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Music and Art
September 11 - 26 Devon Open Studios
Artists all over Devon will be throwing open their doors and inviting people to look behind the scenes of an artist’s studio this September. More than 300 artists are taking part in this year’s Devon Open Studios, with a range of free exhibitions, workshops and opportunities to see artists at work. The art and craft on display will include drawing, painting, sculpture, tapestry, ceramics, jewellery and glasswork. Artists range from new talent to experienced professionals, all keen to share their inspiration and creativity with visitors.
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September 4 & 5 Salmon
MED Theatre is enjoying its relaunch into the world of live theatre having already performed its latest dance drama, ‘Earth Wind Fire’ to a full house, and is excited to introduce its latest community play commission, ‘Salmon’. Written by artistic director Mark Beeson in collaboration with three young writers and freelance consultant Florrie Taylor, ‘Salmon’ aims to encourage communities along the river to engage with its history, nature and future. The Dartmoor-based theatre company has partnered with The River Teign A spokesperson for Devon Open Studios said: ‘More artists than ever are taking part in this year’s event, which offers a fantastic opportunity to meet artists working in their studios in some of Devon’s beautiful locations. During Open Studios, visitors will be able to see artists’ work, watch demonstrations and take part in activities. Of course,
Restoration Project to raise the profile of the River Teign among the local community and to ask why the numbers of salmon and other fish have declined in the river in recent years. MED Theatre’s other contributions to the project include education outreach workshops which will tour schools and youth settings near the River Teign, and a poetry and creative writing competition open to the public, to be launched in September after the production.
by Jim Wileman
there’s also the opportunity to buy, and it’s much more satisfying to purchase a piece of art when you’ve met the artist, seen them working and heard about their inspiration.’ Devon Open Studios guides are available from community venues, libraries and tourist information offices.
The play will be performed beside the river at Fingle Bridge on September 4th at 2.30pm and 7pm and in Hearn Field, Haccombe-with-Combe on September 5th at 7pm. ‘Salmon’ aims to engage people with the issues facing the river, as well as encourage them to enjoy the riverside environment whilst learning about how the river affects people from all walks of life.
Visit www.medtheatre.co.uk for tickets and more information
September 10-12 Whiddon Autumn Festival
The Whiddon Autumn Festival (WAF) is a new arts festival set to take place every September across the picturesque Whiddon Parishes of North Dartmoor.
Some of the UK’s most talented young musicians will converge for six musical events spread over three days, curated by local-born artistic director Freddie Crowley. The musical offering will include chamber music, solo song, education workshops, community participation events, and choral performances by Ensemble-in-Residence the Corvus Consort.
Events will take place in Chagford, Gidleigh, Throwleigh and Drewsteignton churches.
The Festival has four core aims: • to present world-class live music
Artwork to say thank you
A local art group have created a textile hanging as a thank you to local NHS staff.
The hanging, consisting of nine panels of textile flowers, is on display in Okehampton Medical Centre. The artwork was created by a group taking part in the Art for All project, run by West Devon Art Workshops and funded by Okehampton United Charities.
The project aimed to bring together a group to experiment with techniques and help with social isolation. The sessions were run over Zoom and the group was asked to donate individual squares to create a hanging, which could be displayed in the local community.
in a part of the country that so infrequently sees professional classical music performances. • to provide a platform for young musicians in the early stages of their professional careers, particularly at this very difficult time for freelance artists.
• to deliver education workshops for local children, encouraging enjoyment & participation in music from an early age, and promoting values of teamwork and collectivity through group singing. • to engage and involve the community by holding participatory events which offer local residents the opportunity to join with our professional artists in a collective performance. Over the next few years, WAF will be expanded to include more events with a wider variety of musical genres and styles, and aims to become a cornerstone of Devon’s cultural calendar.
Tickets and full concert information is available via www.whiddonautumnfestival.co.uk
Project leader Gill Cairns said: ‘I wanted to run a project where people could work together to produce something for the community which would lift the spirits and thank the NHS. ‘I came up with the idea for a textile hanging with the theme of flowers, so it would be bright and colourful. ‘The course has been very successful, the participants have all been so enthusiastic and enjoyed sharing ideas. They have created some beautiful work which has exceeded my expectations. I want to thank everyone for the hours of work they have put in.’ The Art for All project will be continuing from September with short courses at the Ockment Centre. For information go to www.westdevonartworkshops.co.uk
THE FINEST ART FROM THE SOUTH WEST
Contemporary and traditional fi ne art, ceramics, glass and jewellery from the South West of England
Pew Tor by Rebecca De Mendona Mckenzie Mouse by Jo Lilley
Pheasant by Jennie Hale
