Ventnor Blog

If you haven’t been along to Quay Arts recently, you won’t have seen the wonderful exhibition of works by Island based artist, Eric Geddes.

We were fortunate enough to meet Eric last month at the opening of his exhibitions (three in total) at Quay Arts and caught up with him after the showing of David George’s film short about his life and work.

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It’s almost that time of year again, when the general public get a chance to tour around the studios of the Island’s talented artists.

Each year the Council’s Arts Unit and Quay Arts team up to produce the Isle of Wight Arts Directory, a comprehensive guide to artists, galleries and arts events on the Wight including Open Studios.

The dates for the Open Studios have moved this year and will take place over the last two weekends in July.

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The Ryde Arts Festival kicks off tomorrow with an arts parade from 1.15pm.

The parade which leaves Dover Park School and proceeds to the Regatta site at the Eastern Gardens via Union Street will this year include Junkanoo Festival musicians and dancers from the Bahamas.

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Anyone who lives near the Ventnor Youth Centre or walks past it on a regular basis, will have seen the back wall now sports an excellent new mural.

Original plans were for the mural to cover the entire wall, but due to the predicted huge maintenance costs and some other factors it was decided to keep the mural on a smaller scale.

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Don’t miss an amazing chance to experience the sacred world of Tibet with its Buddhist chanting and mantras, ringing of bells, blowing of trumpets and beating of drums at Quay Arts, this July.

Eight monks from Tashi Lhunpo Monastery will be in residence, creating a sand mandala with a programme of dances and music involving colourful traditional costumes and ceremonial masks to illustrate the diversity of their astonishing culture.

His Holiness, the Dalai Lama says of the Monastery:

‘Tashi Lhunpo Monastery is one of the most important monasteries in Central Tibet besides being the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama.

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Further to the post yesterday about Eric Geddes‘ exhibition having its opening preview at Quay Arts today.

Here’s a brief clip of a short film that will be shown about Eric Geddes - His life and work.

Come along. All welcome … and it’s free.

As part of the Eric Geddes’ residency at Quay Arts this summer, tomorrow sees a drinks reception open to all.

As far as we know, the man himself will be on hand to answer questions and discuss his works, as well as film-maker David George who will be presenting his short film (at 3.30pm) in the Anthony Minghella Theatre.

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Artists from around the Wight, don’t miss out on a chance to display your artwork to passing trade over the summer months.

Every Sunday morning over the summer between 10am and 2pm, you can set up outside the Ventnor Winter Gardens free of charge.

Last weekend saw two artists take advantage of the ‘Freespace’ initiative. (more…)

If you’re interested in coastal images, why not pop along to Quay Arts tonight where you’ll be able to chat with Bembridge photographer Luke Ellison.

His exhibition, Coastal Extractions is currently running in the Cafe and tonight there’ll be a drinks reception to which all are welcome.

In this recent body of photographic prints, Ellison has selected texture, contour and colour to create this visual palette of works. (more…)

The cycling artist, Tina Mammoser has got in touch and is hoping our readers might be able to help with a query.

Whilst on the Wight recently (sponsored by the excellent Vintage Vacations), as part of an English Coast paintings project, Tina fell in love with the concrete sea defences that run along the coast near Wheelers Bay. (more…)

The Electro Magnetic Workshop who recently played Ventnor Park and Ryde Theatre for the album launch of The Shanklin Freak Show, will be making their way up to Ryde this coming Friday.

They have been give a chance to host their own dark wave happening at Oakfield Football Club, Slade Road Oakfield, Ryde and hopefully with any success will become a regular monthly event involving, music, art and poetry.

The first night will feature The Electro Magnetic Workshop with the launch of our new E.P.

It’ll only cost you £2 to get in. Check their MySpace to hear music and see pics of the band.

It’s almost that time of year again, when the general public get a chance to tour around the studios of the Island’s talented artists.

Each year the Council’s Arts Unit and Quay Arts team up to produce the Isle of Wight Arts Directory, a comprehensive guide to artists, galleries and arts events on the Wight including Open Studios.

The dates for the Open Studios have moved this year and will take place over the last two weekends in July.

(more…)

IOW Embroiderers are running a trip to Art in Action at Waterperry House in Thame next month.

Art in Action, founded in 1977, is an annual event set up by Bernard Saunders, then guardian of Waterperry Gardens.

Each year it showcases a broad spectrum of artistic talent, from painting to sculpture, drawing to ceramics and textiles.

