Newquay Orchard Art Exhibition combines pieces by local artist Maia Walczak and some of the Orchard’s artistically talented volunteers.
The artwork will hang in the recently opened community café Canteen at the Orchard. This means everyone who visits Newquay’s not so secret garden for coffee or a catch-up will be able to view the exhibition for free.
Sally Robinson is Creative Lead Volunteer at Newquay Orchard and has been instrumental in helping to curate the exhibition. She believes exhibiting art in a community hub such as Newquay Orchard will give more people the chance to engage in this culture.
Sally said: “An exhibition of the work of both local artists and the wonderful creative volunteers at the orchard, inspired by the world we live in. Canteen at the Orchard is a welcoming, accessible space so please visit for colour, coffee and cake.”
Newquay Orchard’s creative journey
The exhibition is the beginning of a creative journey for Newquay Orchard and one that CEO Luke Berkeley has envisioned from the start.
Luke said: “We want this urban greenspace to be a place where people can nurture their wellbeing and mental health through art and the environment. The setting we have is perfect to showcase art; and along with the terraces, ready to host audiences this summer, we think we can create a real community of creatives here at Newquay Orchard and provide a cultural hub for a town which is currently lacking such a space.”
“For many people the traditional white box gallery or museum can be daunting or simply inaccessible, and sometimes this is too often the case here in Cornwall. But this exhibition is bringing together volunteers and local creatives to put on a fantastic display and hopefully highlight the importance of nature and its influence on the art we enjoy,” he added.
Newquay based artist Maia Walczak has been working with Newquay Orchard volunteers for the past year running creative workshops and even painting murals in the Kowel Gwenen community building.
Maia said this has been a joyful experience for her: “I’m so excited to present my paintings alongside the volunteers at Newquay Orchard. I think the different mediums, techniques and styles all interpreting nature will come together beautifully.”
“Getting to be a part of a project which has really brought together a community of creative people has been an experience I’ll cherish. Please everybody come and see it!” she added.
The art exhibition will be held in Kowel Gwenen until April 2022 when it will be renewed for a following year with a new artist featuring alongside Newquay Orchard volunteers. Visitors and collectors will be able to buy art featured in the exhibition and should email info@nqyorchard.pixolomew.design for more information.