See SAW next year!

September: "I declare this bridge, open!" (the mayor, not me) Bridge opening ceremony over to Long run Meadows in Taunton with wishing bridge and more...

What would New Year's eve, nay, Christmas even, be without a review of the year! So far the delights of Christmas TV have brought us a top 10 or top 100 of just about everything from music and toys to TV adverts and those 'embarrassing' celebrity moments. Now with pleasure and without further ado, I bring you the unofficial SAW review of the year 2010!!!

And what a year its been!

Ok, we started the year (on a personal note) with I suppose what was my first real introduction to working with SAW through a public art project, called 'Routes, river, rail' working with local artist, Sue Palmer. This was a really exciting project and allowed us as artists to collect ideas from the community around some of the plans involved in the re-development of Taunton. This is really just a review, but elements of this study we hope will carry on into 2011. Please see following link to my blog about the project for further information:

http://routesriverrail.typepad.com/blog/

Later in July we had Fiona Campbell working on the 'Making Matters' project at Carrymoor featuring wire sculptures in the natural environment. In fact more recently there has been the 'Making Matters' Great Crane Project working with schools and local artists in West Sedgemoor, elements of this project which I believe are continuing on into 2011.

http://greatcraneart.blogspot.com/2010_10_01_archive.html

In the summer of 2010 via a networking evening hosted by SAW a new group of artists 'emerged' on the scene. Thus SEAN, or Somerset emerging artists network was born. Starring all your favourite protagonists, the art group, SEAN, started as they hope to continue with an exhibition at the Auction House in Taunton, Somerset. Featuring pretty much a consensus of current or past Somerset College, Fine Art graduates (what can I say? I'm bias) as well as several emerging artists from the South West the show was a diverse collection of contemporary work and styles.

The summer time was certainly not a quiet one and the 'Safe routes' project with SPAEDA and SAW took place with lead artist Julie Roberts working with students at Taunton Academy.

In September all the planning and preparation had finally paid off and Somerset Art Weeks 2010 was launched! This year being an open studios event and was choc full of artistic talent! We had pottery, jewellery, art books, installation, painting, textiles, photography and more! The recession certainly hadn't dampened the enthusiasm and verve of work on offer this year, in fact it meant artists could utilise their studio spaces inviting new dialogue with their visitors and in some cases find unusual venues that were free, like the Tithe barn in Cotley that myself and three other artists were given to use this year. There were loads of special events that took place making this year's art weeks very busy and exciting and probably cannot be done justice in so few words. One particular event of note however was that Art weeks also saw 2010 Reveal award winner, Kitty Hillier have her show of new work at Black Swan arts in Frome. Stay tuned for info of the next year's upcoming art weeks...

When we had time to rest on our laurel's the SEAN artists decided it would be fun to take part in the 'Bridge Opening Ceremony' at Longrun Meadows in Taunton. The ceremony was organised by local musician, Tim Hill and saw The Albion Horns, a troll and many more characters gather at the new bridge to open it in style!

We 'found our way' in October with an artist networking and pecha kucha session at Barrington Court and then by the end of October and November we were protesting against the cuts to arts funding in Somerset.

Phew! And that really isn't probably the half of it! There are plenty of projects taken up by individuals and groups of artists within SAW that took place in 2010. Musgrove Park Hospital, The Octagon, SPAEDA, Take art, Air Gallery, Ilminster Arts centre and honestly so many many more groups and places in which fantastic art projects were made possible in 2010! Then, just when everyone thought they could relax the work for 2011 and art weeks had began!

Thank you very much for reading, I wish you all an arty and prosperous New Year! I have no doubt that there will be plenty more adventures so please as always, keep me posted!

September: Somerset Art weeks Open Studios

November: Save the arts demonstration

July: Somerset emerging artists network exhibition at the Auction House, Taunton


January-March: SAW funded 'Routes, river, rail' project for Taunton Deane

July-September: Making matters project at Carrymoor with artist Fiona Campbell

September: Reveal artist, Kitty Hillier exhibits new work at Black Swan arts

Lest we forget the Turner Prize.

Monday December the 6th saw Susan Philipsz become the 2010 Turner Prize winner. The fourth female artist to win the Prize (but, alas, not where this debate is going today) and also the first sound artist to win the prize.

