Anglesey Arts Weeks Guide, Open Studios and Galleries Weeks 2012
by Jo Quinney
Mike Gould, Heather Evans with Anglesey Arts Guide
The biggest number of free events on Anglesey launches this week with publication of the new 2012 Open Studios and Galleries Weeks Guide. This year a record number of 55 artists and 8 galleries invite you to visit for free, and look, discuss and experience the art created by Anglesey Art Forum Members. This is the ninth year that the Open Studios and Galleries Weeks are taking place over the Easter holiday period, from Saturday 31 March to Sunday 15 April. "Get hold of a Guide and plan your visit, you will be amazed at the variety of art and locations you can experience. You will get a chance to meet and talk with the artist, often over a cup of tea, and gain a unique glimpse of the artistic process. There is never any pressure to buy, just a warm invitation to meet the artist and have a chat,” said Mike Gould, Chair of the voluntary Anglesey Art Forum Committee. A wide variety of art is represented by painters, sculptors, photographers, printmakers, installation artists, potters, ceramicists, jewellers and craftworkers at venues all over the Island. These include studios, chapels, barns, sheds, galleries and artists’ homes. Residents and visitors alike are promised a warm welcome at all studios and galleries. “We have arranged two exhibitions, with at least one piece of work from each participant, at the Ucheldre Centre, Holyhead and the David Hughes Centre, Beaumaris. This would be a good place to start your artistic adventure as you can view an artist’s work and plan to visit to their studio, using the Guide to find locations and opening times,” said Mike. The 48-page Guide contains Anglesey Art Forum member profiles, event listings and a map to help you plan your route. This free colour Artists are listed in a circular geographic order and the galleries/events by date order. Directions to the different locations are included; just follow the events’ black on white logo signs (as seen here) to help you find your way. “You have probably seen our signs all over the island every Easter. This year I encourage you to get a Guide and meet the artist or visit the gallery at the end of the arrow,” said Mike. A fresh initiative this year has been financial support through the North Wales Open Studios Network project (working in co-operation with Cadwyn Clwyd and Helfa Gelf Art Trail). These have received funding through the Rural Development Plan for Wales 2007–2013, funded by the Welsh Government and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development. “We are extremely grateful to our funders without whom this year’s Anglesey Arts Weeks would not have been possible. We are also supported by the Arts Council of Wales, Isle of Anglesey County Council, and Menter Môn,” said Mike. Additions and unavoidable alterations to the Guide will be posted on the Anglesey Arts Forum website. The Arts Forum exists to promote all forms of art on Anglesey and is hosting the Anglesey Performing Arts Weeks from Friday 19 October to Sunday 4 November 2012. If you wish to perform and promote an event during these weeks, or become a member of the Forum, please contact Heather on 01407 763361 or he(at)ucheldre(dot)org For more local articles and stories, subscribe to our free Anglesey Newsletter here. It's as easy as 1-2-3!
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