Throughout 2021, Our Picturesque Landscape has hosted four Artist in Residence projects in the Dee Valley.  On Friday 1st October we were delighted to celebrate the work of our artists, who have created a diverse collection of poetry, photography, and prose, all inspired by the people, heritage and scenery of this stunning landscape.

James Hudson provided a preview of his book; a fictional narrative around the theme of ‘oneness’, a sense of connection, formed of words and alternative images of the Dee Valley.  Once completed, copies of James’ book will be made available at community venues throughout the area.

Sian Northey gave a reading of some of her poetry, based on the Aqueduct at Chirk and Valle Crucis Abbey, and inspired by the creative writing workshops she had delivered with Welsh learners in the community earlier in the year.  Sian will be delivering further workshops in the coming weeks which will be open to learners of all levels to join.

Guests were also able to enjoy the poetry of Hywel Griffiths via his online virtual tours of the six locations on which his work is based.  QR codes will soon be appearing at the sites for visitors to discover these tours themselves, and Hywel will also be performing his poetry at a free community event at Glyndyfrdwy Village Hall on 26^th October.

The event also launched an exhibition of work by Jessica and Philip Hatcher-Moore.  ‘Custodians’ presents a series of encounters with the people who live in and care for the Dee Valley, a project inspired by the artists’ relationships with the area, which deepened during the Coronavirus outbreak.  This exhibition will remain on display at Wenffrwd Nature Reserve throughout October, for everyone to enjoy while visiting the site.

To keep up to date on the work of all of our Artists, including where to view it and how to get involved with events, keep following Clwydian Range and Dee Valley on social media #OurPicturesqueLandscape.