Annual art feast ready to roll

April 3, 2007, 11:23 am

Appledore Visual Arts Festival marks its 10th anniversary with a celebration of the rivers that play a large part in the community’s life.

This year’s festival from May 31-June 3 will be themed Wide River and offer a varied programme of events to celebrate the confluence of the Torridge and Taw rivers which have shaped Appledore’s unique natural and historical environment for centuries. Workshops, talks and demonstrations will cater for all ages and interests. Adults can join drawing classes, children can sign-up for or drop-in to workshops ranging from film animation to carnival art, while whole families can help create a giant clay fantastical fish on Appledore Quay!

It returns to its roots with focus on artists who live and work in Devon. Internationally renowned sculptor Marcus Vergette has designed a unique bell form, which he intends to install in 12 tidal locations around the UK coast. The first of these bells will be on exhibition during the festival.

Photographic artist Susan Derges will create a 21 foot long photogram image of the estuary waters.

The festival will again feature its famous doorknocker competition for Appledore residents and everyone is invited to take part in a Paint the View competition.

Exhibitions will also include a Square Picture Show by North Devon artists as well as students’ work from various South West based art colleges.

To celebrate the 10th anniversary organisers are holding a series of early evening events on June 2, including the Samba Band Energia accompanied by African dancers on the Quay and the lighting of the Appledore beacon.

Doorknocker entry forms are now available at Docton Court Gallery and Appledore Library.

For more information call 07900 212747, info@appledorearts.org or visit the website:

www.appledorearts.org

(this article was taken from northdevongazette.co.uk)