The annual art prize hosted by the Tate is now in its 26th year and still attracts a lot of attention from visitors and media alike, often promoting debate and in past years causing controversy (like the now infamous year Tracey Emin's 'Bed' was on show in 1999). In the past it seemed that the prize was an annual event in which the 'Is this art?' debate would once again brought into the public arena via the media. However in recent years the controversy, it seems, has died down, at least in terms of the way the prize is covered in the press. I wonder if the 'Is it art debate?' is truly old old now and if perhaps the question isn't so much about accepting if something can be art, but instead is about asking, why and how the art was made?

Speaking from an art background myself, I don't think I've ever found the Turner Prize to be more 'controversial' or spark any more debate than any other contemporary art I may have seen around the same time. I'd always thought that that in a way questioning and challenging the viewer to think was the whole point of art in the first place? Although, this opinion aside, in terms of how the Prize is portrayed in the media it seems like either one of two things is happening; either we as a Nation viewing art have become more 'used to' or accepting of contemporary art. Are we more adjusted to the potential of walking into an art gallery with the expectation that we could see a sawed in half cow, or piano suspending from the ceiling, or a room full of seeds? Or, is, like some people have written, it that the Turner Prize just not as exciting as in past years? And if so, why? In terms of contemporary art there are definitely plenty of exciting, fresh and poignant artists working, if you want proof take a look at the artists mentioned in my Liverpool Biennial blog and even in the not as media centred world of Somerset I have had the pleasure of seeing work by artists who are certainly working with exciting mediums and ideas in their practices.

Back to the point though, I think maybe the real problem the Turner Prize faces is expectation itself. If we always expect it to be controversial, contemporary, political, funny, outrageous, weird, moving or any number of things it has been in the past, we can only be left disappointed. The prize offers only a chunk of what the bigger art picture has to offer. What its legacy as a prize has left however, has given us some artists like Grayson Perry, Chris Ofili, Anya Gallaccio and so many more. Perhaps without the prize we'd have ended up finding these artists anyway through other awards or exhibitions, but the Turner Prize above all others does have a catalyst-like affect in making artists rise to fame more quickly.

It may be true that audiences are becoming increasingly more difficult to surprise or shock (if those things matter in your practice) but it also means that people are more accepting and willing to understand and read into art. All of this hypothetical type of speculation makes me interested to see how the Turner Prize will evolve in the way its chooses the four artists up for nomination each year? And, perhaps more interestingly in what ways will artists continue to invent and re-invent new art works that continue the debate ever onwards? Too much, to talk about on here, but definitely one reason why, personally myself, am always interested in the Turner Prize, because like all good art, whether 'technically/conceptually' good or not, it always makes you think.

(above) Susan Philipsz original location in Glasgow for the sound installation 'Lowlands' This year's winner of the Turner Prize

If you missed the first Pow wow catch it again here!

If you missed catching Jon's studio during art weeks this year why not have a look at the following video:

You can watch the new film 'Pow wow' by Emma Holbrook featuring Jon England and Ted Milligan by clicking on thie following link: http://laconicfilm.co.uk/v2/

If any other SAW members would like links to their videos and projects posted onto the SAW blog please get in touch by dropping an email to: press@somersetartworks.org.uk We'd love to hear from you!

Think outside the box!

Behold!

This is the box.

So here's the box and we're inviting artists to submit their ideas for their creative projects that show 'outside of the box thinking'. So think, on the box, around the box, on top of the box, to the side of the box, underneath, next to, in front or behind the box, anywhere but in the box. Not that inside the box is such a bad place to be, if you're Rachel Whiteread for example, inside the box might be exactly where you want to be and that's fine. 'Out of the box' way of thinking is what artists often do anyway, and challenges the norm, surprises/shocks, thinks laterally and more.

We've established that most of the time artists are thinking outside of the box, coming up with innovative, imaginative and unconventional ideas. For art weeks 2011 (yes, we start planning them even now!) SAW are encouraging and supporting local artists to submit ideas for creative projects that may involve the community, be installation or performance based, be in unusual settings, have a different collaboration of artists working together etc. The list is endless and of course there is still the opportunity to take part in art weeks as normal with group shows and exhibitions.

