CREATE LONGRIDGE IS BACK!
Following the phenomenal response from visitors, artists, businesses and locals to last year’s event, Create Longridge is returning on 14th July!
Last year the Create Longridge competition saw 83 artists create brand new original artwork within a three-mile radius of the Longridge town centre. The paintings were judged by a panel of experts including the 2016 winner Tracy Levine.
First prize of £2000 was claimed by Ribble Valley artist Steve Rostron, whose painting looks across the Loud Valley to Beacon Fell.
In line with the inclusive nature of the competition, each artist will create their piece in a size, style and media of their choice. The artists will have all day to create their artwork and at the end of the day the judges will decide who will be awarded first, second and third prizes.
In addition, 2018 will again see the Exhibition Visitor’s Prize, sponsored by U3A Longridge. After the artists’ work has been judged, the paintings will be displayed for visitors to vote for their favourite. The art will be exhibited in Longridge Gallery and potentially other venues and will be available for purchase for a week after the event. Last year over 400 votes were cast in the week of the exhibition and Cumbrian artist Maria Burton scooped the prize.
A lively fringe programme is also being held with art classes, pottery and urban art for those aged five to 14. There will also be the opportunity for adults to try silk painting. The town’s textile enthusiasts have confirmed they will gather again to create a large scale collaborative work, with this year’s theme still to be decided.
A new strand to the fringe for 2018 is creative writing. Following approaches to include this activity, budding authors and poets will have the opportunity to write and perform a new piece of work.
“Everyone really enjoyed the day last year, despite the weather,” said Alistair Sheret of Longridge Gallery. “Create Longridge brings not only highly talented and creative people to the town, it attracts hundreds of residents and visitors. Those in turn support our local businesses, the very reason Create Longridge was conceived.”
The first and third prizes have already attracted sponsors. Raymond James Investment Services based on Berry Lane, Longridge are sponsors of the first prize. “With our business being based in the heart of Longridge we are honoured to be sponsoring such an amazing event which fuses together the community, culture and the picturesque town all in a single event,” said Wayne Hayhurst, founder and Branch Principal of the business.
Hoppy Days micropub will sponsor third prize, as they did last year and owner, Peace Townsend is delighted to announce they will be brewing the very first ‘Create Ale 2018’ in collaboration with Crankshaft Brewery. This will be available from a cask and bottles from the micropub.
If you are interested in becoming a sponsor associated with the event please get in touch. Similary if you feel you have the skills to help with the event the Create team would love to hear from you!
Who will follow in the winning footsteps of Steve Rostron? Full registration details can be found at: www.createlongridge.co.uk and watch this space for updates and developments
For more information please email:
info@createlongridge.co.uk
www.createlongridge.co.uk
facebook@createlongridge
twitter@cr_longridge
