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!