28 August 2009, 09/186
Join the Open Studio
celebrations
This weekend sees the start of the nine-day art
extravaganza for the first ever Open Studio event in West
Lancashire.
The programme, which starts from Saturday 29 August to
Sunday 6 September, is a fantastic mix of exhibitions, events, a
treasure trail, drop-in art sessions and workshops.
It’s also a chance to visit a variety of artists at work
in their own studios that are normally out of bounds to the public.
So you could see the work of a sculpture or how jewellery is made,
or watch an artist painting a masterpiece.
Highlights throughout the event include:
-
Performances from living statues in Ormskirk Town Centre
on the 29 August
-
Artist Dan Greenham will demonstrate portraiture painting
with real models at Chapel Gallery on 29, 30 and 31 August, and
again on 5 September.
-
A carnival workshop for all the family at Chapel Gallery,
from 11am to 3pm on 30 August
-
Poetry readings with David Secrets and the chance to view
his landscape paintings at Cedar Farm Galleries on Friday 4
September
-
Chill out with the sounds of the Robin Sunshine Band at
Cedar Farm Galleries on Sunday 5 September from 2pm
onwards
-
Create an imaginary landscape with artist Sarah Jane
Richards on Saturday 5 September at unit 144 in the Concourse
Shopping Centre, Skelmersdale (10am to 12pm and 1pm to
3pm).
-
Take the opportunity to wander through Mere Sands Wood on
6 September and observe Andy Shaw demonstrate wood and stone
carving techniques
Make sure you pick up an official events programme, which
lists everything that’s happening over the nine days. It also
features a map so you can join the treasure trail!
Cllr Andrew Fowler, Portfolio Holder for Community
Services, said: "This is set to be the biggest visual arts event of
its kind that we have ever held in West Lancashire and I hope that
everybody comes along to support it. There really is something for
everyone, from exhibitions, a treasure trail, drop-in art sessions
and workshops, living statues walking about town, poetry readings,
a carnival for all the family or a stroll through the nature
reserve to see carving techniques. So make sure you come along and
join in the fun.
"My thanks go to West Lancashire Borough Council’s Arts
Development Service and the Open Studio Collective, who have worked
tirelessly to put together such a diverse line-up and exciting
programme. I’m sure it will be a roaring success."
A number of venues will be showcasing the work of artists,
including Chapel Gallery, Cedar Farm Gallery, Mere Sands Wood, Mill
House Gallery, the Concourse Shopping Centre and other smaller
studios and shops.
To pick up a programme or for more information, please
contact Chapel Gallery 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.
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