Many of my friends have put work into the exhibition held in the Rutland county museum, which is sponsored by arts for rutland. This year I entered 3 pieces and was chuffed to receive an “honorary” mention for one of them.
It got me thinking about local art and the importance of it. Being in the middle of the country, means that all the main galleries are reachable, but it does make for quite en expensive day out. Sure you can view art online, but it is not the same as a trip to an exhibition or gallery. Supporting local art is also important, as without the arts, where would the fun and imagination in community come from?
Arts charities are also important. For instance, arts for rutland encourages young artists to try and express themselves, to try and make a mark. It helps them with sponsorships to put on local events, which will be interesting and engaging, and hopefully thought provoking.
The problem is getting everybody off their sofas, to go and support local artists, as viewing art in the real world is always an immersive and connecting experience.
The two pieces I have in the exhibition are designed from layers of watercolour and paint, overprinted with a crowd of my bike man; Mr Velo. Mr Velo was a local in central Brittany, where I used to live, I used to see him some mornings, en route to collect his baguette. I always felt he looked a little lonely, which was why I’ve designed him in the paintings with a big crowd of friends.
The third piece is an original painting of a little girl I saw in L’ile de Ré, she was on her bike cycling to the beach with her family. The colours aimed to express the beauty of the island and the reflective qualities of the sea.
The Open exhibition runs until Saturday 8th June, in Rutland County Museum, Catmose Street LE15 6HW. All work is for sale, and 20% of the sale price goes back into supporting the important work of our rural farming museum.