Art in Action this weekend
Left work by Serena Partridge, right, textiles by Tilleke Schwartz
The 32nd Art in Action takes place this year from 16-19 July at Waterperry House in Oxfordshire
Art in Action is a vast art and craft festival featuring work by artists and makers from a wide range of disciplines. The focus is very definitely on the word ‘action’, as the exhibitors don’t just sit behind stalls selling their wares, but are instead making them. And as well as ad hoc demonstrations by exhibitors, there are more formal classes in techniques ranging from marquetry and parquetry to glass engravings organised by institutions like West Dean College and the Embroiderer’s Guild – the idea is to get people directly involved.
New additions for this year’s festival include a marquee displaying Mexican Arts – as well as the more familiar jewellery, sculpture and textiles, it will feature examples of Juan Alcazar’s sand carpet designs. Another newcomer is Cole & Son, the wallpaper manufacturer, which will be showing how it creates its famous hand-printed wallpaper. Other highlights include the textiles section where 16 artists, including Alpa Mistry and Tilleke Schwarz, will be going through their paces, and the ceramics section where Peter Hayes will be firing a raku kiln. Look out also for Nic Collins who will be making his large scale pieces on a traditional kick wheel in the centre of the ceramics marquee.
www.artinaction.org.uk
