INVITATION TO PARTY!

Somerset Art Weeks is definitely an event worth celebrating and we are hoping that you can join us at this year's launch party on Friday 12th September.

Prepare for an evening of the unexpected as artists and guests gather to enjoy a unique evening at the Red Brick Building in Glastonbury. Naturally there will be artworks on display, also a film screening and live music from Hacker Farm. This Somerset based electronic collective harness found objects and salvaged materials, including DIY speakers, circuit-bent toys and self-built synthesisers to bring you their unique sound - their set also promises an interactive element...

The Guardian newspaper listed Hacker Farm in their alternative Mercury Prize Shortlist last year  and this is how they describe the sound of Hacker Farm

“...weirdly enveloping and captivating. Once you find a way into their world, you lose yourself in it, and it’s harder to find a way out than you might imagine. There’s certainly nothing else quite like it out there.”

 

The amazing 'Bocabar' will be open throughout the evening offering a fantastic menu, so if you wish to really make a night of it why not plan to have your supper with us. You may peruse the menu here. The bar offers a great selection of drinks, including coffee, and the cocktail menu looks amazing.

So come on what are you waiting for, get on down to The Red Brick Building and celebrate the launch of Somerset's largest Arts Festival. I know that some of you that are participating will be using every available hour, minute, second as you count down and prepare for your exhibitions but surely you deserve a night off and this is a great opportunity to meet with other participants and the visitors that will be coming to support your venue during the fortnight of open studios.

Tickets are £5.00 in Advance or £7.00 on the door.

However if you are a SAW member then it's FREE!

Under 16's are also free but must of course be accompanied by an adult.

We recommend that you buy or reserve your tickets in advance by contacting the SAW office in Langport on 01458 253800 or info@somersetartworks.org.uk 

Tickets can also be purchased direct from the Red Brick Building

SOMERSET ART WEEKS LAUNCH PARTY
Performance and Music from 7pm till late
Red Brick Building

Morland Enterprise Park

Morland Road

Glastonbury

Somerset BA6 9FT

Image: Hacker Farm performing at Nottingham Contemporary Jan 2013

Photo by Peter Anderson

AND THE 2014 GUIDE IS OUT!

A box of SAW brochures was waiting for me when I arrived back to work earlier this week. I managed to have a few quick flick throughs but was not able to sit and digest it all properly until yesterday evening. With 205 venues participating there is much to take in and this obviously does not include all the wonderful workshops, demonstrations, walks and talks that are also listed. In fact this year there are a vast amount of activities that you can participate in, so not only can you go see, be inspired by and buy art, you can learn new techniques and create your own. What a privilege, not are you only allowed to nose in the artist's' studio, you even get to have a play.

Whilst visiting the Port Eliot festival last weekend it was the art and craft workshops that were a big draw for many. Early birds were queueing at 7.30 on Sunday morning to sign up for a workshop with textile artist Mister Finch; who if you haven't stumbled across his work is an artist who has become quite the Facebook success story. With this in mind I have selected a few of the workshops that have caught my eye during the forthcoming art weeks. Some you can drop in on, others you will need to book ahead, many are free and others do require a fee - however none of them require you to queue in your p-jays!

VENUE 86 THE POLISHING ROOM

ARTIST: JULIA THOMPSON

Learn how to make a ring from a recycled sterling silver ingot in just 3 hours that fits your finger and that you can take home, using traditional silver fabrication skills of sawing, texturing, soldering and finishing. Julia promises a fun and creative hands-on experience for all abilities.

Workshop Dates: Saturday 27th September Sunday 28th September Saturday 4th October and Sunday 5th October.
The cost is £65 per person to include the silver and booking is a must as spaces are limited to 3 students per session. Contact Julia via her website here

JULIA THOMPSON VENUE 86

VENUE 102 FOR EVERY CLOUD
ARTIST: DONNA VALE

Join this relief printing work shop where artist Donna Vale will guide you from the initial planning and design stages to cutting and printing your very own lino cut image.

Workshop Dates: Sunday 28th September Sunday 5th October
The cost is £45 per person and booking is essential.
Call For Every Cloud on 01458251475

VENUE 126 SHAVE FARM STUDIOS
ARTISTS: ROWENA PEARCE, TERRI HOGAN, KAY LEWIS-BELL & ANNIE FRY 
The artists at Shave farm invite you to bring a picnic (minus cake - apparently their Gallery Cafe serves the most astonishing treats!) and to wear your old clothes so that you may truly get stuck in with the array of workshop activities that will be on offer, including clay, willow and metal casting. The day also promises live bands and drumming sessions - sounds like a mini festival to me.

This event is FREE
Saturday 27th September 11am - 6pm
Call 01749 812335 for further details.

KAY LEWIS-BELL VENUE 126

To get the full picture of all that is happening during SAW 2014 do send for your free brochure by calling the SAW office on 01458 253800. Alternatively look out for them in various outlets of an artistic calling across the region!