ARTS
ARTS
By Julie Locke
VISUAL ART
Until Saturday 29 January from 9.30am at Ilminster Arts Centre, there is an exhibition of the prize winners’ artwork from the 2021 Open Art Competition and Exhibition. The exhibition will include paintings and sculpture. Free entry. All welcome. Open: Tuesday to Friday 9.30am to 3.30pm and Saturday 9.30am to 3.00pm (closes at 1.00pm on the final day of the exhibition). For more information, call 01460 54973 or visit www. ilminsterartscentre.com.
Until Saturday 29 January from 10.00am to 5.00pm at ACEarts, Somerton, there is an exhibition ‘The Red Dress and its Somerset Artisans’. Over 250 artisans, 29 countries, 1 dress – The Red Dress is a global collaborative embroidery project conceived by British artist Kirstie Macleod. Twelve years in the making, it seeks to connect individuals from all walks of life and provide a platform for women’s voices to be heard. This exhibition presents the unique garment alongside images and stories of the artisans who
helped create her, including the stitched work from eight local embroiderers who have contributed to The Red Dress. Open: Tuesday to Saturday. For further information, call 01458 273008 or visit www.acearts. co.uk.
Until Saturday 29 January from 10.00am to 5.00pm at ACEarts, Somerton, there is an exhibition ‘Hope Emerging’ by Tara Kennedy. Textile sculptures and wall art inspired by an emotional response to different cultures and religions suffering in conflict. Important messages of acceptance, empathy and
hope are shown emerging from this pain. Coloured yarns provide a metaphor expressing the transformation from blood spilt and the pain of suffering through graduated tones to ivory conveying hope. Open: Tuesday to Saturday. For further information, call 01458 273008 or visit www.acearts.co.uk. From Tuesday 1 to Saturday 19 February from 9.30am at Ilminster Arts Centre, there is an exhibition of work by the South Somerset Oil Painters. This group of ten artists began life in 2014 at the Arts Centre having attended art classes in
Volunteer at this year’s Somerton Festival! Whilst most of us are still recovering from the excesses of the festive season and sheltering from the wet and cold, the organisers of the Somerton Music & Arts Festival are busy planning for warmer and sunnier weather. With a full schedule of events, the 2022 Festival will extend to cover two weeks during July.
‘We have an action-packed couple of weeks in store, starting with the Art & Photography Exhibition as a precursor event in May.’ says Festival Chairman Cliff Bassett. ‘We are delighted to welcome back so many local artists and provide an opportunity for them to exhibit their work as part of the festival.’
Anybody interested in getting involved should contact hello@somerstock.co.uk. Here are just a few key events and activities to look out for: •
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The festival includes a full range of events taking place throughout Somerton, with Somerstock, Somerton’s own family-friendly, one-day music festival on 9 July. ‘We are proud to have The Hoosiers headlining Somerstock as part of their latest tour,’ continues Bassett. ‘It really puts us on the map!’ The organisers are also keen to recruit volunteers to help with stewarding at Somerstock as well as new members to join their team to help promote the festival – particularly generating more social media activity. ‘It’s a fantastic opportunity to get involved with a local event, support the community and join a friendly team working with some great acts.’ explains Bassett.
The Explosive Light Orchestra
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The Somerton Art & Photography Exhibition will open in the Parish Rooms on 28 May and run until 4 June, opening daily from 10am to 4pm (closed Sunday). Alongside the exhibition, the festival will be hosting talks and interactive workshops for all ages in the Pinney Room within the Parish Rooms throughout the week. Somerton Music & Arts Festival (1-14 July). Planning is underway with a number of events already announced, including the Bath Gilbert and Sullivan Society who will be opening the festival. Local band Not Like The Others will also be performing. The popular Festival Quiz will return as will Twisted Vinyl alongside Strictly Jive at the last event on 14 July. Somerstock (Saturday 9 July) – Early Bird Tickets available until the end of February. As well as the headliners The Hoosiers, the outdoor stages will also feature Alex Lipinski who delighted festival goers in 2021, popular artist Bess Atwell, AC/DC’s Chris Slade with a timeline of his music, Ska from the Decatonics and high
energy from Nick Parker and the False Alarms; once described as ‘A British Arcade Fire’. The festival also includes a celebration of ELO music from the Explosive Light Orchestra, reggae from the South West’s Irie Fire, folk rock from local band Kindred, the eclectic and atmospheric Shoun Shoun and the fabulous Young Martyrs, who will open the show. •
The Family Fun Day, now part of the Somerstock weekend, will take place at the Somerton Recreation Ground on Sunday 10 July.
Early Bird tickets for Somerstock will only be available until the end of February. To take advantage of the Early Bird discount or find out more about Somerstock and the volunteering opportunities, go to www. somertsock.co.uk and stock up early on some summer sunshine and music. More Information about the festival overall is at www.somertonartsfestival.co.uk. 21
