20 August 2009, 09/177
Open Studio promises a bank holiday art
bonanza
Don’t miss the launch of the first ever Open Studio event
in West Lancashire this bank holiday, which will take you on the
biggest visual arts journey of your life!
The programme, which starts from Saturday 29 August to
Sunday 6 September, involves lots of artists and craft makers
opening up their own studios so that visitors can see first hand
the inspiration and motivation that drives them to create. There
will also be exhibitions and demonstration galore and even an
exciting treasure trail to follow.
For the actual opening day, visitors who go along to
Ormskirk Town Centre on the 29 August will be able to see the a
number of performances from the living statues, bringing moments of
comedy and high drama to the event.
Great entertainment and the start of a fun packed day for
all the family before a visit to the Chapel Gallery, where local
artist Dan Greenham will be demonstrating portraiture painting with
real models, using a wide range of techniques to capture their
likeness.
This is also the day to pick up a free official events
programme, which lists everything that’s happening over the nine
days - including a free events programme and it also features a map
so you can join the treasure trail!
It’s a real creative experience with plenty of prizes to
be won for the different parts of the trail, so the more places you
visit and stamps you collect - the more surprises are in store for
you!
Chapel Gallery has also arranged for special opening hours
on the Saturday 29, Sunday 30 and Monday 31 August and whilst
watching Dan at work, visitors will also be able to view the
popular West Lancashire Open Exhibition, where both amateur and
professional artists display their work.
Cllr Andrew Fowler, Portfolio Holder for Community
Services, said:"Come along and help celebrate West Lancashire’s
first ever Open Studio event, which includes a fantastic programme
of activities, exhibitions, demonstrations and a treasure trail so
there will be something for everyone to enjoy. The launch on the 29
August promises to be action packed and filled with entertainment.
You can stay in the one venue or try to visit a few on the day.
Don’t worry though because you’ve got until the 6 September to
sample all our creative delights. So make sure you pick up a
programme and join in the fun!"
Other highlights for the launch date on the 29 August
include:
-
Artist Sarah Jane Richards will be running a one-day drop
in session at unit 144 in the Concourse Shopping Centre,
Skelmersdale where people can help her create a masterpiece (10am
to 12pm and 1pm to 3pm)
-
Cedar Farm Galleries in Mawdsley will be hosting a Bugs,
Bees and Butterflies workshop and a leather bookbinding workshop.
Whilst there you can see Clare Winteringham’s watercolours
exhibition. Contact 07813914005 for details
-
Wildlife and nature photographer Stewart Ellet is
exhibiting at Mere Sands Wood nature reserve in Rufford. Contact
01704 821809
-
See artist Christine Cumming’s amazing animal sculptures
then create your own at Laurels Farm, Chapel Lane, Holmeswood,
01704 822001
- Watch Grant Searl start a new painting at his studio in
33 Wennington Road, Southport, 01704 212748
-
Sandy Henderson will be working on a sculpture of a horse
at Stable Studio, 158 Hesketh Lane, Tarleton, 01772
813778
-
Glassmaker Paul Kelly will be demonstrating different
glass techniques at his studio in Oak House, 300 Southport Road,
Lydiate
The event is being organised by West Lancashire Borough
Council’s Arts Development Service and the Open Studio Collective
following a successful Arts Council England lottery
application.
To pick up a programme or for more information, contact
the team on 01695 571328. Alternatively, pop into the gallery, St
Helens Road, which is open from 10am to 4.30pm, Tuesday to
Saturday. For further information you can also visit our
gallery
pages or Chapel
Gallery's website (external link).
Artists who are interested can actually become members of
the Open Studio Collective. Membership forms are available form
Jane Coyle, secretary of the Open Studio Collective, email
jm.coyle1@btinternet.com or
Jenni Ashcroft Outreach and Education Officer at the Chapel Gallery
on 01695 571328.
Related information