So why not take up the challenge and see if you can think outside the box?

Please read the following information about this idea from the SAW web page:

Somerset Art Weeks 2011 will focus on group exhibitions, projects and events, and will be a celebration of the creative abilities of artists and their eagerness to expand their horizons and think "outside the box".The major difference for the 2011 event is that each entry will require at least four artists/makers to exhibit in one venue. We also encourage community groups, schools and non-profit making groups/organisations to take part. We welcome individuals and organisations who present a diverse range of media from pottery, painting and watercolour to new technology, installation and live arts.

Think Outside the Box...Somerset Art Weeks 2011 provides an opportunity for artists/makers to promote their work beyond the ‘Open Studio’ format. The event encourages SAW members to invite other artists from outside Somerset to create and showcase work, or show their own work in public places. These places will include village halls, skittle alleys, shop windows, public sites etc. Reduce rate is available for non-selling exhibition/project, such as site-specific installations, new media and interventions.

Somerset Art Weeks 2011 is an opportunity to showcase the Visual Arts in Somerset, whether it be four artists displaying work on a joint theme or project, or workshops and events: ‘Art is for Everyone’ will be the strap line.

If you would like to discuss with us about your project or seeking artists/venue, please contact Zoe Li, Art Weeks Coordinator on zoe.li@somersetartworks.org.uk

For more information on art weeks 2011 and how to apply please click on this lovely link below:

http://www.somersetartworks.org.uk/node/6606

Art book of the month: November

　
In 2009 the contemporary art exhibition called ‘Triparks’ succeeded in offering an alternative way of perceiving the landscape of three National Parks and the people who live there. In the book of the same name new and returning viewers can be inspired by the work created from six artists working across three National Parks; Dartmoor, Exmoor and Northumberland.

‘Triparks’ saw six artists take up a residency in one of the three parks in which they researched and produced work in response to their experiences in the landscape. The work created as a result was diverse in style and thought provoking. In particular, the Exmoor artists who were hosted by project partners Somerset Art Works included, Harald Smykla’s maps of Exmoor which feature hand written annotations, references to poetry, drawings, marks and stains and Karen Guthrie's 'National dress' for Exmoor which was inspired by, designed and in-turn worn by local people creates a real sense of place and both make visually engaging works of art.

Overall the book, ‘Triparks’ acts a bit like an exhibition catalogue in the way the work of each of the six artists is documented through both colour images and a brief but pertinent written explanation by the artists themselves. With links to the artists' websites it is useful in providing an invitation for further enquiry. A good record of what was a fantastic exhibition that inspires its audience to rediscover England's National Parks.

Price: £14.99
ISBN: 978-0-9566114-0-6
Author: Aune Head Arts
Hardback: 37 pages
Available from: www.auneheadarts.org.uk
　

Friday 19th November: BV Open Studios

Greetings! Last Friday myself and a friend attended the BV open studios in Bristol. For those of you who (like myself until recently) might be wondering what BV studios are then please read the following info about them taken from their blog:

'BV Studios, a new and exciting development of artists’ studios in Bristol, is opening its doors to the public for the first time with an Open Studios event in November 2010.The converted 30,000 square foot warehouse is located in the heart of industrial Bedminster, in the space formerly occupied by the Wiltshire Print Works.The studio building currently houses over 80 professional artists who have been selected based on the quality of their work and commitment to their creative practices. The artists work in a variety of mediums and range from recent promising graduates to award winning, international and established artists.'

Over 80 artists! That sounds great to me, and it really was! After visiting the equally exciting Jamaica Street studios in Bristol this summer, I was looking forward to a similar experience of seeing a diversity of different art styles and studio spaces. So on the evening of Friday the 19th after a half an hour train journey to Bristol and 'slight detour' to get some fish and chips we arrived at the bustling BV studios in Bedminster (and believe me, it really was bustling!). During the two hours we were there there was no way near enough time to see all the work and talk to artists, so its taken some thinking to remember all the stuff I saw. Actually what I found to be more or as interesting as seeing/meeting the artists was the whole atmosphere of Bristol as an art community and seeing so many more artists my own age involved in the arts there, it was inspiring. I think refreshing too, to see a space that wouldn't be used, like the one at Jamaica Street, being inhabited and cared for by artists. The kind of hub of excitement it created in that particular part of Bedminster that evening (as I'm sure it will continue to do) was something I would love to see in my own town.

