Spotlight – Denise Gannon

What initially got you into art?

I’ve always been interested. I can remember going to art galleries as a child and being fascinated by the stories paintings could tell.

Have you studied art (school, college, evening course, uni, self taught)?

As with many people, I was given no encouragement at school. I came away convinced I was hopeless and dismissed any thoughts of taking things forward. It wasn’t until many years later that a friend started City & Guilds and produced some wonderful textile work that I thought this might be for me, so I eventually took the plunge. I’m finishing my City & Guilds Diploma this year after eight years that have changed my life.

How would you describe your artwork?

I work with textiles and mixed media, incorporating fabric, thread, beads, paper, and metal.

Who is your favourite artist/artists?

Da Vinci, Kandinski and Monet are the first to spring to mind.

What artists have influenced your work?

Valerie Campbell-Harding, Alyson Midgelow-Marsden, Sarah Lawrence and Lynda Monk, among others.

Have you exhibited your artwork/ Where can people view your artwork?

I’ve exhibited with the Essex Handicrafts Association at Hylands House and end of year college exhibitions at Chelmsford and Northbrooks College, Harlow. I’m lucky enough to have my own Gallery in Craft Arena at Barleylands, so my work is on show there unless I have an exhibition by another artist.

What venue was your artwork shown at during the 2010 art trail?

The Gallery, Craft Arena, Studio 55, Barleylands Craft Village, Barleylands Road, Billericay, Essex CM11 2UD.

Do you have any exhibitions planned for the future?

We have our final end of year exhibition at Northbrooks College, Harlow on 11th and 12th June, with it moving to the Craft Arena Gallery after that. The textile group I mentor, Minerva, will be holding its inaugural exhibition at Barleylands in September, just before the A127 trail.

Do you have a website, where people can view your artwork?

You can see some of my work at www.craftarena.co.uk/gallery, but I must admit it does need updating with my latest work!

Any advice for people looking to get into art?

Don’t think you can’t, believe you can.

A127 Trail PREVIEW in the Echo

Taken from Friday 6th May 2011 Evening Echo (page 2)

A127 Trail PREVIEW

Taken from Thursday 5th May 2011 Yellow Advertiser

More venues wanted.....

An article from the Yellow Advertiser (7th April 2011)

Part Of Essex Summer Of Art

The A127 Trail will once again be part of the Essex Summer Of Art. 
Click here to find out more information. 


To download a copy of the Essex Summer Of Art brochure
Click Here

Please support Chilbetes, for children with diabetes

Chilbetes are a registered charity based in South West Essex covering Thurrock,Basildon, Wickford and Billericay. The charity promotes children to have fun whilst adapting to life with Type 1 diabetes.

Please visit their website at http://www.chilbetes.com

Venues wanted

We are now looking for venues across Basildon, Billericay and Wickford to take part in the 2011 A127 Trail.  We already have Eastgate Shopping Centre, Barleylands and the Fold in Billericay as confirmed venues.


The A127 Trail is a non-profit event, which is run by a group of volunteers and aims to bring local artists and the business community together. 


This year we are pleased to have over 60 artists on the main trail and nearly 100 artists in total, taking part in this years event. This years trail has also been extended and will run from 9th September until 18th September 2011.   The A127 Trail will provide a route through the towns of Basildon, Billericay and Wickford, encouraging thousands of people to discover, or re-discover their community. A diverse range of artwork will be showcased in various venues across the borough.


We have already promoted the A127 Trail on BBC Radio Essex, Gateway 97.8 , the local press and will once again be in 2011 Essex Summer of Arts brochure. We will continue to promote this exciting venture for this area throughout the year.
As a venue, your business details will be included on the A127 Trail website as well as the trails brochure. You will also  be invited to come along to various events such as launch parties and fund raising events.

If you have any queries please email Jill or Emma at venues@a127trail.com or call Dean Smith on 01268 522973.