A VISUAL arts exhibition honouring Cheshire’s “Queen of Networking” is set to take place at Frodsham – beginning on Thursday, May 16.
After a decade of running her business networking group, Creative Connecting in Cheshire, Sue France, 75, has announced plans to retire later this year.
The exhibition at Castle Park Arts Centre, Frodsham, celebrates her legacy of helping more than 1,000 women in business – including local artists who, through Sue, have found customers and made friends.
Weaverham-based Sam Robson, 58, co-curator of the exhibition, said “I am a blood cancer survivor with a compromised immune system.
“Because of Covid, I had to shield for over three years, which had a massive impact on my art business. When I lost money, paying towards an exhibition space that didn’t materialise, I turned to Sue for help. We realised that there were other artists in Creative Connecting who were also facing obstacles in getting their work seen.
“With Sue’s support, I set up a subgroup on Meta’s Messenger app in November 2022.
“The Artists of Sue France have helped and inspired one another ever since – swapping success stories and selling tips.
‘When Sue announced her retirement, I knew we had to do something special for her. Hosting such a collaborative, business-like exhibition is a massive moment in
my cancer recovery journey. The launch event will be the first time I have met most of the other artists in person. Sue, with her friendship and encouragement, has given
me the confidence that I can make this happen. I could not be more grateful.”
Taking place in Gallery 3, the exhibition is co-curated by prolific painter Louise Barson, 65, from Haughton, and will comprise more than 100 artworks on the theme
of diversity – judged by a committee. Other featured artists include Maggie Hollinshead, 66, from Stone; Cathy Mulhern, 43, from Knutsford; Kate Hughes, 45, from Poynton; and Barnton resident Diana
Bernice Tackley, 78, whose paintings are held in several private collections – including those of the Deputy Lieutenant Mrs Susan Sellers; the former Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire David Briggs and the Duke of Kent.
“It has been lovely to see the artists come together and form their own group,” said former childrenswear designer Sue, who remains a patron of the charity Gift of a Wedding.
“I am very grateful to Sam and Louise, who was one of my very first members, for all their hard work in putting on this exhibition. I look forward to seeing all the creativity on display and would encourage everyone to come along and support the ladies, as well as the venue, with your attendance.”
The Artists of Sue France exhibition is open Tuesdays to Saturdays, 10am to 4pm, from May 15 to June 22.
It’s been an enjoyable experience co-curating this exhibition with Sam Robson; and collaborating with our fellow artists; in honour of Sue France as a recognition and thank you for all the women business owners she has brought together and connected throughout the years. We will be hosting some pop-up workshops, demos and meet-the-artist sessions during the 6 week exhibition. I will miss Sue’s monthly events after this year but look forward to coffee catchups.
I’m looking forward to exhibiting my work alongside other artists in Sue France’s group too. How wonderful that we have come together as a result of our business networking. I’ve been attending Sue’s fabulous and varied events for over ten years, each one totally different to the next, I’ve made some valuable connections, but more importantly I’ve found some very special friends. Sue may be retiring formally, but I’m sure there will be endless meet ups and a full diary.