Below are a selection of images from the work of artist's who have a studio space there.Just to give you a taste. If you'd like to see any of the other artists' websites follow the link to the BV studios blog below:

http://www.bvstudios.blogspot.com/

(above) Sophie Woodrow

http://www.sophiewoodrow.co.uk/

(above) Mariele Neudecker
http://www.marieleneudecker.co.uk/

(above) Alex Korzer-Robinson
http://www.alexanderkorzerrobinson.co.uk/

(above) Lydia Halcrow

http://www.lydiahalcrow.com/

(above) Stewart Geddes

http://www.stewartgeddes.com/

Liverpool Biennial top 10!

(above) image from Eva Kotatkova's 'Stories from the living room' -'Reminds me of Magritte, surrealism, the anime, 'Spirited away' and the whole imagination you have when you're a child (not so long ago for me).'

At last! Here it is. A little bit in retrospect, but finally I am pleased to share with you my top 10 things to see in this year's Liverpool Biennial!

(above) Sachiko Abe performing her piece 'Cut papers' in the Blade Factory

(above) Tehching Hsieh’s 'One year performance' at FACT in Liverpool

(above) Do Ho Suh's 'Bridging Home' commissioned for the 2010 biennial

In no particular order, and with links to web pages so you can see the work more clearly here we go...

1) Do Ho Suh - Bridging Home

Site specific commissioned installation for this year's biennial featuring a scale model of the artist's own Korean house from his childhood wedged between two buildings on Duke Street. A really interesting artist if you look at his other work, that is political and visually dynamic at the same time.

http://biennial.com/content/LiverpoolBiennial2008/International10Touched/DoHoSuh11/Overview.aspx

2)Eva Kot’átková - Stories from the living room

Kot’átková’s project for Touched brings together people from Liverpool at different stages of life whose experiences and personal histories have been informed by a variety of social environments. Over several weeks some school children and some adults met separately and together in order to share and record – with various devices and in different formats – their respective life stories. Her work is presented in the form of drawings and installation.

http://artnews.org/evakotatkova/?s=1

3)Sachiko Abe - Cut papers

Definitely one of the most talked about things at this year's biennial and rightly so. Put simply it is a performance piece in which the artist is cutting paper from atop the tower in the blade factory in which the cut slithers of paper are left to fall in a floating delicate trail down from where she's sitting. It says so much about childhood, meditation, elements of Japanese culture, repetition and so much more in such a beautifully simple way.

http://www.afoundation.org.uk/bulletin/06.10.10.html

4) Tehching Hsieh -One year performance

Another performance artist, but this one is displayed as a visual record of thousands of photo portraits of the artist as he embarked on the original performance in which he took a photo of himself every hour for an entire year. Mind-numbingly brilliant when you see this work taking up the entire wall space of the FACT gallery.

http://biennial.com/content/LiverpoolBiennial2008/International10Touched/TehchingHsieh11/Overview.aspx

5) George Gilbert Scott -Liverpool Cathedral bell tower

'Its art but not as we know it.' Whilst the breath-taking views from the top of the tower might not be an 'official' part of the biennial experience it is certainly is worth checking out and remains one of my highlights (no pun intended) of the biennial. Awesome.
http://www.liverpoolcathedral.org.uk/about/the-tower.aspx

6) Bloomberg new contemporaries - (its all good but one artist who I seem to be mentioning to a lot of people is Sam Knowles)

The whole collective group of artists in the Bloomberg new contemporaries is really interesting but if I had to mention one in particular it would be Sam Knowles. Check his work out and see...

http://www.sam-knowles.co.uk/

7) Izumi Taro -Media Landscape Zone East

A video artist who exhibited with at least 20 other video artists from the East. This was a brilliant group show where you could look at videos in the way you look at paintings, there was something about it that held you're attention and made you curious to look.

http://biennial.com/content/LiverpoolBiennial2008/LiverpoolBiennial2010/CityStates2010/MediaLandscapeZoneEast/Overview.aspx

