Art in Action

Art in Action held at Waterperry House in Oxfordshire is an event I have heard so much about over the years, been encouraged to attend and always meant to visit - but never have.  This week I received an invitation to demonstrate stone carving in one of the marquees, and feel thrilled to be going at last. 

I had a peek at the Art in Action website, to see who else will be there and am excited by the selection of sculptors, painters, printmakers - in fact all the artists - and really look forward to meeting everyone and seeing their work.

A comment from a visitor reads 'A brilliant mix of visual delights and creative stimulation'.  Sounds perfect to me, and the gardens at Waterperry House look really beautiful too.

Here's what the organisers say - Every July, 400 artists, craftsmen and women, performers, musicians, teachers and lecturers come together in the grounds of Waterperry House, Oxfordshire to demonstrate their skills and love of art. Visitors can observe the creation of sculpture, painting, drawing, metalwork, jewellery, textiles, ceramics, woodwork, illustration, calligraphy and glass. In addition, there is Nature in Art, a group of artists who use nature as their inspiration and an International Art marquee, showcasing a wide variety of unusual and eclectic art forms from around the world.

Also popular are the Art Materials & Publications marquee, a source for expert advice as well as a fine selection of art materials and the Craft Market where more than 100 designer-makers offer their high quality goods for sale.

Many of the UK’s leading art and craft organisations come to Art in Action. Visit the Crafts Council/Crafts Magazine marquee to find out why craft matters. Elsewhere you can try your hand at an extensive range of art activities in the hugely popular practical classes section, with classes run by top art colleges and guilds like The Prince’s School of Traditional Art, West Dean College, The Art Academy and the Glass Engravers Guild.

Once again NADFAS (National Association of Decorative and Fine Arts Societies) will be hosting a series of lectures on various aspects of fine art in the ballroom of Waterperry House. New this year is the presence of the winners of the Wesley-Barrell Craft Awards competition.

However, Art in Action is more than the sum of its parts.

Staffed by over 600 volunteers on each of its four days, the service they offer creates a very special atmosphere and visitors often comment on this aspect of the event. If you’ve never been, a treat awaits and we look forward to welcoming you.