive a spot prize and the winner will receive a voucher to one my workshops and a little Dawn Crothers goodie bag.  Feel free to get working on those masterpieces. Please send entries to my Facebook page timeline and tag with #dawncrothersartist
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]]>Mum Pauline McCallion says Sadie has become used to the haematology ward but one thing is guaranteed to distract her - the vivid artworks by a local artist.
]]>Five-year-old Sadie has been undergoing treatment for leukaemia at Belfast's Royal Hospital for Sick Children since before the summer.
Mum Pauline McCallion says Sadie has become used to the haematology ward but one thing is guaranteed to distract her - the vivid artworks by a local artist.
Not only do they create a homeliness, they also have a great practical use.
"From the moment you walk in the door of the hospital you feel very welcomed," said Pauline McCallion.
"Aside from the great work the staff do it is nice to walk in and see there are so many colours, a lot of pictures.
"It's good when you are in with the kids and maybe they are doing something that is a bit difficult or scary - it's nice to have a distraction and to be able to talk about all the artwork on the walls.
"It's also inspirational - a lot of the kids do their own artwork as well."
Sadie certainly appears to be diverted by the paintings, counting the animals contained within and telling the staff all about the colours.
The concept of art and wellbeing is not new.
The ancient Greeks believed that theatre and sculpture helped those with physical and mental illnesses.
In the medieval era, this evolved into religiously-themed art in hospitals.
The Victorians thought patients could be made happier by pictures, gardens and decorations.
That all changed in the first half of the 20th Century, when a more medicalised approach to care was developed, and patients suffered a decorative vacuum until the 1960s.
But that attitude has also undergone a sea change, as Paula McHugh, the arts in health manager at the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, explains.
"I think post-war hospitals were very clinical - art was not prioritised and the benefits were not recognised.
"But we've come full circle and more because even in terms of public health the really positive benefits of art are being recognised and evidenced better.
The importance of arts in health is not only acknowledged, Paula says, but is "on the up".
"Recent studies show about the decrease in anxiety levels when there is art and music around a hospital, and it can lower people's perception of pain."
Back at the haematology ward, the paintings by Belfast artist Dawn Crothers continue to work their magic, and one has a particular meaning for nurse Gail Burns.
"The one with the snails - if we look at the journey a snail takes it is slow but determined," she says.
"Our children, this is a journey for them - they are very determined to get to the end.
"It can be a long journey for them and their parents, but they get there.
"People often comment on the paintings - and they have certainly been a big hit with our patients and their parents."
Dawn says she is pleased her work is proving beneficial.
"I've heard a bit of feedback that they are a good distraction and that the children like talking about them, pointing out things and making up their own stories," she adds.
In spite of her chemotherapy, Sadie certainly knows which one she likes best: "The one with all the snails in because they are pretty!"
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]]>Friday 26th May 2017
VENUE: Whalley Fine Art/ Dawn Crothers Studio
Guest of honour â Dame Mary Peters
7pm to 9.30pm
From Ancient times wise men and healers have believed that gemstones have mystical powers and conduct the energies of the ruling planets with which each gemstone is associated which affect our physical or emotional well being and healing powers. Birthstones, or Gemstones, and their attributes were related to signs of the Zodiac or month of birth and referred to as Birthstones.
My fascination of birthstones stems from when I was a young girl growing up in North Belfast. I took a trip once to the Ulster Museum where I was first introduced to gemstones. I remember the design of the Old museum were the stones were displayed in large glass cases in completely darkened rooms and highlighted by pin pointed spotlights! The colours and sparkle of the stones were amazing and I remember just wanting to take them all home.
Where I was brought up in York Park off the Shore Road I also remember collecting lots of shells and keeping them in a shoebox in my room. York Park was built on reclaimed land and the shore line came up to where I lived many years ago. I always find it strange now that I have moulded my career in painting snails given I used to collect mollusks and sea shells when I was youngâŚmaybe it was a sign back then!
Since coming up with the idea of painting snails over 10 years ago the shells have always reminded me of gemstones. The variety of colour I use in each painting has really lended itself to the birthstone series and love the three dimensional element the paint has compared to the stones edges. I have also introduced some small diamond shards and gems to the pieces to give them a gem like quality and sparkle which is the first time I have ever introduced anything like this in my work.
I work on a lot of personalized commissions throughout the year where someone would request a certain colour or name the snail after a friend or family member. One of my main commissions I would undertake is for new born babies and from this I decided the birthstone Ltd Editions would be a great present given the babies month of birth and birthstone colours!