8) Christina Lucas - Touch and go

Another excellent video displayed inside the now derelict and empty Scandinavian Hotel/ Europleasure building in which suspicious looking elderly people walk past and throw rocks through the windows of the same building that you're watching the film in. Funny, unexpected, subversive and in one heck of an amazing space.

http://www.vanilladays.com/gallery/2010/09/touch_and_go_by_cristina_lucas/

9) Diago Hernandez - Homesick

An artist exploring themes of identity and culture through the medium of postcards! I'm right to be excited, as I have a bit of a love of using postcards in art and I really thought his simple cut postcard collages were really beautiful little pieces of work. Check him out in the Tate Liverpool if interested.

http://biennial.com/content/LiverpoolBiennial2008/International10Touched/DiangoHernandez11/Overview.aspx

10) Nicholas Hlobo - Ndize

The winner of the best, most treacherous installation at this year's biennial! Picture the scene, an entire room full of coloured ribbons hanging the entire height from the ceiling to the floor, masses of it! You, the unsuspecting, slightly tentative viewer, battling with thoughts of whether, 'Am I allowed in? Am I supposed to walk in here?' and then when you do finally decide to enter you get completely lost and tangled up in the technicolour ribbon jungle that is this piece of work. Along the way you find people (also as stuck and confused as you) sculptures by the artist and the occasional window, door or wall. A great experience even though as far as what it means I haven't gone into, sometimes you just need to go in there amongst the ribbons!

http://biennial.com/content/LiverpoolBiennial2008/International10Touched/NicholasHlobo11/Overview.aspx

Save the arts!

As it turns out quite a lot has happened and indeed is happening since I took my break away from writing the blog. Perhaps one of the most crucial being the devastating cuts that are being made to arts funding in Somerset and the rest of the country. It is therefore long overdue and worthy of a mention on this blog.

This is quite a difficult, complicated and important topic to talk about and one I may refer to for future posts on this blog. I feel its probably a both a difficult and potentially interesting, if un-nerving time to be an artist in Somerset with the current state of affairs being that Somerset County Council are going to cut the arts funding by 100% it is going to have a serious affect on many arts organisations, artists and the individuals who use, enjoy and benefit from what the arts bring to this county.

As a graduate and emerging artist (for want of a better word) in Somerset, I have used and been supported by artists and organisations who are arts funded and have learnt much from these opportunities of then which I have, in certain circumstances, been able to give back to the community through as a result of what I've learnt. I don't think I'm alone in this respect I think there are many graduates from all backgrounds (not just the arts) who may have benefited from the experiences and knowledge that the arts in Somerset offer. There's a lot more I could say, but won't for now, I just want to address the context of where I am coming from regarding the arts cuts.

I do not want to run into a political debate on this blog, but I am actually more interested in hearing how other artists are responding to the situation? How will artists adapt to survive through the cuts? Will the arts in Somerset disappear altogether (I don't personally think it will) and will it take new forms? What forms will this be?

I have my own views on these questions but would love to hear from you and feature them on a future post on this blog. Please get in touch.

(above) Image from David Shrigley's animation 'Save the Arts'

(below) Cornelia Parker's altered image of Antony Gormley's 'Angel of the North'

Please sign the petition on the link below:
http://savethearts-uk.blogspot.com/

And see/read about Somerset's own battle to save arts funding on the link below:
http://philshep.wordpress.com/


We'll try and keep you updated!

Finding your way...and what is a pecha kucha anyway?

The following images and comments are taken from the 'Finding your way' day event at Barrington Court on the 20th October. The day featured presentations from SCION’s curator, John Plowman and exhibiting artist Louise K Wilson.Louise K. Wilson’s artwork takes the form of installations, sound pieces, live events and videos.

This event was aimed at local artists/emerging artists and graduates and any one who is interested in the arts as a way of discussing, networking and hearing the stories and examples of how other artists have 'found their way' in the arts and their practices. Or perhaps, as the case may be, they are all still 'finding their way', whatever that means? I think as an artist you are constantly looking to find your way, in terms of finding an answer, resolution, problem solving etc. Even sometimes simply finding your way through the current lack of employment/arts market or next opportunity, I guess we're all still finding our way. Be it as individuals or as groups. Although I didn't attend this event (I was at the Liverpool biennial at the time-probably lost in a disused building/exhibition space or in a bar, but anyway..) I think it sounded useful and probably quite inspiring. It must certainly be of great help to hear of the experiences of other artists who are/have made the transition between graduating and establishing their art practice in the art world. At the event this took the form of talks from recent graduates from the University of Lincoln, Amelia Beavis-Harrison and Alan Armstrong. Presenting together they shared their experience of establishing their practices and various projects since graduation three years ago.

