Artists Studio
MONNOW VALLEY ARTS CENTRE STUDIO
The artist's studio is a self contained building on two floors of approximately 65 square metres. It has dual use as a studio and residence. It is of a unique modern design and was designed by Michael Crowley and built by local builders and craftsmen using traditional material and was completed in 2008.
The living accommodation is upstairs with superb views over the valley. Downstairs there is a working space and display area connected to a kitchen and shower room.
Eligibility for the Artist in Residence scheme
Artist who are likely to fulfil the artistic policy requirements are invited by the Trustees of MVAC and given the opportunity to stay in the studio for short stays. Short stays are periods of less than a month's duration. The stay may be in one block or spread over different times of the year. All forms of visual art are eligible, but greater weight is given to landscape artists who want to use the opportunity to create a new body of work exploring aspects of the Black Mountains and environs. Writers, poets, musicians and composers are also eligible.
Artists deemed to create work of high artistic merit only are eligible and selection is at the complete discretion of the Trustees. Artists are encouraged to experience the local landscape as well as the local community - its churches, pubs and people. The centre is situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty overlooking the Black Mountains. The ever changing pattern of weather and light are uniquely inspiring.
Purpose of the Residency
The aims of the scheme are:-
- To take the artist away from his normal routine and environment
- To help him/her assimilate the beauty and form of the local landscape
- To inspire him/her to take new directions in his/her work
- To encourage him/her to make a body of new work that can be exhibited or performed at some stage in the future at the centre.
Artists will only be offered the opportunity to use the studio if they express interest and intent to exhibit or perform at MVAC in the future.
The space
The building is designed to be used flexibly. It can be used:-
- As an additional display area
- As an educational class room for small gatherings
- As a working studio
- As a venue to meet and greet visitors and entertain
Artists may wish to hold a small exhibition of their work whilst in occupation and to use the space for contemplation and drawing. Others may wish to make new works in a finished state on site. The Trustees are flexible as to which use the building is put to, as long as it is left in the same state at the end of the residency as it was in at the beginning.
Educational activities
Artists are asked to participate in an educational programme during their residency, which would entail holding a seminar with visitors to discuss an aspect of their work of their choosing.
Future involvement with the artist
The Trustees of MVAC have devised this scheme with some goals in mind. They recognise that in the environment in which they will live, artists will be intimately involved in the activities of the centre and accordingly a close co-operation is required between MVAC and the artist. MVAC objectives are:-
- To build up a relationship with the artist
- To be the catalyst for new creative energy
- To hold an exhibition of the work so created
- To promote the artist's work and the centre through the exhibition and any tour that can be arranged
- To educate our visitors by holding "Meet the Artist" days to discuss the creative process involved in making art.
Financial and legal matters
No rent would be charged to the artist. They would provide their own food and drinks. MVAC will pay all other charges associated with the running of the building.
Artists would have to enter into a short agreement requiring them to look after the studio, pay for damages and vacate at the end of the agreed term.
Programme
The artist studio programme runs from March 2012 onwards. If you would like to be considered for the scheme, please complete the enclosed acceptance form and indicate what dates you would prefer.
Artists studio news
The studio is closed for the winter season.
Current Exhibitions:
The studio is closed for the winter season.
future exhibitions
Previous exhibitions
Peter Brookes - Political Cartoons
At the same time as the exhibition Images of Power, there will be an exhibition of the cartoons of Peter Brookes in the Artist's Studio. Peter Brookes is the political cartoonist for The Times and the author of the world famous Nature Notes. Some of his work will be for sale,
together with works by Andy Davey (editorial
cartoonist for The Sun), Chris Duggan (cartoonist
for the New Statesman) and Morton Moreland
(cartoonist for The Times). Contact us for a list of works: Monnow Valley Arts
2 July - 28 August 2011:
Bridget Drakeford - Ceramics
Charles MacCarthy - Paintings of the Monnow Valley
7 May - 26 June: Reg Boulton: Images of Herefordshire
Open Thursdays and Fridays 11 am–5 pm and weekends 2–5 pm. Tuesdays and Wednesdays by appointment and for groups.