The twelve original works have all be painted on circular board and have been framed in hand painted box frames. I decided to use circles to make the series more identifiable and gem like and have also been working on a range of hand embellished canvas prints that will also be launched with the exhibition and be available online and in galleries throughout the UK and Ireland.
Since embellished canvases involve greater involvement on my part as an artist than an unembellished one, art lovers can get a step closer to an original at a fraction of the cost. Each of the 12 birthstone snails will be hand finished and decorated by me which makes every piece unique!
I have also produced one large scale circular painting which encapsulates all the birthstones on one canvas which measures 4ft in diameter!
The birthstone series has been over a year in the making and being a mother of two young boys aged 4 and 1 years has made it more challenging to find the time to complete the series. We have a real family team though which helps everything come together as my husband and I own and run our own gallery and framing business, which is in its 10th year now. Our premises located on the upper part of the Belmont Road is set in an old stable in the grounds of a historic mansion house which really lends itself to displaying our artwork and love that we can use the building as our studio and gallery space!
The Birthstone Snail Exhibition will take place on Friday 26th May 2017 at 7pm. The venue will be my studio and gallery Whalley Fine Art, 378a Belmont Road, Belfast BT4 2NF. The show will be opened by Dame Mary Peters and will support her charity the âDame Mary Peters Trustâ supporting young people in sport. The event will also be sponsored by several local businesses and there will be a competition on the evening to WIN one of the Hand Embellished Ltd Editions.
All original paintings and Ltd Edition Canvasses will be available prior to the opening night.
Enquiries â Dawn Crothers â 02895430340 dawn@dawncrothers.com
www.whalleyfineart.com    www.dawncrothers.com
Event sponsors
Mary Peters Trust
Par Ici, Belfast
Harland Wines
CULTURE NI WRITE UP:
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]]>The fine artist has brightened up the medical institution's Cancer and Haematology Unit with a series of donated works
Young patients benefitted by the Childrenâs Cancer Unit Charity are now able to enjoy some cheerful sights on the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Childrenâs Cancer and Haematology Unit thanks to a generous donation made by Belfast artist Dawn Crothers and Holywood-based Whalley Fine Art.
This month a busy corridor within the ward has been given a burst of colour through a series of original oil paintings donated by Crothers to the charity. At a combined value of around ÂŁ10,000, the donation includes three oil-on-canvas paintings featuring brightly coloured snails â a favourite of Dawnâs â entitled '35 Snails,' 'Beatrice the Snail' and 'The Ladybird Snail', in addition to a piece featuring a multi-coloured elephant entitled 'Elephant on Parade'.
'Following the news that the unit was being refurbished last Christmas, I felt the need to come forward and help in some way,' said Crothers. 'Being a mum to a three year old and expecting my second child in February, I felt touched by the work that the charity does for children requiring much needed treatment and care, and I felt that the vibrant colours in my pieces would brighten up the new ward.'
Having gained popularity for her study of snails through oil-on-canvas nearly eight years ago, Dawn has exhibited her pieces in New York and London as well as having held numerous solo exhibitions at her family gallery, Whalley Fine Art, in Holywood. Using thick-textured oil paint to produce her work, admirers are drawn to the snailsâ vibrant colours and Crothers' abstract sensibilities.
'Children just love the colour and texture of my pieces, and thatâs what my work is all about,' she added. 'Following the response from children and their families upon seeing the work lined up down the corridor, I have been inspired to paint more and help other childrenâs charities nationwide.'
Speaking on behalf of the Childrenâs Cancer Unit Charity, Jacqueline Wilkinson said: 'We are delighted by the generous contribution made by Dawn and Stephen from Whalley Fine Art to the ward. Going through a cancer diagnosis and treatment is a difficult time for young people and their families, and these gorgeous pieces of art help to make visits to the ward a bit more cheerful.'
A strong believer in the healing power of art, Stephen Whalley said: 'A massive benefit of surrounding yourself with art is the feel-good factor it promotes. Looking at the right piece can lift the mood and bring smiles to faces â an essential service required on the Childrenâs Cancer and Haematology Ward.
'Dawn and I both hope that this work touches the hearts of many that unfortunately have to go through the doors of the unit'
In addition to her donated works which will remain on display at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children, Crothers will also feature one of her newest painting images, 'Partridge in a Pear Tree' on this year's Childrenâs Cancer Unit Charity Christmas card.
The Childrenâs Cancer Unit Charity has helped hundreds of children suffering from cancer and blood disorders across Northern Ireland since it was set up in April 1984. For further information visit www.childrenscancerunit.com or follow the charity on Facebook.
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