DCHS Summer Painting Exhibition

The Exhibition

The 14th exhibition in August 2007 was another roaring success; over the years the DCHS Ticknall Summer Painting Exhibition has gone from strength to strength. It has grown to be a major Midlands attraction, featuring as many as 800 exhibits each year. Whilst being a key event in the local art scene it also raises significant funds for charity and therefore deserves plenty of support from everyone. The standard of exhibits is normally very high, attracting large numbers of professional and gifted amateur artists from all over the Midlands to admire the wide range of skills and techniques used.

The Venue - Ticknall Village Hall

This Year's Featured Artist

David Easton

Born Leicester 1935, Leicester College of Art - Graphics NDD, University of Leicester B Ed

Taught in Schools and Colleges. Elected member of Royal Institute of Painters of Watercolours 1985 and gained the Winsor & Newton R I Members award in 1987. David exhibits in galleries around the UK, and has shown in the R A Summer Exhibition. He has written two books for Batsford. "Watercolour Flowers" in 1993, and "Watercolour Inspirations" in 1997. Since 1998 David has returned to landscape for his inspiration. Working in watercolour, acrylic and mixed media, he seeks to create richly colourful and rhythmic compositions, with a contemporary style. David is married to Sheila Easton, who is concentrating on painting in Acrylics, following a long career in teaching art to adults. The couple have three grown up children, and two grandchildren.

More Information

If you are interested in exhibiting at event in 2008 please send your request to artshow@damecatherines.co.uk.

Dates and Times

Exhibition opening times are

Dates for 2008:

• Saturday 23rd August Champagne Preview
• Sunday 24th August 8am to 6pm
• Monday 25th August 8am to 5pm

Ticknall Village Hall is a great venue for an art exhibition, the hall is large and full of natural light from the large skylight roof windows. As well as the attraction of the art there is the superb home prepared lunches and refreshments all served in the pleasant surroundings of the village of Ticknall. This combination should do the trick for anyone who just enjoys a relaxing day out in a country setting.

On Bank Holidays Ticknall is always a key attraction for walkers, and cyclists and there is also the National Trust's Calke Abbey right next door.

Ticknall is approximately 5 miles south west of Derby city centre. To get there follow the AA signs for the exhibition or head for Calke Abbey and look for Ticknall village. The village hall is close to the Wheel pub in the middle of the village.

The Art

Painting by David Easton

The Charity

Dame Catherine Harpur School is the local village school in Ticknall village. This charming school is funded largely from charitable donation being unsupported by the local education authority. It has survived for many years through the efforts and goodwill of parents and local benefactors.

The annual painting exhibition has been a major part of the school's fund raising efforts over recent years. Paintings exhibited are for sale, and the school receives a commission from painting sales. The DCHS Artshow 2007 was our best yet! With over 1100 pieces of artwork on display it was the Midlands biggest single painting exhibition. We sold over £19,000 of paintings, raising over £8,000 for the school!