Arts & Entertainment

Glaciers, stone and marble bring primal Iceland to gallery event

Words and photos by Katrina Ffiske

The exhibition, Tonia Gunstone X Jonathan Loxley: 63° N 19° W Coordinated, was previewed at the Vanner Gallery, Salisbury, at the beginning of November. There was a buzz the moment the doors opened, everyone welcomed in by David and Nic Christie, the owners of the gallery, with a glass of ice-cold prosecco or elderflower.

Both artists, Tonia Gunstone and Jonathan Loxley, were there to talk about their art, inspired by the landscape of Iceland. The paintings show artworks by Tonia who spent time in Iceland a year ago – the title of the exhibition showing the coordinates of where her time was spent.

Interested in the wilderness, Tonia has travelled to many places around the world. “I have always loved the landscape and our connection to it. I was drawn to Iceland because I am fascinated by the atmosphere and the geology of the country. The area I went to is linked with the glaciers and mountains. Glaciers are very primal and I was blown away by it.”

“I saw Tonia’s work during the Wylye Art Trail,” said David. “Once I heard about her trip to Iceland I knew this was an exhibition we wanted to have at the Vanner Gallery. Having seen the complete work I invited Jonathan, a local Salisbury sculptor, to come and see and respond to the paintings. They are two very talented artists that I feel honoured to have introduced.”

Once Jonathan had seen the artworks he set to work and created seven new works. He used a range of stone and marble. The works are a wonderful counterbalance to the sharp, crystal-clear works by Tonia. The movement and carving in the cold stone echoing the glaciers and mountains. The Italian marble pieces are smooth and finely finished while others, like the square work from Kilkenny stone, are more immediate and impulsive.

Like Tonia, Jonathan is passionate about the world around him. “It is a moving moment when I start work, the first impact of a tool, the first strike into a piece of stone which has been intact for tens of millions of years.”

One person who was pleased to be at the preview was Tom Corbin, the Mayor of Salisbury. He is a great champion of the arts: “Salisbury is thrilled to have the Vanner Gallery here showing the works of local artists. The city really does have a vibrant art community and as a council we do encourage many art groups and artists.” Jacquiline Cresswell, former arts curator of The Salisbury Cathedral, said: “This is an impressive exhibition, both Tonia and Jonathan have created inspiring works that complement each other.”

The exhibition runs until December 24, 2022. www.vannergallery.com

Tonia was inspired by the geology of Iceland

Photo by Ash Mills

The best artist graduates are coming to Salisbury

will include artists recently graduated from the leading universities in the UK.

In total, 38 universities took part in a nationwide selection process for the annual London exhibition in October. Over 200 graduates submitted their work, of which 48 artists were chosen to exhibit at Zari and Woolff galleries in Fitzrovia.

David visited both galleries during Frieze London, and with co-founder of the Graduate Art Show, Victoria Charlton and Salisbury-based curator Dina Bulavina has selected 24 artists to bring to Salisbury, including the recipient of the judge’s award, Lauren Goldie (pictured left). David can be contacted on: 01722 501 551 or at hello@vannergallery.com https://www.vannergallery.com

A Christmas Carol

Olivier Award winner, Guy Masterson, veteran of many smash hit solo works such as Under Milk Wood, Animal Farm and Shylock, presents Dickens’ classic festive fable.

Famed for bringing multiple characters to vivid life, Masterson gives us Scrooge, Marley, the Fezziwigs, the Cratchits, Tiny Tim et al in a riveting, one-man performance that will dazzle, enchant, and linger long in the memory.

Guaranteed to get you into the Christmas Spirit - in many more ways than one. 8-10 December www.wiltshirecreative.co.uk/

Local artist group holds annual winter exhibition

The Salisbury Group of Artists is holding its annual winter exhibition at Salisbury District Hospital from November 25

through to January 6, 2023.

Local landscapes and a variety of original artworks will be on display along the corridors.

The Salisbury Group of Artists is a vibrant, friendly and active arts group within and around the city.

Top: Walk in the snow by Lyn Ryder Left: Mount Cook, NZ by Paul Ryder

In the run up to the festive season there is a chance to view and purchase a unique Christmas present and commission on all sales is used by ArtCare to fund creative projects for the benefit of patients, staff and visitors to the hospital.

Artwork is free to view on the level 3 and 4 main corridors. www.artcaresalisbury.uk www.salisburygroupofartists. co.uk

Arts & Entertainment

Cinderella cast put the finishing touches to this year’s pantomime

Pantomime at the Playhouse is a Christmas tradition like no other. A special event for the festive season. This year’s show, Cinderella opened on November 26 and will run until January 8.

If the rehearsal photos are anything to go by, it promises to be great fun and another family favourite.

Previous award-winning pantomimes include Robin Hood (2019/20) Beauty and the Beast (2018/19) and Jack and the Beanstalk (2017/18).

This year, the tradition returns with a show packed with songs to sing along to, plenty of adventure, sparkle and laughs (all the family will enjoy this rags to riches tale).

Will Cinderella make it to the ball? Will the Fairy Godmother save the day? And will her step-sisters ever give her a rest and help her with the housework.

Gareth Machin, Wiltshire Creative’s artistic director, once again directs, having previously directed Snow White and the Happy Ever After Beauty Salon, Robin Hood, Little Robin Redbreast and The Night Before Christmas, at the Playhouse. www.wiltshirecreative.co.uk/ whats-on/christmas/cind-2022/

From top, clockwise: Samuel Ashall (who plays Male Swing) and Dani Hardy (who plays Female Swing); Jasmine Triadi (who plays Cinderella) and George Olney (who plays the Prince); Gareth Machin director of Cinderella, going through the script during rehearsals with the cast; Jade Johnson (who plays Fairy Showbiz)

Credit Rich Lakos

Arts & Entertainment

Celebrate Voice makes festive return to Medieval Hall for Christmas show

Celebrate Voice Festival is back for its magical Christmas celebration, with leading singers at Salisbury’s Medieval Hall for two performances on Thursday, 8th and Friday, 9th December at 7.30pm.

For its final showdown of the year, the popular festival returns to the enchanting Cathedral Close venue for the first time in three years, with Friday night’s performance almost sold out at the time of going to print.

Joining festival director, Lynsey Docherty and co-host, baritone Philip Smith will be hugely popular lyric tenor, Stephen Aviss (Cavaradossi 2019) and one of the UKs leading sopranos, Ellie Laugharne, straight from a UK tour with English Touring Opera, together with music director David Gostick.

The show also promises other exciting guest performers on the night.

Festival director, Lynsey Docherty said: “Following a brilliant festival in October we are delighted to return to this beautiful and historic venue.

“We know our audience love the Medieval Hall, especially at Christmas, and we have a fabulous, uplifting programme of opera, show songs and festive delights, with our ever popular audience participation and performances from youth singers and other guests.”

The festival enjoyed critically acclaimed sell-out shows with international performers, full workshops and participatory events for all ages last month.

“Despite the difficulties facing the arts, our audiences packed out the venue event after event, showing the support for quality

Clockwise: Philip Smith; Ellie Laugharne; Stephen Aviss; Lynsey Docherty

music making and our festival.

“Happily, this has been carried through to our Christmas celebration, with one show already nearly sold-out. We are incredibly grateful to our fiercely loyal audience.” Docherty added.

Tickets are available online: www.celebratevoice.co.uk