What a blast we all had on Sunday 3rd November! Over 100 people turned up to celebrate the last 14 and a half years of ArtisOn and wish Sue and Gaynor all the best for their next adventure.
There was plenty of time to catch up with old friends, have a go at our ArtisOn Quiz to win one of Annis McGowan’s wonderful Herdwick Sheep doorstops (that she so kindly donated), as well as share your thoughts on our idea boards dotted around the studios. There was even a chance to take home your very own Vanessa in your pocket!
Gaynor gave a potted history of ArtisOn before presenting the longest-standing customers and tutors with “ArtisOn Original” and “ArtisOn Addicts” certificates, mugs, money-boxes and flowers. Then it was Joe and Elise’s turn to give a speech and present Sue and Gaynor with the wonderful array of gifts from our creative community. A handmade, personalised, leather picnic roll to take on their adventures, a handmade tool roll for Gaynor and gardening belt for Sue to continue their creative pursuits in style, three very large hampers full of fancy food, a handmade book of memories and photos and drink and a posh dinner out. Thank you to all that contributed.
We want to thank everyone who came, and all our wonderful suppliers that helped make the afternoon such a success.
Chris from Yorkshire Marquee Company came set up a lovely Marquee at the front of our building, with heating to ensure everyone was comfortable all afternoon.
We hired the wonderful Bedale Community mini bus to ferry everyone from town and back.
In true ArtisOn style there was plenty of food to go round with catering supplied by The Angel’s Share Bakery in Richmond and Gluten free offerings from Karen at Roots and Fruits Home Bakery.
That was all washed down with fizz from Corks and Cases in Masham.
There was a fantastic buzz on the day and we all feel privileged to have such a wonderful creative community here in Masham.
Above: Sue Dixon, winner of our ArtisOn Quiz picking up her Herdwick Sheep Doorstop.
We also want to take this opportunity to thank Sue and Gaynor once again for their boundless energy and years of hard graft. It is difficult to put into words the gratitude we feel as we reflect on the extraordinary impact ArtisOn has made to so many lives over the years. Their departure marks an end of an era but it also paves the way for a bright future rooted in the foundation they’ve so beautifully built.
“It’s nearly two years since we did a shout out for help to ensure the future of ArtisOn – time has flown and Elise, Joe and Nick are now at the helm. They’ll be steering ArtisOn for the next stage of its journey, with all of you on board to enjoy the fun we hope! We had a fabulous celebration of ArtisOn, past and future, last month, and we are now, finally, disembarking. It was fantastic to see so many of you to help us celebrate. Thank you again for all the cards, gifts and messages. Most gratifying has been the sense of community and connections around ArtisOn – a sense that has evolved from finding wonderfully generous and inspiring tutors, and attracting such enthusiastic, creative customers. We’re certainly proud to have helped it on its way and long may it continue…
It’s going to feel very different having time on our hands. Along with more stone carving for me, there will be other adventures to plan too. In time we might even be setting our alarms to nab an ArtisOn place along with the rest of you!
Warm wishes for the future, Gaynor & Sue”