Reg Boulton was born in 1923 in London but has been living and working in Hereford for over 40 years. He was head of Art and Design at the old Herefordshire College of Education from 1966–78 and since then he has been
an active letter cutter and engraver. He has made a particular study of Romanesque sculptures in Herefordshire and wrote, illustrated with 60 engravings and published The Sculptures of Kilpeck in a limited edition in 1987. Copies of this splendid book will be available at the exhibition. He has contributed many engravings for other books on local subjects, notably The Sculptured Capitals of Leominster Priory (Friends of
Leominster Priory 1993) and Aspects of Herefordshire (Logaston Press 1987).
As a lettering artist Reg has been in constant demand for memorials and plaques. Many of his carved plaques can be seen at Sir Roy Strong’s garden at The Laskett.
The exhibition will be held in the artist’s studio and all work is for sale.
2 July - 28 August: Charles MacCarthy, Landscape Paintings of the Marches & Bridget Drakeford, ceramics
MONNOW VALLEY ACADEMY
Once a month during the season, we will hold an evening event where you can meet like minded people interested in cultural matters over a glass of wine and participate in a stimulating discussion.
There will be six events in 2011. The cost for the series of 6 is £35 or £7 per individual event.
The events start at 6.30 pm for 7 pm and should last no more than 90 minutes. Our gardens will be open and we are conveniently placed between two excellent pubs, where you can enjoy a meal or drink: The Crown Inn, Longtown (01873 860 217) and The Carpenters Arms, Walterstone (01873 890 353) .
Schedule of cultural events for 2011
Friday 13 May : Glenn Storhaug: The History of The Five Seasons Press
Since 1977 Glenn has been the mainstay of fine printing in Herefordshire. He will give us a talk on how he started the Press and how it evolved to what it does now, after more than 30 years of operations. www.fiveseasonspress.com
Friday 10 June: Amanda Huntley: The Huntley Film Archives and John Piper
Amanda Huntley runs the Film Archives from Ewyas Harold and will talk about how the archive came into existence and will then show a 40 minute film about John Piper made in 1955. This event coincides with our exhibition: The Romantic Landscape II: Piper, Sutherland and Maynard Smith in the main galleries. www.huntleyarchives.com
Friday 8 July: Kathleen Raine: Living with Mystery.
Andrea Andriotti will introduce a film he made (with Werner Weick) about Kathleen Raine, the famous poet and friend of David Jones and Cecil Collins, based on the title of her collected poems published in 1992. Followed by a discussion afterwards.
Friday 5 August: Julian Barnard: Edward Bach Flower Remedies.
Julian, one of Monnow Valley Arts trustees, founded Healing Herbs many years ago to make Bach Flower remedies to Bach's original formulation and theories. Julian is a world renowned expert on the topic and will give an illustrated talk on the subject. www.healingherbs.co.uk
Friday 9 September: Ben Llewelyn of Caviste will host a wine tasting of new discoveries from his extensive list. Ben was brought up locally and is one of the founders and directors of Carte Blanche Wines, now based in Hampshire. If any of the wines take your fancy you will be able to order cases on advantageous terms.
Friday 7 October: Helena Gerrish: The Story of H Avray Tipping
Helena has been researching the life and garden designs of Avray Tipping whose country house outside Monmouth is now owned by her and her husband Hilary. Helena’s book on Tipping: Edwardian Country Life - the story of H. Avray Tipping will be published in October. Helena will give an illustrated talk.
Dates are subject to alteration so please provide contact details.
To book places at these events, complete the booking form or book by telephone or email.
Events will take place in the artist's studio and are limited to 20 places.
Monnow Valley Arts, Middle Hunt House, Walterstone, Hereford HR2 0DY,
t: 01873 860529, e: info@monnowvalleyarts.org.
In 2010 we have used the Artist's Studio for workshops, lectures, meetings and exhibitions. The last exhibition of the season was an exhibition of ceramics by Rupert Spira and paintings by Annie Spearman.
Click here for contact details