GROUP SHOW IN SO MANY SENSES -7th annual Oxton Art Fair

We are setting up the 7th annual Oxton Art Fair and taking over 4 gallery rooms at the Williamson Art Gallery in Birkenhead for our annual Oxton Art Fair this weekend. I am proud to say that we have built up a great reputation since the fair was started by a group of friends in 2004. The Fair is known for showing a mixture of artists who exhibit regularly in Liverpool and beyond, and those who only participate in the Oxton Art Fair. There is always a balance of contemporary art and photography alongside craft and design in a relaxed, friendly environment. We feel it is important to be there to talk to our visitors and for the public to be able to buy directly from us, 19 local artists, designers and craftspeople so bring your chequebook!

All the artists lived in Oxton at the time of joining the group although a few have moved away and still return to exhibit. Some of us have exhibited recently as part of a sister project called The Six Rooms Gallery in Argyle Street, Birkenhead. Our exhibitors this year are Alan Chape, myself -Alison Bailey Smith, Daniel James, Desdemona McCannon, Eimear Kavanagh, Eleanor Suggett, Jacqui Chapman, Janine Suggett, Jayne Turner, Judith Brown, Lisa Waldman, Liz Hadwin-Glover, Lynda Roberts, Marie Mairs, Mark Wayne Barrett, Patsy Taylor, Roger Sinek, Sherilyn Halligan and Theresia Cadwallader.

As usual there is a lovely café available and the whole exhibition space is fully accessible for all, with plenty room room for buggies or wheelchairs. This year, our café is provided by our great friends at The Green Community Shop & Centre and two local catering companies. Both caterers have a long association with the fair. “Chilli and Chive” who will be catering for the café on Saturday, is part owned by Melanie Routledge, daughter of exhibitor Janine Suggett and sister of Eleanor Suggett also an exhibitor at the Fair and her own solo show on Bold Street. Green Eats is run by Nicola Burns who has been helped with the fair since 2004 and in fact helped me out personally one year when I was double booked with the Brighton Craft Fair. The show is very much involved with the community of Oxton and always maintains links with local businesses, local schools and community groups. This year, the Oxton Artists are hoping for a wider audience than ever as they have partnered with the Liverpool Independents and for the second year running with the Liverpool Design Festival as well as running The Big Draw at the Williamson Art Gallery for the public on the 24th of October. The fair is run and financed by the artists and has generated huge interest over the years from the press and public alike.

There are many free activities organised within the event including poetry reading, an art competition in memory of Ken Peacock - one of the original Oxton Artists, a stall with artwork for sale by the children of the Oxton Artists and a visit from “Fred” star of Get Ahead Fred” as well as a history walk around Oxton.

Schedule of free events
Saturday 20th: Exhibition open 10am until 5pm

Ken Peacock’s art prize workshop all day Saturday
The Ken Peacock Prize is open to all children who produce an artwork in the gallery. Categories are 5 to 8, 9 to 13 and 14 to 16

Under 5’s hat workshop with parents 10.30 am to 11.30pm. Drop in (10 spaces)
Local author of “Get Ahead Fred”, Daisy Dawes and “Fred” will help your under “5’s” make an autumn hat from leaves and sparkles.
Wirral Alliance of Poets will be weaving poetry through the galleries on Saturday from 11.30am, many taking inspiration from the artwork of the fair and the gallery.

Winter Guided Walk around Oxton starting at 11 am from the Oxton Society noticeboard in Oxton Village, lasting an hour ending at the gallery (to book contact: info@oxtonsociety.org.uk)

Sunday 21st: Exhibition open 10am until 4pm (Williamson Art Gallery closes at 5pm)
Ken Peacock’s art prize workshop 10am until 2pm Sunday
See Saturday for details
Under 5’s hat workshop with parents 10.30 am to 11.30pm
See Saturday for details

Local poet Eleanor Rees will be reading and selling of her books 2pm
Eleanor’s father, Paul was involved as a non-artist in setting up the Oxton Art Fair in 2004

Between 2.45 and 3.15, local musician, Lotzie Weaver, will play guitar and sing a few of his own songs.

Award ceremony for Ken’s art prize and presentation of 3 awards at 3.30pm
Judged by 3 distinguished and much loved local artists, Sian Bailey, Peter Bailey and Laura Weston. Awards will be given by Mrs Gail Peacock

Best wishes
from
Alison
PS by the way listen up on Radio Merseyside as I will be on Radio Merseyside talking about the show.

PPS BEEN A GREAT GROUP EFFORT THIS YEAR WELL DONE ALL CONCERNED!


Williamson Art Gallery, Birkenhead, Slatey Rd, Birkenhead, CH43
Sat 20th and Sun 21st of Nov 2010
Opening times: Sat 10.00 til 17.00 | Sunday 10.00 til 16.00
T: 0151 652 4177 E: arts@oxtonartfair.co.uk
Oxton Artists: 0796 222 9653 (in business hours from the 1st of November)
Website: http://www.oxtonartfair.co.uk
Blog: http://oxtonartfair.blogspot.com/
Facebook Group:http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=10383492379

Comments