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Art in the Park Returns to Leamington Spa
Leamington Spa is set to come alive with creativity with the return of Art in the Park. Set in the stunning surrounds of Jephson Gardens, this colourful two day festival will take place on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd August.
This free-to-attend event supported by Leamington Studio Artists and BID Leamington will celebrate the diversity of local artists, craftsmen, performers and musicians and there will be something for everyone.
Visitors will be able to enjoy the work of over 85 exhibiting artists, workshops, demonstrations as well as live music, theatre and dance performances from Motionhouse Dance Theatre Company and Pauline Quirke Academy.
A highlight this year will be the opportunity for the community to take part in a collective painting project. Lead by local artist Andy Farr, this will involve over 300 people creating a large painting representing the community’s associations with Leamington Spa, that will be hung over the entrance of Leamington’s Library.
Visitors can expect to enjoy a weekend filled with art, creativity, inspiration and fun with opportunities to try their hand at making a range of items such as clay pots, flora and fauna inspired screen prints, or even their own t-shirts, with the help of acclaimed sculptors, painters and craftsmen. Families can also enjoy the children’s tree animal creation and watercolour challenge, the poetry dukebox and dancing with paint!
Even artists have time for a tea break so in the midst of all the fun there will be time and space to sit back and enjoy a range of delicious food and drink on offer. There is also the chance to visit the then newly opened award winning RHS Chelsea Flower Show Garden that is returning home to Jephson Gardens in August.
Organiser Carole Sleight said the aim of the festival was to celebrate the wide diversity of local artists and create a space to demonstrate their skills and show their work, whilst also inspiring others to take up an artistic pursuit.
“As well as celebrating talented artists from all disciplines, the Festival makes the arts accessible to the community and gives people of all ages the chance to enjoy and try art in the beautiful setting of Jephson Gardens,” she said.
Carole said: “We need help from volunteers and by people spreading the word to make sure that Leamington gains a reputation as a town with a vibrant art scene and an established yearly arts festival.”
Stephanie Kerr, executive director of BID Leamington, said: “In its first year, the Art in the Park Festival demonstrated a huge desire among local artists exhibiting and people attending for such an event to celebrate the wealth of artistic talent within Leamington.
“It’s fantastic to be supporting the festival as it makes a comeback this year and rightly becomes part of the town’s annual calendar of events.”
For more information about volunteering email carole@artinpark.co.uk
Full event details can be found at www.artinpark.co.uk.