Art in Action at Waterperry

Art in Action is an art and craft festival held in the grounds of Waterperry House in Oxfordshire. For 4 days each July artists and craftsmen set up their studios in marquees so that visitors can watch them at work. Visitors can interact with the artists, view their exhibited work, as well as buy and commission art.[1][2]

The first Art in Action took place in 1977 with around 50 artists and 14,000 visitors. Since then it has grown to some 400 artists and performers and 25,000 visitors.[3] It is now an annual pilgrimage for many people interested in the visual arts.[4]

Art in Action is organised by the School of Economic Science, a registered charity. Most of the 600 staff at the event are volunteers from the School. However in recent years an increasing number of volunteers have come from elsewhere.[5] The School of Economic Science runs courses in practical philosophy [6] which "take master philosophies from the East and West and examine how they can be put to practical use," offering people the chance to "escape from the mostly self-imposed limitations to find a lasting freedom".[7] The School of Economic Science is described by some commentators as a cult or new religious movement.[8][9] Some of the artists exhibiting at Art in Action have expressed appreciation of the event, staff and volunteers.[10][11][12]

Art in Action provides a creative environment in which artists and craft workers can demonstrate their skills and engage with the public.[13] Each marquee hosts artists of a similar discipline such as painting, sculpture, printmaking, calligraphy, illustration, textiles, woodwork, metalwork, jewellery, ceramics and glass. Some artists and performers come from countries around the world. In a large "Market" marquee, over 100 designer makers sell their produce. These include leatherwork, toys, ceramics, glass, jewellery, hats, body care and textiles.

Art in Action offers a range of practical classes which are available for children and adults. Examples include pottery, jewellery making, wood carving, glass engraving and water colours. Some classes for adults are run by UK art colleges and institutions. These have included City and Guilds, the Prince's School of Traditional Arts, the Guild of Glass Engravers, the Art Academy of South East London and West Dean College.

Live performances include music recitals, performing arts, lectures and storytelling for children. Visitors can also visit Waterperry Gardens and take a guided tour of the frescoes inside Waterperry House.

Notes

  1. ↑ http://www.bbc.co.uk/oxford/content/articles/2007/07/04/art_in_action.shtml
  2. ↑ http://www.oxfordtimes.co.uk/archive/2008/07/24/Art+%28ot_art%29/2408267.ART_IN_ACTION__WATERPERRY_HOUSE/
  3. ↑ http://www.artinaction.org.uk/What-is-art-in-action
  4. ↑ http://www.bbc.co.uk/oxford/content/articles/2007/07/04/art_in_action.shtml
  5. ↑ http://apps.charitycommission.gov.uk/Accounts/Ends15%5C0000313115_AC_20120331_E_C.pdf
  6. ↑ http://www.schooleconomicscience.org/courses/philosophy/
  7. ↑ http://www.artinaction.org.uk/The-Organisers
  8. ↑ http://www.artinaction.org.uk/The-Organisers
  9. ↑ Colin Slee, "New Religious Movements and the Churches", in Bryan R. Wilson, Jamie Cresswell (eds), New Religious Movements: Challenge and Response, Routledge (1999), page 170; George D. Chryssides, Exploring New Religions, Continuum International Publishing (1999), page 374.
  10. ↑ http://janecorbettmillinery.wordpress.com/2012/08/02/in-praise-of-art-in-action/
  11. ↑ http://www.craftscouncil.org.uk/crafts-magazine/blog/photo/2011/art-in-action-201107231030-4e2aa2b9cc0c4?from=/crafts-magazine/blog/list/2011/
  12. ↑ http://nosycrow.com/blog/penny-dale-at-art-in-action
  13. ↑ http://www.bbc.co.uk/isleofman/content/articles/2007/12/11/glass_feature.shtml

External links

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