Winter Wonders: Folk Art Brings Cozy Magic to Solihull Exhibit

The Winter Folk exhibition is set to open in Solihull next month, bringing together the creative works of more than 20 artists from the UK, Denmark, and Ukraine. This unique show celebrates the spirit of winter through a variety of art forms, including embroidery, paintings, and collages. The pieces on display feature both real-life people and mythical figures, drawing inspiration from folklore and personal stories. Odette Campell, one of the artists, created abstract embroidery based on photographs of winter sunlight reflecting off Birmingham's architecture. She believes that winter is not just about darkness, but also about light and beauty. Ruth Millington, the curator at The Courtyard Gallery, hopes that visitors will discover a touch of seasonal magic in the exhibition. She says the folklore theme reminds us that there is enchantment to be found in everyday life, even during the coldest months.

Among the artworks, Tanya Farrugia's paintings stand out for their snowy scenes. Her work depicts houses and trees blanketed in snow, with sunlight casting a warm glow on the buildings. Another artist, Maya Davis-Stokes, drew inspiration from her family's history. Her paintings tell the story of her parents meeting by chance in Copenhagen, Denmark, surrounded by the tales of Hans Christian Anderson. Maya wanted to express the warmth her parents found in winter and how their family came together during the cold season.

Milly Jackson contributed three digital collages that feature folkloric heroines and themes of warmth and renewal. She has a deep love for folk art, passed down from her mother, who created hundreds of embroideries inspired by traditional folk patterns. Milly admires the bold shapes and storytelling found in folk art, and she tries to capture that spirit in her own work. The Winter Folk exhibition is free to attend and will run from 12 December to 10 January. Ruth Millington says it has been an honor to work with so many talented artists, and she believes the gallery can be a welcoming space during winter. The exhibition includes handmade dolls, embroidery, paintings, collages, and other mixed-media pieces. One notable painting by Janice Rider, titled Indistinct Vision, features a close-up of an older woman's face with a hat and blue eyes. The Winter Folk exhibition offers a chance to experience the warmth and creativity of winter through art.