Art in Penallt which has previously raised over £10,000 for charitable causes is this year raising funds for the Wales Air Ambulance and Monmouth and District Food Bank.

The annual art show, which will be held at Humble by Nature, on the edge of Penallt village, is hoping to attract around 1,000 visitors.

This will be the tenth year that the successful event will take place, last year the exhibition was cancelled due to the pandemic.

Artists, makers, and visitors from far afield now recognise Art in Penallt as an event which attracts new exhibitors and demonstrators each year, as well as established favourites like its patrons, the potter Walter Keeler and the artist Richard Wills.

Art in Penallt is a ‘not for profit’ enterprise, run by a dedicated team of local volunteers.

Reflecting on why 50 per cent of the residual proceeds will be donated to the lifesaving charity, a spokesperson for Art in Penallt, said: “Each year the Art in Penallt committee agrees upon a couple of charities to donate to, most often with a local focus.  We were unanimous in agreeing to support the lifesaving work undertaken by Wales Air Ambulance, which benefits the locality and the wider community of Wales. It is vital to have a service that can provide critical care when needed across Wales, responding quickly where required.”

The exhibition will take place during bank holiday weekend – 28-30 August, admission is £3 and entry is free for under16s.

At Humble by Nature Kate Humble and Ludo Graham have established a thriving rural skills centre on a working farm with excellent facilities.

At the heart of the site is a beautiful old barn which will house the fine art exhibition while a range of stalls and demonstrations by artists and makers will be found in other buildings on the site, alongside the Pig and Apple Bistro which will serve refreshments throughout the weekend.

In December 2020, the Charity achieved its aim of operating a 24/7 service. Wales now has access to the service’s Emergency Department-standard critical care around the clock and to keep the helicopters in the air, the Charity needs to raise £8 million every year.  

Wendy McManus, Wales Air Ambulance’s community fundraiser, said: “We would like to say a huge thank you to the volunteer Art in Penallt team. To raise over £10,000 for good causes is highly admirable and we’re really grateful they’ve chosen the Wales Air Ambulance as one of their charities this year to benefit from their exhibition. We hope the public enjoy visiting Art in Penallt next month.”

For more information visit www.artinpenallt.org.uk

There are several ways that the public can continue to support the Wales Air Ambulance Charity. These include online donations, signing up to the Charity’s Lifesaving Lottery or by coming up with innovative ways to fundraise. Further information can be found via www.walesairambulance.com. 

Alternatively, a £5 text-message donation can be made by texting the word HELI to 70711.