Cropton art exhibition welcomes a large crowd

The exhibition featured artwork from local artist Rob Temple, from Kirkbymoorside, who displayed his work at the New Inn, in Cropton.

Around 100 people attended the event which showcased 59 drawings by Rob.

It was held in celebration of the artist’s 40th birthday on Sunday June 26.

Rob, who works as a mechanic at Cropton Garage, said: “It was great.

“It was good to have a lot of good people around me.

“There was a bit of nerves beforehand, but it went really well once I got into it.”

Rob Temple pictured with Jessica Greetham, who inspired him to start drawing Picture: Abigail Greetham

The event was Rob’s first time showcasing his artwork to the public and he described the day as a “milestone event.”

Rob explained that, prior to the exhibit, he viewed the artwork as a private task.

He started drawing in October 2021 after borrowing some crayons from a friend’s 10-year-old daughter, Jessica Greetham.

The drawings, which the artist has named ‘Rob’s random drawings,’ are mainly abstract works using bright bold colours.

59 pieces of art were on display at the New Inn, in Cropton Picture: Abigail Greetham

Rob uses crayons to create the artwork as he said they allow him to ‘scribble’ the drawings down.

The event was co-organised by Jessica’s mother, Abigail Greetham, who Rob said did a “sterling job.”

On the day Rob allowed event goers to have their say and feedback about the artwork.

He arranged for viewers to share their thoughts on his works and let him know of any possible improvements.

Rob said the feedback received was positive.

He said: “Everyone was really pleased.

“(The event) wasn’t really about me – it was about the art, and to show people what I can do.”

At the event, Rob was reunited with his former school art teacher at Lady Lumley’s School in Pickering, Mrs Annie Chaddock.

Rob united with his school art teacher Annie Chaddock Picture: Abigail Greetham

Rob said: “It was lovely to see her.

“I wasn’t the best of students, so to get praise from her was quite nice.”

Mrs Chaddock even gifted Rob some crayons.

“Good ones as well,” he added.

Despite almost 30 years passing, Rob said he still did not feel comfortable calling his former teacher by her first name, Annie.

Instead, he opted for ‘Mrs C.’

“She’ll be Mrs C forever now,” said Rob.

All of the guests were given a print from Rob to celebrate the day.

To Rob’s surprise, he was even asked to sign his artwork.

At the exhibition there was also a performance from Aquarian Moon Healing Arts.

One of the band’s members, Antony Bentley, is a picture framer from Pickering and frames Rob’s drawings.

Rob Dedicated the day to his late grandmother, Kathleen (Kate) Dowson, who died from Covid in 2020.

Of his late-grandmother Rob said: “She always had my back.”

The artwork is mainly abstract pieces using bright and bold colours Picture: Abigail Greetham