THE ARTIST - Val  Freestone is a Leeds born artist and potter living and working in Kirk Hammerton, North Yorkshire.  Having taught art in the Leeds area for a number of years, she is now enjoying the luxury of her own studio and full time creative activity.  Val has had success exhibiting both in solo and group exhibitions around the country and in Northern France:  Victoria mills, Saltaire ; Gallup Polls Offices,  London;   Reflet Anglais, Normandy ;  Kings Hall, Ilkley ;  West Yorkshire Playhouse, Leeds, and in 1988 was awarded associate membership of the British Watercolour Society.

As a gardening enthusiast Val’s love of plants and natural forms has inspired  other work.  Her paintings concentrate on close-up investigations of form, texture and colour in flowers.  The ceramics, mainly slab built and moulded, are influenced by both themes and demonstrate her predisposition for the sculptural over the purely functional.

She runs classes in painting and ceramics on a weekly basis and is always willing to discuss her work and help students to improve their technique.

THE LUTHIER - Her Husband, Chas Freestone is a maker of classical guitars and medieval lutes, yet most of his time, at the moment, is giving short lectures and demonstrations on the instruments.

Having run a flamenco dance troup for many years, Chas. ( a former director of music and head of a technology Faculty)  now teaches both classical and flamenco playing to many students. With a bit of persuassion, he might be enticed to play for you, if it is a really hot and warm sunny evening !