searchSurrey Art in Action 29 - 31 May 2008
Review
Surrey Arts hosted Surrey Art in Action at The Mill Studio, Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford from Thursday 29th – Saturday 31st May with an Evening reception on Thursday 29th May, 6 – 7.30pm. There were representatives from arts organisations, art galleries, local authority, county councillors, arts enthusiasts and local businesses who gathered for this exciting new event in Surrey. The Mayor of Guildford, Cllr Jennifer Jordon kindly opened this event and remarked on how:
'this event is truly an opportunity for all, no where else can you find artists offering such quality and variety of artwork and encouraging everyone to have a go whether you were a skilled painter or someone who describes themselves as not even being able to draw a straight line! A truly inspiring event’
There was always a lively and welcoming atmosphere about this event and all were encouraged to chat to the artists about their work and to have a go.
This event was the brain child of Surrey Artist Open Studio coordinator Caroline Jackman, who is constantly trying to better the profile of arts events in surrey. ‘Surrey Art in Action was to bring artists working studios to the High Street with the emphasis of Have a Go Yourself!’ The Mill studio was certainly transformed with the help of Brian Kirk’s excellent team at Yvonne Arnaud Theatre and we are delighted to announce that Brian has invited Surrey Art in Action back again next year!
SURREY ART IN ACTION was open to the public from Thursday 29th – Saturday 31st May, between 12noon – 5pm daily. The event boasted on average 80 visitors a day, with over 60 taking advantage of the taster workshops with one of our seven artists. The workshops were short, the emphasis being to have a taster in creative techniques. Workshops included: painting, building vessels in clay, silk painting, stone carving, exploring mixed media, knitting and textiles and exploring printmaking. Stone carving with artist Simon Keeley proved to be the most popular with all of our visitors whether young or old, but there was something for everyone whether you were tempted to purchase one of Alison Ellen’s excellently crafted hand dyed knitted garments or enjoy the vibrant colours and skill of Elisabeth Sherras Clarke’s silk paintings. We received excellent feedback and it was a delight to see so many happy faces from both the audience and our participating artists! Some of the written comments received include:
‘Great atmosphere!’
Super for the Children, they loved it’
‘An excellent way to try out some art techniques’
‘Wonderful’
‘Great to have a GO!’
Very affordable tasters and excellent artwork
The experience continues with 290 artists and craftspeople opening their studio doors to the public from Saturday 7 – Sunday 22 June. Details can be found on our website www.surreyopenstudios.org.uk or by calling Surrey Arts in 01483 757258 for a full colour brochure.
Caroline Jackman, Surrey Arts, Westfield School, Bonsey Lane, Woking, GU22 9PR,
t: 01483 757258 or email caroline.jackman@surreycc.gov.uk.