The Chesterfield Postcard Show 2023

Welcoming over 200 people to this year’s exhibition, The Chesterfield Postcard Show 2023 provided participants from across the country and beyond with the opportunity to showcase their talented artwork in a professional studio setting.

Held between the 9th and 19th May at West Studios, an impressive 173 artists submitted post-card sized designs to be displayed throughout the exhibition. Organised by Chesterfield community arts charity, Junction Arts, and local artist, Dave Elsom, all displayed postcards were then sold to interested attendees. Raising over £1200 in total, the profits will allow Junction Arts to organise future outreach events and projects to further promote mental wellbeing, interactivity and skills development.

Inspired by the theme ‘Wish You Were Here’, 329 original pieces were created and displayed throughout The Chesterfield Postcard Show. Whilst the majority of these masterpieces have been sold, there are still a few unique designs exclusively available to purchase on the Junction Arts Etsy page.

Reflecting on Rosewood’s involvement with the event, Company Director, Shannan Pool-Gorman, admitted, “Rosewood was delighted to sponsor The Chesterfield Postcard Show 2023. Attending the exhibition at West Studios, it was amazing to see some of the incredible postcard designs produced by participants. We especially liked the fact that those involved were able to produce their own unique, personalised mini masterpieces. Organised by Junction Arts, their mission to unite the community through the medium of art was something we greatly admired”.

Sharing the same immense pride in the event’s success, Relationship Fundraiser at Junction Arts, Hannah Bowdler, stated, “We are so grateful to the artists and groups who have created and donated their work in the theme of ‘Wish You Were Here’, both Dave and I were blown away by the support and growth in uptake for the second show. We can’t wait to see what 2024’s show will be like”!

Upcoming Junction Arts Events This Summer

If you enjoyed The Chesterfield Postcard Show 2023, then you must check out these upcoming events organised by Junction Arts.

Taking place at Queen’s Park on the 29th and 30th of July, Junction Arts is hosting the first ever Chesterfield Children’s Festival. Providing an exciting weekend jam-packed with family-friendly activities, the event will feature live performances and is free for everyone who wants to attend. With interactive games and activities to include a comedy club, storytime yoga and tie-dye workshops, the festival is set to bring a new sense of joy to Chesterfield during the long summer holidays. Running from 10am until 4pm daily, the event will celebrate the positive impact of imagination and play during childhood; people of all ages are welcome.

Another exciting event to look forward to this summer is the Tapton Lock Festival. Organised by Junction Arts in conjunction with Derbyshire Derby Council, the festival will take place on the 9th and 10th of September. Creating a hive of activity around the Tapton Lock Visitor Centre, the festival will include outdoor theatre, music and dance, a climbing wall, boat rides and much more. Those interested in a weekend full of canal-side entertainment can attend the festival on both days between 11am and 4pm. With free admission for everyone on both days of the Tapton Lock Festival, this feel-good festival is a must for anyone looking for a fun, entertaining weekend.