Art & culture

HAND-CRAFTED BY ÆRØ FIREBRANDS

CREATIVE SOULS FIND THEIR WAY TO ÆRØ It seems that Ærø readily attracts creative firebrands, and the island is fertile ground for art and culture . In both the large towns and the small villages, local islanders and newcomers alike show a keen entrepreneurial mindset . They devote their creativity to experimenting and expressing themselves – and the results are a delight . LOCAL ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT – WITH A PERSONAL TOUCH Some contribute to a significant production of art, while others help initiate exciting cultural activities . For example, you can visit wonderful (and sometimes downright quirky) galleries that present relevant photo art, unique jewellery, ceramics, woven goods, sculptures and fascinating installation art . And, of course, much of what is on display is for sale, too . CONCERT, TOWN FESTIVAL, YOGA OR GUIDED TOUR? You can also attend great concerts or visit one of Ærø’s traditional – and often thematic – town festivals . Or draw inspiration from talks by contemporary authors, micro-festivals, dance performances, yoga workshops and guided tours .

HAMMERICHS HUS IN ÆRØSKØBING

ÆRØ JAZZ FESTIVAL IN ÆRØSKØBING

MUST-SEE ART & CULTURE ON ÆRØ

The atmospheric and authentic book store Creutz Boghandel in Ærøskøbing often hosts interesting, intimate meetings with contemporary authors – and stocks both relevant, carefully selected literature and top quality stationery .

The libraries in Ærøskøbing and Marstal also regularly arrange intellectual and informative events centred around talks by authors .

Experience world-class photographic art at Galleri Maria Fynsk Norup, which is located just outside Ærøskøbing . In her work, this award-winning photographic artist often involves the self-portrait as a medium to support the narrative of the images . She turns her aesthetic eye on the melancholy aspect of existence, the right to be in this world and the raw poetry of nature .

The art college on the outskirts of Søby traditionally holds a free summer art exhibition. In 2023, the exhibition, which consists of works by the graduating students, will be presented in the area around the harbour in Søby . As mentioned, the exhibition is free of charge – as are guided tours for groups of more than eight people . Ærø Museum gives you the chance to experience a voyage through time: the art/history exhibition entitled “Ærø – our island” presents stories and artefacts associated with life on Ærø through the centuries, from the ancient rural society on the island to modern day life as an Ærø resident .

Treat yourself to a festival! The festivals on Ærø are small and intimate, but the lineups are just as exciting as at the bigger versions . In Marstal, it is the Archipelago Festival you should attend – a modern festival of culture featuring both conversations and music, while in Ærøskøbing, the venerable Ærø Jazz Festival should claim your attention . Every year, this festival draws internationally recognised performers to the island .

Historically, Ærø was a seafaring society (and it still is, to some extent), and this is something you can clearly sense at the “brown hostelries” on the island . Step inside one of them for a shot of maritime ambience along with a glass of fine ale – and perhaps a story from the seven seas .

No matter whether it is Grollefesten in Marstal, Eventyrfesten in Ærøskøbing or Risefesten in Store Rise, the town festivals on Ærø are anything but dull . Come and join the fun when local residents and visitors – children and adults alike – mix, mingle and party like there’s no tomorrow .

In summer 2023 the Open Air Ballet by the Royal Theatre in Denmark will take place on Ærø . Keep an eye on the event calendar at visitaeroe .com/events for dates and more information .

Visit the German artist Silke Bryant at her studio in Marstal . Silke’s artistic output is always inspired by her surroundings . She is particularly enamoured with the sea and the delightful villages on Ærø, and she works these motifs into her sketches and acrylic paintings, watercolours and pastel works . You can also sign up for one of her painting courses, take part in an Urban Sketching Walk or try Urban Sketching for yourself – all under Silke’s expert guidance . You may well awaken your own, inner artist …

Keep an eye on visitaeroe .com/events for details of talks by authors, town festivals and other events .