There is a wealth of talent in the area and local artists will be displaying and selling their handiwork at Artworks Day. TARA BRADY suggests this is a chance for some early Christmas shopping

THREE synagogues are joining forces to showcase the artistic talents of its members. In a one-off event, Artworks, will feature paintings, jewellery, hand-painted silk scarves, ties and paintings, ceramics, textiles and photography which have been created by members of Middlesex New Synagogue (MNS) in Harrow, Kol Chai in Hatch End, and Harrow and Wembley Progressive in Wembley.

It will be a unique opportunity to see some stunning work and buy some early presents for Christmas or Chanukah, the Jewish festival of light.

Twenty per cent of the proceeds and all profits made from the sale of refreshments will be split between the Multiple Sclerosis Society and Middlesex New Synagogue.

Artist Jane Harrison was inspired to take up silk painting after experimenting with a range of media such as wood carving, Chinese brush painting and acrylics.

A part-time journalist and mum to 17-year-old Daniel, she was torn between writing and art when she was at school.

She says: "I didn't want to end up designing cereal packets so I went for journalism, but after discovering silk painting, I realised I could combine the two.

"I hand-paint scarves, ties for men and boys, hair bands and pictures, which are professionally stretched for me and framed."

Jane first has to stretch and pin the silk on to a wooden frame, then paint is either contained with a gutta, a form of latex, or she uses effects such as salt to create an abstract picture.

She says: "It is a fantastic medium, especially with an abstract piece, because you never quite know what the colours are going to do. Its appeal is its versatility and vibrancy.

"The most notable recipients of my ties have been Sir Richard Branson and the late Richard Whiteley of Countdown fame."

Jane works from her home in Rickmansworth and exhibits her work at craft fairs, art galleries, community centres and schools.

She is also is a member of the Guild of Silk Painters and the Watford Area Arts Forum (WAAF).

She said the greatest challenge was transforming a customer's vision on to the silk.

She says: "It gives me a nice glow when I think of people wearing something unique that I have created with my own hands."

Artworks is the brainchild of former MNS chairwoman, Jane Prentice.

"We are very excited to be showcasing the works of many local artists, both from Middlesex New Synagogue and other local communities," she says.

"It is astonishing how much talent exists locally and although many of our artists have shown and sold their work before, we are also promoting some new work covering a wide range of media. This will also be a wonderful opportunity to raise money for our two charities, while having a good day out."

Artworks is on Sunday, November 7, from 11am to 5pm, at Middlesex New Synagogue, Bessborough Road, Harrow. Admission is £2.

Refreshments will include bagels, waffles and cream teas. Visitors should not use the car park.

For more information call Jane Harrison on 07955 602 374 or email janeandmichaelh@tiscali.co.uk.

OTHER ARTISTS SHOWING THEIR WORK

* Joan Noble, textile artist and painter

* Mike Cahillane, artist

* Ruth Eva Fiegel, artist

* Dave Hunter, artist

* Rosemary Wolfson, artist

* Karen Pollak, ceramicist

* Sue Kessler, ceramicist

* Clemente Garcia, artist

* Trixy Tilsiter, photographer

* David Ruback, photographer

* Joanne Phillips, photographer

* Jonquil Nicholls, artist

* Philippa Solovitz, jewellery designer

* Sylvie Gokulsing, calligrapher

* Michael Barnett, illustrator

* Ros Avadis, painter

* Work of the late Denis Snowman, photographer