"Capel Soar y Mynydd, a Welsh Calvinist Methodist chapel, was built by the River Camddwr in 1822 by Rev Ebenezer Richards of Tregaron and his trustees to serve the hill farmers of the remote upper valleys.
In today's world it should lie derelict, abandoned years ago, yet it still persist, kept alive by a dedicated congregation who still climb the valley to worship where no one lives.
For many it has become a poignant symbol of Wales; Soar y Mynydd has become an idea. While the chapel echoes its forlorn fate it is still able to keep faith with its forbears and, like persistent nature itself, clings tenaciously to its beliefs; in God, and in its Welsh history and culture.
Visitors from near and far, from abroad, and in all weathers, believers and non believers alike, including artists and poets, continue to make their quiet pilgrimage to this very special place. Many have been touched by the experience.
Founded in 2006 and rapidly establishing itself as an important exhibition group in Wales, The Picturemakers is a collective of professional artists dedicated to promoting the visual arts to a wide audience through the dissemination of their art practice by exhibition, publication and the internet. The Picturemakers, is limited to 15 members drawn from throughout Mid Wales.
In their desire to find their personal voices they regularly meet, each gaining from the support and encouragement received during discussions of 'work in progress.' Thus each Picturemakers exhibition takes on the hallmarks of this collective experience.
The Picturemakers reflects an extraordinary diversity of backgrounds and interests, yet is united in a common approach; that of members using their own individual experiences and observations to produce their images. In so doing each artist seeks to demonstrate what has impinged visually, as each tries to paint what is to be found in their own personal environment.
Indeed Cynefin, which translates as 'one's love and attachment to the familiar', was the name given to their first ever exhibition in 2007 held at the Conrah Hotel, Aberystwyth, the King Street Gallery, Carmarthen and the Morlan Centre, Aberystwyth (2008). Subsequent exhibitions have been held in Rhayader (2008, 2009), Cardigan (2008), Tregaron (2008) and Aberystwyth (2009).
In 2009 The Picturemakers were invited to exhibit at Oriel Elenydd Gallery, Tregaron, in their themed 3 exhibitions, Triptych, and at the Brecon Beacons National Park in November. In 2010 they can be seen at the Morlan Centre, Aberystwyth and the Gallery of Clwyd Theatr Cymru, Mold.
Article written by Alistair Crawford.
