Running from June 3 to 6 2010 the 13th Appledore Visual Arts Festival is set to be another exciting event for North Devon.

‘Coastlines’ is the theme for the

13th Appledore Visual Arts Festival (Thursday June 3rd – Sunday June 6th). Our

relationship with the sea has profoundly influenced our history, our identity

and our character. There is no finer example of this relationship than North

Devon’s beautiful and rugged coastline. Through an innovative programme of

contemporary visual arts events the Festival will celebrate this world class

coastline.

Appledore Arts are proud to be working in association with the North Devon

Coast Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Festival is a flagship event

celebrating the AONB’s 50th Anniversary. In the lead-up to the Festival,

Appledore Arts has developed two exciting new coastal projects both of which

will be showcased at the Festival. On World Dance Day (April 29th), in

response to North Devon’s amazing coastline Appledore Arts and Dance in Devon

will create a unique dance performance in the grounds of Clovelly Court. A

film of the project will be screened on the Opening Night. In early May, a

contemporary visual artist will conduct a two week residency in Bucks Mills

Cabin. The Cabin was used as an artists studio and is now owned by the

National Trust, it will be open during the Festival and the artist will also

give a talk about this exciting and rare opportunity.

On the Opening Night (Wednesday June 2nd) visitors will have the opportunity

to view the premiere of three major exhibitions. Alison Murray, textile artist

and knitter extraordinaire will be premiering her latest project – ‘Above and

Below The Waves’ –. The Ken Sprague Fund will announce the winners of their

2010 International Political Cartoon Competition and some of the best students

and alumni from the University College of Falmouth will showcase new work

based on the theme of ‘Coastlines’.

In 1998 the Festival was the first annual Visual Arts Festival of its kind in

the UK. Today it has a reputation as one of the broadest ranging events of its

type and is recognised as a high quality arts event with an established

regional profile and a growing national presence. Visitors are offered a

unique opportunity to interact with artists as they take part in a wide range

of exhibitions, residencies, demonstrations, workshops, talks and art-creation

events. The Festival is a fantastic opportunity for people of all ages to take

part in art events and activities.

The programme involves a wide variety of artists ranging from sculptor Heather

Jansch and ceramicist Ashley Howard both hugely respected artists of

international renown, to local craftspeople, children and community groups.

Both adults and children will be able to take part in a variety of

Advance-Booking workshops including; ceramics, film animation, paper making,

photography, printing and rock pooling. There will also be lots of free

Drop-In workshops, where whole families can join in and create their own

amazing art work !.

In addition to the exhibitions and workshops, there will also be a series of

Artists Talks. Martin Rowson, the famous political cartoonist from The

Guardian will give a talk on the art of cartoons and Heather Jansch will talk

about her work and sign her latest book.

Alongside all these inspiring artists and workshops there will be a programme

of Film Shorts, categories include films from young people and films about the

theme of ‘Coastlines’.

To celebrate the end of the Festival, there will be a grand finale on Sunday

afternoon. Over 60 pupils from Appledore Primary will celebrate their schools

100th anniversary by performing ‘Flotsam, Jetsam and Dig-In-The-Mud’ a cross

art-form performance about three mythical creatures who live in and along

their local coastline.

The Festival offers visitors the opportunity to explore this unique and

historic village. There will be the ever popular Open Gardens, Decorated

Doorknockers and an Artists Trail where selected artists will display and sell

their work in the homes of Appledore residents. It is the perfect place to

visit and explore as you enjoy the diverse range of events during the Festival

including Contemporary Crafts for sale, live Folk Music, Hockings Ice Cream,

historical walking tours, the Appledore Silver Band and lots, lots more.

Appledore is a beautiful estuary town with a maze of narrow streets and a

fascinating maritime history. It offers expansive views across the wide

estuary of the Rivers Taw & Torridge and out towards the Atlantic Ocean. The

village has eight Galleries, six pubs, four restaurants and cafes, fantastic

sunsets and the second highest tidal drop in the world !. All over Appledore

there will be things happening so come along, get creative and enjoy the fun

of the Festival. See you there !

Visit the Appledore Visual Arts Festival website for more details.