One of my goals for 2020 was to display and sell my work in some new venues… and happily, it’s happening!

I first heard about ‘Barrica in the Park’ in Autumn 2019, when a friend and fellow-maker shared some information about it on social media and I got in touch hoping to be involved in it.  Thankfully after writing a few more emails, I was given the opportunity to be part of this new local endeavour.

‘Barrica in the Park’ is run and organised by Barrica Wines with 30 partners involved, mostly local artisan food and drink producers, plus a few creatives and small businesses. Jane from Barrica Wines, “…a place where established local producers can share space with smaller producers who have neither the financial nor logistical clout to open independent shops”.

It’s a collaboration of people passionate about what we do, and its great to be part of this new venture that showcases all of us under one roof.

Situated inside the beautiful 17th Century farmhouse, in the courtyard at Astley Park, Chorley you will find a unique selection of wines, beers, and spirits (many wines from smaller vineyards and local beers brewed in the North West), freshly baked bread and pastries from the local bakery, ‘All you Knead’.

There are wonderful local artisan-crafted makes; delicious brownies, cheesecakes, chocolates, honey, jams, chutneys, cordials, beer, and gin. Head upstairs to discover local artistry and crafts; art, photography, candles, engraved glass, Japanese paper lampshades, and my elfin alchemy jewellery.

You can find 2 cabinets of my work, displaying a selection of my designs, from colourful abstract glass pendants to sculptural beaded wirework earrings, necklaces, and brooches.

We first opened to the public on the 1st of February and there was going to be a proper launch event later in the Spring, plus a food festival in the Summer and lots of other events happening in the Park. Sadly, due to the virus all this, along with our ‘meet the makers’ has currently been put on hold for a while. 

In February and March, all of the partner businesses involved were there doing monthly ‘meet the makers’, such as tasters, demos, an opportunity to chat with us about what we make/do. Now, instead of this some of us have been helping out manning the front door, greeting customers, sharing info about ‘Barrica in the Park’, or the social distancing measures that have been put in place and asking people to put on hand gel before entering. 

Hopefully, in a little while, it will all turn out great! 

I will be sharing more about these 2020 highs and lows in my next blog posts, come with me on my adventures…wishing you sparkles of light!

Thanks for joining me on my creative journey,
Sam Rowena, jewellery artist x