Whats on....
Exhibition: The Art of Thoughtful Giving
18th December - 3rd January
Come contemplate the history of Earth and our place in it among all the other organisms that inhabit this planet alongside us. Some work is just for looking at, some small and exquisite stitched pieces are for sale. Whether you are gift hunting or just looking for something to rest your eyes on for a few quiet moments, you are most welcome to come in and spend time at The Art of Wonder. Our featured artist for our “The Art of Thoughtful Giving” theme is Anna Hayward.
Featured Artist, Anna Hayward
Anna Hayward is a self-taught embroidery artist and glass bead maker. She creates hand stitched 2D and 3D work often with a focus on climate change and its impact on nature.
Anna has been using her handmade (lampwork) beads to make original jewellery and accessories for twenty years. She is currently working on ways to include her glass beads in her embroidery. She has lived and worked on the Isle of Wight most of her life.
4.6 Billion Years (The Insignificance of Humankind)
Earth is 4.6 billion years old. Each stitch along this imagined timeline represents one million years. Scroll along to the end to find human presence on this planet. Homo sapiens are a small part of this one stitch.
Anna Hayward
Finding the Perfect Thoughtful Gift.
In keeping with this month's theme, 'The Art of Thoughtful Giving' we are celebrating meaningful, handcrafted gifts created by talented local craftspeople. Our collection includes beautiful lanterns by Katy Kennedy, striking lamps by Luke Mapp, and unique baskets and dreamcatchers woven from foraged materials by India Raphael.
You’ll also find charming lino print decorations by our own Sharon Poole, elegant silver jewellery by Susan Hunton, and a selection of expressive plein air paintings by Rosemary Lawrey — each piece made with care, skill, and intention.
Exhibition: Old World Icons - In person and virtual display
15th November - 15th December
To complement the in-person display, a virtual exhibition is available, offering the chance to view and purchase these remarkable icons online. This virtual showcase will continue into the new year and can be accessed here. The gallery exhibition runs until 15 December, while the online version will remain open until 15th March.
With Christmas on the horizon and the shops filled with ever-more inventive festive merchandise, at The Art of Wonder we seek to get back in touch with timeless tradition and craftsmanship, while not losing sight of the lustre and mystery of this season. An expert with the paintbrush, gold leaf and the bandsaw, Vio Vlad has spent decades mastering his craft as an iconographer, depicting sacred images with devotion to detail and traditions handed down through many generations. Starting in Romania, Vlad’s story is one of adventure, versatility and resourcefulness. We hope that you will come and enjoy his wonderful “windows to heaven”, learn about the techniques, symbols and colours they encapsulate, and the spiritual significance they hold.
A word from Vio Vlad: “I have been painting icons for over 30 years now, although not as a full-time icon painter. I’ve always believed I need to be in a special mood—perhaps inspired by Divine guidance—to create something I truly love and hope others will love as well. I paint in the antique style, avoiding the slick, shiny appearance of modern icons, aiming instead to capture the timeless beauty and authenticity of traditional sacred art.
I’m proud to say that my icons are part of private collections in the USA, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and Romania. One of my glass icons was even purchased by Princess Alexandra of Romania 30 years ago. Over the years, I’ve have painted several icons and decided to share my work more widely, hoping it will be both successful and appreciated.”
These icons are treasures in themselves. Vlad’s jewellery boxes, crafted in wood with just as much meticulous care, make beautiful gifts for keeping precious items safe. We hope that you will come to the Art of Wonder to meet Vlad, hear the story of how he came to be here on the Isle of Wight with his collection of icons, and pause a while to contemplate the mystique of this special time of year.
Upcoming Workshops
Lampshade Workshop - Book here
Sunday 11th January
Join Sharons friendly lampshade lampshade workshop, no experience necessary! She will guide you through & you will go home with a wonderful new lampshade for your table lamp or ceiling.
All tuition, materials, kit n caboodle to create a 30cm shade is provided.
Workshop Details
10am – 12.30pm
£40
Please note, this workshop needs a minimum of 3 participants to run. If it doesn't run, your deposit/full payment will be refunded with apologies.