23/02/11…….Unusual art as Artsweeks spring into action
AN artist?s studio made from hay bales and a lion from an asthma inhaler in a Junk Jungle are just two of the unusual things to see during Oxfordshire Artweeks later this spring. Other surprises include a life-size rhino being decorated at Oxford Castle (though thankfully not a real one) and a garden of mystery and suspense in Wallingford.
Oxfordshire Artweeks will run from 7th-30th May, and this year sees more events than ever for both art aficionados and everyday enthusiasts with a series of art films in the city; a festival of illustration with acclaimed children?s illustrators Tony Ross and David McKee; and performances of Ballet in Small Spaces to complement an exhibition Drawing the Dance, Dancing the Image at The North Wall, Oxford. There?ll also be more of Artweeks ever-popular trails in the city, in the Cotswolds and elsewhere in the county.
More than a thousand artists from professional painters and serious sculptors to enthusiastic photographers and classes of school children will open up around 500 venues for free, and exhibit everything from classical paintings and sculpture to jazzy jewellery and funky furniture so there?ll be plenty of surprises for adults and children alike. Visitors will have the chance to see the art produced in their own communities, to ask local artists about their inspirations, techniques and materials, and even have a go themselves.
You can pick up an Artweeks guide from libraries and local information points from April or visit: www.artweeks.org
Artweeks is celebrated across Oxfordshire in partnership with local arts centres, museums, and other Oxfordshire organisations, with support from Designers Guild.
Artweeks is Oxfordshire?s largest visual arts festival, a three-week celebration in May each year of the county?s artistic and creative talent, and the UK?s oldest and biggest Open Studios event.
Almost 1000 artists open the doors to their homes and studios and welcome the public to see their creations and watch them work. In 2010 over 107,000 people visited nearly 500 venues across the county.
All exhibitions are free.
Oxfordshire Artweeks 2011 is organised into three geographical areas:
South Oxfordshire Exhibitions: Saturday 7th – Sunday 15th May
North Oxfordshire Exhibitions: Saturday 14th ? Sunday 22rd May
City Exhibitions: Saturday 21st – Monday 30st May
Special events take place throughout April, May and June.
The Oxfordshire Visual Arts Festival (Artweeks) is a non profit-making company, limited by guarantee and owned by its members. Everyone is welcome to take part and there is no selection process for artists wishing to participate.
Artweeks vouchers: new for 2010
A convenient way to buy fabulous art and crafts for family and friends. Vouchers can be purchased from the Artweeks office in