The Pecha Kucha part of the days events sounded particularly encouraging too. For those of you, like me wondering what a pecha kucha is then here's some info:

Pecha Kucha! - a simple Power Point presentation format where each artist show 20 images, each for 20 seconds. The images forward automatically and the artist talks along to the images, in this way each artist will be able to present their work for 6 minutes 40 seconds.

Ah! Ha! So its like a kind of group crit, or showcase for your work. Sounds good to me and from looking at the photos three artists I happen to know were there, Gary Dickins, Liz Fathers and Lucy Lean so I'm sure it was an interesting, dynamic part of the day!

If you would like the opportunity to share your experiences as an artist then please get in touch, or if you're a recent graduate looking for a sense of direction then please send us an email.

Anyway, enough from me here's what some of you who went to the event had to say:

“I met up with some friends, talked to others whose name I knew, but had never met and exchanged conversation and ideas with a new group of people. It was very exciting to hear that people were self-motivated, despite hard times... I was very impressed with the architecture and fittings , to say nothing of the gardens at Barrington. I would love to photograph the whole place.” – Mel Sewell

“I had a fantastic day on Wednesday. I feel strongly that sharing experiences in that kind of way is extremely valuable for artists at all stages of their careers. I thought the Pecha Kucha was a really successful vehicle for a number of artists to share the ideas behind their practice quickly and clearly. And was intrigued to see how a seemingly prescribed format can be interpreted very individually.” – Fiona Cassidy

On an end note, if you're still trying to find your way like me, you might as well enjoy the journey.

We're back!

We're back!

After a summer of gearing up for art weeks and running away with the circus we're finally back!

We're back! The SAW blog is back with a vengeance, well, maybe not too much vengeance, but none the less, we're back coming to you live from the art world that is Somerset and beyond. Every week posting to you the latest in art news/events/exhibitions and projects from home grown Somerset artists and more.

Why the image of shoes? I figured that after an absence from blogging for the last month that coming back to the blog would be like putting on an old pair of shoes after not wearing them all summer. What a summer it has been too, with all the activities and exhibtions that went on during art weeks I needed a couple weeks just to recoperate from it all! There will be more information and highlights from this years Somerset art weeks to come in future posts.

So without further ado, I think its time to start running.

Enjoy!

And last but not least!

Here it is! The last but by no means least venue I visited during art weeks this year. Jane Mowet, Jenni Dutton and Jane Crockett's studio spaces at Hurstone studios (just a little bit further up the hill than the other Hurstone studios). They're still up there so if you'd like to know a bit more about them and their work please click on the link below.........

http://www.somersetartworks.org.uk/openstudios/hurstone-studios

(above/below) Jane Mowat's studio space at Hurstone

(below) Two of Jenni Dutton's sculptures on her studio wall at Hurstone

(below) Jenni Dutton's studio space at Hurstone

The artists still remain...

Once again, here are a few more images from SAW venues I visited during this years art weeks. The below are from Hurstone Studios, venues 24, 26 and 27. Whilst art weeks may have ended the artists who work in these studios are still there and more information about them and their work is available from the SAW website. Please click on the link(s) below:

http://www.somersetartworks.org.uk/openstudios/michael-fairfax

http://www.somersetartworks.org.uk/openstudios/louise-baker

http://www.somersetartworks.org.uk/openstudios/rebecca-macpherson

More from art weeks....

I know, Somerset art weeks may be over, but there are a couple more venues I managed to catch before the end and here they are:
Below are images of Jim Munnion's work space in Wiveliscombe. Whilst art week's are over you can still find out more about Jim's work by clicking on the link below:

http://www.somersetartworks.org.uk/openstudios/jim-munnion

Come on down to the Farm this Sunday!

