Artists doing it themselves
Painters, potters, sculptors and ceramicists from around the county are invited to take part in Warwickshire Artsweek 2008.
The biennial celebration of county creativity will take place next July. Preliminary meetings are being held in Rugby, Leamington and Stratford over the next two weeks to start the ball rolling. Artists and craftspeople, both amateur and professional, who think they might like to get involved, are being urged to register their interest now.
“For the first time since Warwickshire Artsweek started in 2000 the event is being organised by the people who matter - the artists themselves,” said volunteer co-ordinator Karen Brighton. “It’s a chance to open up studios and exhibit in unusual venues, bringing the best of Warwickshire’s creative talent to a wider audience.”
Previous Artsweek events have proved very popular, with art appearing everywhere from florists’ shops and restaurants to churches and garden centres. More than 200 artists took part in Warwickshire Artsweek 2006 and £100,000 worth of artwork was sold in a fortnight.
“Selling art is only one side of the story - though an important one for those who take part,” said Emma Andrews, Head of Warwickshire’s County Arts Service. “It’s good to get art out and about, into shops, cafes and leisure centres where people who wouldn’t normally go into a gallery or exhibition can see it. It’s also a good chance for artists who live and work in Warwickshire to meet up and celebrate the wealth of artistic talent we have across the county.”
Organising the next Warwickshire Artsweek will be down to the creative community themselves. Karen Brighton, a painter herself, does not under-estimate the task in hand but she is convinced that, if Warwickshire’s talented artists and craftspeople pull together, Artsweek can go from strength to strength.
“It is an exciting time and a huge opportunity for all of us,” she said. “Whether you create for a living, or for leisure, Warwickshire Artsweek is for you, and about you. For details of area meetings or how to take part in Artsweek 2008 please visit our website at http://www.warwickshireartsweek.co.uk.