Today we have been open for 2 weeks. What a two weeks it has been. We had the first open evening on the 9th of December. Cynthia Else came along and taught some stained glass basics and visitors had a chance to look around – see the artwork that had arrived to date, and sample some sweet potato pie and mulled apple juice. Then the first art class ran on Sunday with

Jessica Noonan – Make a Silver Ring (or two). There was much hammering and soldering and more hammering – and some laughter thrown in. Everyone walked away with 2 rings they had made themselves – some rings  worn and some ready to be wrapped as Christmas presents. Meanwhile, I have had the pleasure of meeting many local people who have popped in for a coffee or two, for snacks and/or for lunch. And, a few local artists have found their way into BEANS and I am looking forward to their return – with work in hand. The walls aren’t full yet, but we’re working on it.

Cynthia Else’s stained glass work is up on the walls and so is the work of Helen Hallow.  Both artists are offering Sunday courses in the new year – so if you’re considering a course, you may want to pop in and get a feel for the artist and their work – or purchase an original. Polly Warren,

a printer, has added her work to the collection. Boats, Flamborough Head and botanical subjects have all been captured by Polly. Viv Cooper has added a splash of colour with her watercolour paintings. And we also have a print by Pete McKee. Pete came into BEANS and shared his story – painting on pieces of wood while working at Tesco, and now selling work in galleries around England – including his own A Month of Sundays gallery in Sheffield.

So – a lot of highlights in 2 weeks.  But also, a bit of a whirlwind for this old American. And, I don’t seem to do whirlwinds too well anymore. So, I have decided that I am going to have 4 days off at Christmas and 3 days off at new year – and hopefully then, I will stop leaving my purse in the post office and actually be at the shop to meet the electricity board when I say I will. I can only hope.

Here’s to a happy, healthy and calmer 2011.

Karen