To close Art weeks this year please join artists, Liz Fathers, Gary Dickins, Natalie Parsley and Hacker Farm who will be giving talks at their exhibition in the Tithe barn in Cotley, Nr Chard, this Sunday 2-5pm!

Look forward to seeing you there!

For more information look at Venue 41 in the SAW catalogue or click on the link below:

http://www.somersetartworks.org.uk/openstudios/out-context

(above) Liz Father's site specific installation at The Tithe barn in Cotley

(above) Natalie Parsley's tool paintings in the Tithe barn

(above) Video/sound installation and video by Hacker Farm also in the Tithe barn.

Click on the link below to see an article about this exhibition in this weeks Gazette:
http://www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk/leisure/whats_on/8416460.Art_Weeks_conclude_with_impressionistic_barnyard/

There's art in them thar hills!

There's only four more days of Somerset Art Weeks to go, but I'm still trying to catch as many shows as I possibly can. Today, I had the pleasure of visiting Sara Dudman, Phil Dudman and Michael Tarr's venue at The Lamb and Flag at Blagdon Hill.

There's a lot of work to see at this venue, its in a lovely village and right next to a pub so what more could you ask for! I would recommend catching this venue before the end of art weeks this year.

(above)One of Sara Dudman's paintings.

(above) Michael Tarr's delicious icecream paintings

(above) A few more of Sara Dudman's paintings

For more information on this venue please look at venue number 9 in the SAW catalogue. Or click on the lovely link below:

http://www.somersetartworks.org.uk/openstudios/sara-dudman-phil-dudman-and-michael-tarr

Youvil needs YOU!

Somerset Art weeks continue until this Sunday! So there's still time to check out and participate in the Youvil art project of which details can be read below:
Or click on the following link, venue 57 in the SAW catalogue:

http://www.somersetartworks.org.uk/openstudios/young-talent-octagon-theatre

Youvil needs you!
As part of this year’s Somerset Art Weeks Open Studio festival, the Young Art Promoters (YAP) need your help to create the fictitious town of 'Youvil' - population yet unknown but steadily rising...

Working in collaboration with professional artist Nina Wyllie and with the support of Spaeda (Somerset Arts Education Partnership), the Young Arts Promoters (aka YAP) have been stealthily transforming The Octagon Theatre in Yeovil into Youvil – a town created by the people for the people. Through a shared desire to produce participatory, celebratory and inclusive artwork, they have engineered innovative ways to interact with Yeovil and its inhabitants. Following their participation in a series of creative led workshops YAP are now inviting you through a series of task based instructions to share your stories, truths and experiences in an attempt to reveal the lives of those who move through Yeovil – ‘Youvil’.

To get the ball rolling we'd like to invite you to participate in one of the tasks being exhibited in ‘Youvil’:

task: Write down a significant moment (personal or public) that took place in Yeovil, that the people of Youvil could learn from.It doesn’t matter what you write just pick up a pen and share your experiences. Please send your responses on a postcard to:

Youvil, Octagon Theatre, Hendford, Yeovil, Somerset, BA20 1UX. Final date for accepted submissions: Friday 1st October 2010

As well as showcasing ‘Youvil’, The Octagon is becoming this year’s central hub for young people’s creativity in the festival, presenting two additional inspiring exhibitions. Somerset Rural Youth Project, as part of Somerset Art Work’s Making Matters, will present a selection of photographic images created by the shared experience of young and older generations working together. Also on offer a signpost show highlighting the artistic talent of young people from local schools and colleges; including Yeovil College, Westfield Community School, Fiveways School and the following Art Weeks venues: King’s College Taunton, Bruton School for Girls and Blue School.

So with an open invitation extended to all to get involved, why not send a postcard, and then come and check out ‘Youvil's’ very own post office. Scribble on a school desk, plant a magic wishing bean and discover the young artistic talent that’s on offer from across the county. Help us to make ‘Youvil’ your very own.

Exhibition: 18th September - 3rd October at the Octagon Theatre with special events taking place on Saturday 2nd October between 11am - midday. All exhibitions and participation is free.

Click on the below link for an interview with YAP on the radio:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p00b602y/The_Morning_Show_with_Emma_Britton_Low_interest_rates_Somerset_Art_Weeks_and_Ancient_Egypt/