A “Magical” Open Weekend at Parndon Mill

THE weekend saw families, foodies and art fanatics flocking from across Harlow and surrounding towns and villages to the Annual Parndon Mill Open Weekend.

Keiren Mitchell from Harlow’s homelessness charity Streets 2 Homes’ was one the many visitors. Keiren said “Taking the family to the Parndon Mill Open Weekend was brilliant, enjoying the art, the grounds, the food, and chatting with the artists. It was particularly good for my son who has been nominated as a gifted child by his school for his art, as he was able to meet artists and hear about their creative processes.”

Corrina Dunlea, former curator at the Gibberd Gallery, has a well-established studio where she has been working and teaching art for the last 7 years. Talking about Parndon Mill, Corrina said “It’s rich in soul sustenance for those who know, but surprises for those who don’t think they love, know or like art. Art is not a single word but envelopes music, photos, paint, Print, making, baking and recreating.”

Ian Beckett, one of Corrina’s pupils said “I started attending Corrina’s portrait classes last October and it awakened a passion that had been largely dormant for a good thirty years or more. It’s now an important part of my rest, relaxation and recreational life.” Ian was able to share a portrait he had completed of Corrina in her gallery and to present Robert Halfon MP with a charity-commissioned portrait he had completed.

Robert Halfon spent several hours at the event and said “Parndon Mill is a magical place. A place where beautiful art and creativity is just magnificent. It makes you realise just how wonderful art and culture is. There can be no better place to visit.”

Corrina Dunlea is running a two special classes on Friday and Saturday, 16th and 17th August exploring still life drawing. tone, form and perspective, and portrait drawing. This forms part of a Summer School season at Parndon Mill during August where a number of artists are offering workshops and classes in art and craftwork. Some are single sessions for a morning or an afternoon, others are one, two or three day courses. Beginners are welcome as are those who wish to extend their skill. For more information, visit http://www.parndonmill.co.uk/events.

Corrina’s regular Friday Drawing classes – creating images to be proud of, using colour, light and tone; studying natural forms and experimenting with drawing materials, acrylic and watercolours., Saturday Portrait classes featuring a live model, getting to grips with the basics of the face, using light and tone, drawing using charcoal, graphite ink and wash, return in September. Visit www.corrinadunlea.com for more information.

Photos courtesy of Kieren Mitchell.