ARTISTS COME TOGETHER TO
CREATE LONGRIDGE
There is a new exciting art trail and competition coming to town so it’s time to get creative. Photography: TVPAV.com
Longridge will host the town’s latest event this September – Create Longridge. The art event will be held in Longridge town centre, and welcomes both locals and visitors. The occasion will have two strands, one being a main art competition and the other being surrounding art events. So get involved and get creative in the stunning location of Longridge.
During the period leading up to the event on Saturday 3rd September, Longridge businesses will be encouraged to display examples of competing artists’ work in their windows in order to leave an art trail for visitors. It is envisaged that up to 40 artists will take part in the competition, both professionals and amateurs. On competition day artists will arrive with literally a blank canvas, board or paper.
They will then be able to travel three miles from the centre of Longridge to find a destination that they wish to re-create. This will be a public area in order for all visitors to observe the artwork being created and of course chat to the artists themselves. The participants are able to work in a style and media of their choice and will have eight hours to create their art work which can feature anything from the historic architecture of the town to the bustling high street and friendly folk who live there.
At the end of the day the creations will be judged and the winner will collect £2,000, second prize will be £1,000 and third will be awarded £500. The three winning pieces will be framed by Longridge Gallery and presented to the sponsor of the prize. The other art work created on the day will be exhibited for sale at the gallery a week after the event.
If that’s not excitement enough, the day will also hold a selection of fringe events for visitors to get creative. This will include an urban art activity at the skate park, plus an opportunity to take part in creating a Longridge tapestry capturing the September day. Participators will be given their own section of the textile to create any part of the town that they wish, this can be sewn, embroidered or created by any other related craft form.
Bring your friends and family and enjoy a day in the picturesque historic town. There will be children’s art classes for the younger budding artists and other activities yet to be confirmed. Why not appreciate the beautiful town from one of the beer gardens or sit outside any of the cosy café’s and enjoy a bite to eat whilst taking in the views? Browse the many independent shops, where there really is something for everyone, as the businesses sell everything from jewellery to barbecues.
So where has this brilliant, unique idea of an art event come from I hear you ask? After the success of last year’s Tour of Britain, Alistair Sheret of Longridge Gallery was keen to organise another fantastic occasion: “The atmosphere at Tour of Britain was incredible and everyone thoroughly enjoyed it, we want to create that again, but better,” said Alistair.
Whilst speaking to a customer in his gallery he learnt about a Spanish town, which annually runs a similar art event, and after further research he found that the event is also held in Amsterdam and London. He decided if Spain, Amsterdam and London can do it, then so can Longridge!
“From then on the whole idea just exploded as more people got involved with more great ideas,” said the art expert.
There is now a team of supporters who have volunteered to make this event a success without whom Create Longridge would not have been possible. They include Mark Murray of TPW Design who have volunteered their digital services. Tedd Walmsley of Live Magazines who will lead the PR and media strategy, plus Rupert and Katherine Swarbrick, Simon and Judith Smith, John Swift, Dan Gardner and Caroline Reed-Smith. Sponsors of the event include Longridge Town Council and Ribble Valley Borough Council.
Artists already confirmed include Wendy Corbett who is best known for her contemporary seascapes and depictions of the natural world, she loves to work in pastels. Also confirmed is Gosha Gibek whose main interest is the architecture of Northern England. Gosha stands for colour, as she states, it enhances mood and brings happiness. Last year Gosha’s painting ‘Town Clitheroe’ was part of the Ribble Valley Open 2015 Exhibition and was the Ribble Valley prize winner.
So, come on down to Longridge and absorb the buzzing atmosphere in one of the most beautiful places in the region.
Are you an artist or do you want to join one of the specific events? Then register online to be a part of it! Keep an eye out online for the programme of events that will be available nearer the time.
For more information, please email: info@createlongridge.co.uk
www.createlongridge.co.uk
facebook.com/createlongridge
twitter@cr_longridge
