SWAFFHAM VISUAL ARTS FESTIVAL PROGRAMME ANNOUNCED
The programme for the sixth Swaffham Visual Arts Festival, sponsored by Abel Homes, has been announced – with a month-long line-up of exhibitions, workshops, displays and events on the agenda to help put the town on the artistic map.
Organised by the Rotary Club of Swaffham, the Festival kicks off on Friday 9th October with a fashion art event, and culminates with the grand Art Exhibition and Sale on the weekend of 7th/ 8th November.
The full programme is as follows:
Friday 9th October: Festival Launch Event
The Nicholas Hamond Academy; evening
The opening night is themed around textile art, and will include a fashion event supported by the Costume & Textile Association for Norfolk Museums, and Norwich Fashion Week
Wednesday 14th October: Textile Art with Yvonne Brown
Regency Room and Assembly Rooms; lunchtime
A freelance textile specialist who teaches patchwork, quilting, embroidery and creative textiles, this event will include an exhibition of Yvonne’s work, and demonstrations by her of various textile techniques.
Wednesday 21st October: Photography with Tom Owens ARPS
Assembly Rooms; evening
Tom Owens is an Ipswich-based professional photographer and founding member of the photographic collective known as ‘equals’. He is also archivist for the East Contemporary Art collection, working closely with the University College, Suffolk. He will be presenting work from his latest exhibition, talking about his work and techniques, and answering questions.
Thursday 29th October: Film Night – The Book Thief
Assembly Rooms; evening
A screening of Brian Percival’s Oscar-nominated film, starring Geoffrey Rush, Emily Watson and Sophie Nélisse, which tells the story of a young girl living with her adoptive German family during the Nazi era.
Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th November: Sculpture Display
Manor Farm Medical Centre Courtyard; all day
This free event showcases works by a number of artists displayed in the courtyard of the town-centre Manor Farm Medical Centre
Friday 6th November: Art Exhibition Preview Evening
Assembly Rooms; evening
A Champagne reception and chance to be the first to see this year’s extensive exhibition of works by local artists.
Saturday 7th/Sunday 8th November: Art Exhibition
Assembly Rooms; all day
The culmination of the Festival – an extensive exhibition and sale of works of art by local artists.
“We are delighted once again to be presenting a month-long programme of events to put Swaffham on the artistic map,” said Rotary representative and organising committee member Denis Bishop.
“We have an exciting a varied programme, and we hope that the town will really get behind this ambitious Festival. As well as providing interesting and informative events for people to enjoy, we are hoping to raise money for a number of charities in the process – last year’s Festival raised £4,500.”
The Swaffham Visual Arts Festival has Baroness Shephard as its Patron, and is sponsored by local house builder Abel Homes.
Full details of all events can be found at www.swaffhamvisualartsfestival.co.uk. Tickets for all events can be obtained from Ceres Bookshop in London Road in the town.