Two years ago, the inaugural Heallreaf exhibition (pronunciation guide: Hea is pronounced 'hare' and reaf as 'reff' - the full word sounding like 'Hare-l-reff') of contemporary woven tapestry took place at West Dean. The exhibition was organised by recently graduated Visual Arts student, Margaret Jones, and held in the Tapestry Workshop, now part of the Edward James Studios and host to the full-time Visual Arts programmes.

Since then Margaret has continued not only to weave and teach but to develop a follow-up to that successful show. Heallreaf 2 will take place in the slightly larger venue of the Auditorium at West Dean, and will run from 10th-22nd April. The show will be open to the public between 10am and 4pm each day and there will be an opportunity to meet the curator and some of the artists at the Private View on 19th April from 5pm. All are welcome to attend.

Throughout the day on the 19th, West Dean College will also be hosting a Tapestry Symposium on the theme of 'Artists Meet Their Makers' (The Old Library, West Dean College, 11am - 6pm). For more information:

https://www.westdean.org.uk/events/tapestry-symposium

Pleasingly, word has spread about the success of the previous exhibition and the standard and number of entries for Heallreaf 2 has increased dramatically. This presented this year's jurors - Professor Lesley Millar and Kirsten Glasbrook - with the difficult task of selecting some thirty pieces of work to be included in the final show. The selection includes pieces from a number of West Dean College alumni, including Pilar O'Prey, Jane Brunning and Margaret Jones. See a full list of contributing artists.

The Heallreaf Prize (£500) will be announced at the Private View and a 'Public's Choice' Prize (£250, sponsored by Weavers Bazaar) will be voted for by visitors and announced after the close of the exhibition.