Art in the Park debut in Jephson Gardens

For the first time ever, Jephson Gardens will become the stage of an exciting
contemporary art fest with cultural activities and events for all the family.

A Gentle Stroll by Kim and Paul Ingvar

On 2^nd-3^rd of August, Leamington StudioArtists (LSA) will be holding Leamington’s first ever Art in the Park event in Jephson Gardens.

Sponsored by LSA and the Warwickshire District Council Arts Development Grant scheme, the two-day event will be showcasing an eclectic selection of painting, photography, sculpture, crafts, jewellery, live music, dance, theatre and demonstrations by local and regional artists.

Tree carving by Graham Jones

Among the many artists involved will be Birmingham sculptor, Graham Jones, who will be creating a chainsaw sculpture live, and Leamington artist, Sonia Bubliatis, whose works are currently on show at Ryton Gardens, will be presenting an installation of her ‘log canvases’ created using recovered or dying wood.

A 'log canvas' by Sonia Bubliatis

Kim and Paul Ingvar of KPI Images, will be presenting a fascinating series of digital works, featuring surreal and ‘otherworldy’ images of some of Leamington’s key landmarks, whilst Caroline Gatehouse and pointillist artist Bryan Kelly will be exhibiting a selection of paintings inspired by landscapes and nature.

The Yellow House by Bryan Kelly

Ceramicist and glassworker, Gabrielle Rucinski, whose works have been included in the famous Wedgewood ‘Artisans Collection’, will be running a free pot making activity, where people of all ages can create their own pot to take home and keep. At the end of the weekend, the pots will be taken to be fired and participants will be able to collect them from Gallery150, in 9 Livery Street, Leamington.

Local organisation Swirls, who promote collaboration between schools, providing a wide range of engaging learning activities, will be presenting Birdsong, an exhibition of art works created by South Leamington Schools, in the Glasshouse.

At 3-5:45 pm on Saturday afternoon, Heartbreak Productions will be holding a free performance of their innovative adaption of Macbeth, directed by Oliver Hume.

A scene from Macbeth, performed by Heartbreak Productions

Sponsored by Wright Hassall, BRINK Productions, will be bringing a dynamic, urban edge to the event with a live painting demo in the Pump Room Gardens. During the event, Leamington’s iconic bandstand will be ‘wrapped’ in canvas and the creativity of five of the UK’s top street artists will be unleased to create a colourful contemporary mural that will be visible from every angle. The entire event will be documented in a stop motion video.

A contemporary mural by Brink Productions

Children will also be able to take part in a balloon art card competition, where they will be able to decorate their cards and launch their balloons throughout the weekend or in the group balloon launch on the last day of the event. The winners will be the art cards that are sent back or phoned in as having travelled the furthest distance. People can also report and/or photograph their balloon art finds by posting them on the Art in the Park LSA Twitter or Facebook page. The prizes have been kindly donated by WH Smiths Leamington.

As well as these events, there will also be live Salsa, Hair Art by Jane Ward and garden-inspired body painting.

Long-standing LSA member, Mo Finnessey, who is the mind behind the event said:  “The idea for Art in the Park came to me after seeing Art in Action, at Waterperry Gardens, in Oxford. It was so exciting to see so many artists doing live demonstrations of their work and I thought how wonderful it would be if LSA could hold an event like that in Jephson Gardens. There is such an active and vibrant, local arts community and it has always been my dream to organise an event where artists can promote their art or craft and engage directly with the public.”

Refreshments will be provided throughout the weekend by St Mary’s Church, with the proceeds donated to Myton Hospice. Food and drink will also be available at the newly-opened ‘Larder’, in the Aviary.

If you would like to take part or would like to help at the event, please contact Carole Sleight on 07768 617081 or e-mail Carole@artinpark.co.uk.

Art in the Park will open its doors on Saturday, 2^nd of August, from 11am-6pm and Sunday, 3^rd from 11am-4pm.