Artists and the public enjoy the art at the show.
The second Off the Walls art show, which is supported by Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council, and held last Saturday at the Gill Nethercott Centre, was first-rate: there were numerous local artists displaying their talented artistic skills for use with our “Off the Walls” project.
It was also a time to celebrate and share our first birthday with our members and the public, including the Mayor of Whitchurch and various representatives of local community groups and government.
Whitchurch Mayor Vince Bradbury dropped by to enjoy the art and meet local artists. Later, he "had a go" at doing some creative artistry himself!
Everyone was encouraged to “have a go” at being creative: Graham Burgess offered a toffee in reward for those who thought they could not “draw for toffee” – and yet within minutes of taking a simple course were able to cast aside basic impediments to thinking and drawing creatively.
Many "had a go" at being creative for a toffee, with Graham.
In the afternoon, Whitchurch’s Yallah Dancers demonstrated and then involved others in some creative bending of bodies as several tried their hand (and bellies!) at belly dancing. Graham Burgess, Director of Arts, was impressed with all the talents on display – so much so that he composed a poem called ‘BELLYGIAN CHOCOLATE‘ on the spot.
One member of the public commented, “I didn’t realise how artistic Whitchurch was!”. A few visitors decided then and there to sign up as members of Whitchurch Arts. Jude Price, our committee member responsible for the Off the Walls project, hailed the day a success.
The next exciting step for the Off the Walls project is the creation of an online management system which artists and venues can use to track and select works for their walls. A proof-of-concept system was created for demonstration at this show by talented programmer Steve Morris.
A local poet was inspired by other artists' works.
Be on the look-out for an article and picture about this show in the Basingstoke Gazette and Andover Advertiser in the coming weeks.
Art for your business’ wall is available – if you’d like some for your Whitchurch business, then please contact us and we’ll help you be a part of this exciting community project.
Thanks are extended once again to Basingstoke and Deane for their assistance with the Off the Walls project.
Tags: Gill Nethercott Centre, Off The Walls, Reports