FOUR SHIRES v ART THE ARTY BIT
As we head towards the end of the first quarter of 2012, things are starting to heat up in the art world as many are beginning to prepare for Oxfordshire Artweeks in May. Around 1,000 artists including 180 new artists are preparing to open nearly 500 venues across the county. Oxfordshire Artweeks celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, making it the longest running and biggest open studios event in the UK. So over the coming months I will be giving you sneak peeks and highlights to look out for as you tour the various studios and attend the many events it has to offer.
With that in mind, I thought I would share with you the importance of supporting local artisans. Not only is it part of the ‘buy local’ ethos that is vital to help local economy, but also it means that you are helping to keep traditional methods alive. Whether it be a wood carving of a spoon or bowl, a calligraphy poem, a sculpture or painted work of art, there are so few skilled hands out there that our region is very fortunate to be keeping these vital things going by showcasing such local and important talent.
While it is useful, technology has overtaken these traditional skills to keep up with the demand that society dictates for faster turn around and mass production, but let us not forget that technology is only as good as the people that program such machines. Yes they may be accurate and affordable, but everyone can have one. Whereas with a bespoke hand crafted item you are sure to be the only one with that specific item anywhere in the world. By attending these various venues and open studios in Artweeks, look deeply and absorb the many skills, time and energy used to create just one item and it may make you realise why such things may be more expensive but are by far individually beautiful.
a baby elephant in watercolours BY BARRY WHITEHOUSE
artclass
with barry whitehouse THE ARTERY, CHURCH LANE
ART DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
March & April Banbury & District Art Society
Banbury & District Art Society have two interesting talks over March and April. March 1st is a demonstration by Jean Turton on Chinese Brush Painting and on April 5th David Wilcox demonstrates painting figures in watercolours. Banbury Art Society meets the first Thursday of every month at 7.30pm at the WRVS centre
Crimson Dancer by David Wilcox
in Banbury. Visitors are most welcome. If you are an artist and are thinking of joining the society, talk to one of the members at the next meeting.
Until 29th March
The Michael Heseltine Gallery in Middleton Cheney
An exhibition of artwork by Ian Murphy entitled ‘Fragments’ runs until 29th March. The gallery is open weekdays in term time between 9.00am and 5.00pm.
Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th March
Sibford Gower Primary School
The school is holding its annual Art Exhibition and Craft Fair Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th March with many paintings by local artists on display. For more information, call the school on 01295 780270
WORKSHOPS AND FREE DEMONSTRATIONS AT THE ARTERY
The Artery, Church Lane, Banbury has several workshops in March such as ‘Paint Portraits Like Michelangelo’, ‘Easy Colour Mixing’, ‘A Baby Elephant In Watercolours’, ‘Painting Hanging Fabric In Watercolours’ call 01295 275150. To book your place or for more information.
Pick up our leaflet from the shop or download it from our website:
www.thearteryonline.co.uk.
If you have any forthcoming arty events, exhibitions and workshops, contact us so we can add them to next month’s diary date section.
18 FOUR SHIRES v MARCH 2012
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