You’ll need to check with organisers on timings, but as well as being able to see the wealth of exhibits, there are also various classes you can take part in, many lasting only 1.5 hours.
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We’re very chuffed that our dear friend, Mr Ergo Phizmiz has chosen VentnorBlog as a collaborator for his ongoing Faust Cycle Project. This is something that you, our readers can get involved with, whatever your ability. Do read on and take part. Ed

“The Faust Cycle” is my new radiophonic work, telling the story of an attempt to deliver a mysterious parcel to the legendary alchemist Dr Faustus, and the various strange and often Surreal adventures that take place inside his vast and labyrinthine house.

Told through spoken-word, music, song, and sound-collage, “The Faust Cycle” is a trek through a peculiar and unpredictable world.

Currently about half way through it’s twelve hour running time, I’m inviting VentnorBlog readings on a fortnightly basis to respond to a series of questions, which can be answered in any way you like – be it text (as comments after the posts), or sending an mp3 (to info(at)ergophizmiz(dot)com), or images, or even video (you can use everyone’s best friend, Youtube).
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Talking of art exhibitions, we hear that artwork by the old Shopping Trolley collective has travelled up to Derby Dance this week.

They were asked by Stephen Munn (ex Quay Arts director) who is now director of Derby Dance, to put a show together.

It’s just 2d work, but will be showing between now and 29 August 2008, so if you happen to be up that way, make sure you stop in and take a look.

You’ll recognise a couple of artists from VentnorBlog Presents in there too. (more…)

We weren’t able to get along to the recent RockPool event at the Ventnor Winter Gardens, but were pleased to see that fellow Blogger, WightEye did.

It seems that our friend in Cowes is a big fan of these kinds of events, so do pop over to his blog to hear what he has to say about the skate park fundraiser night. (more…)

Last week the Faust Cycle course was run at Quay Arts by Ergo Phizmiz and Jack Phoenix. Over the three day event those attending had the chance to experiment with sound - creating a sound track for a film and two radio pieces.

VB went along on the last day to give them a background on podcasting and help them create their own. Rather than lead it, we thought it would be much more fun for them to do their own thing to get an idea of the process.

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Next Tuesday evening, Dr Robin McInnes OBE will presenting an illustrated lecture at the Ventnor Winter Gardens, entitled ‘Art, Architecture and the Island Landscape’.

In aid of the Ventnor Enhancement Fund, the lecture will describe the buildings of the Island, in the context of the landscape, from as far back as Norman times to the present day.

It kicks off at 6.30pm and the lecture is split into two parts (45 mins each) with a 30 minute break in the middle when you can stretch your legs, and enjoy the provided refreshments. (more…)

All you arty types, don’t forget that returning to Newport tonight is the iCandi team.

Art, music, fun and games are in store for you if you head down to Joe’s in Newport from 8pm tonight.

Gaze at art by the usual suspects, Paul Brown, Kim Purton, Rachael Berry, Adam Harvey Kitty Linnington, Patrick E Wood, Dane Whitehurst, Thom Burt, TDK and a few more…
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There’s a great choice of things to do tonight on the Wight, if you feel like getting out and taking in some culture.

If you’ve been to see the Charm Offensive exhibition by Greig Burgoyne at Quay Arts and were impressed, you might like to meet the artists himself.

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Bembridge photographer Luke Ellison, explores the Isle of Wight coastline.

In this recent body of photographic prints, Ellison has selected texture, contour and colour to create this visual palette of works.

His portraiture of rock, earth, sand and sea celebrates the natural beauty, elemental structures and character of the Isle of Wight’s diverse coastline.

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Don’t forget that tonight sees the grand raffle and drinks evening at the Dolly Mixtures exhibition at Quay Arts.

Between 6-8pm tonight, pop along to admire the eclectic mish-mash of art dolls created from an equally eclectic range of materials, by equally eclectic Island artists.

The exhibition is in support of the St George’s School Dragon Project (don’t forget to book your tickets for next weeks event at Medina Theatre).

As well as enjoying a glass of wine tonight, if you enter the raffle you could be taking home one of the unique art dolls.

If you’ve been running out of things to do with the kids this week, how about heading over to Sandown where the Sandown Carnival Association have lots of free activities still happening this half term.

Today and tomorrow, they invite you to join them for Puppet Costume workshops.

Tony, a top carnival designer will be making two large scale puppets for entry in this year’s carnival at Sandown Town Hall. (more…)

Yes folks, those crazy kids from iCandi are back in town and doing their thing this Friday evening from 8pm.

As usual there’ll be a visual art show from none other than Paul Brown, Kim Purton, Rachael Berry, Adam Harvey Kitty Linnington, Patrick E Wood, Dane Whitehurst, Thom Burt, TDK and more…

And for your audio pleasure expect the delightful sounds of electronica, retro pop, funk, old school, dub and ambient lounge from mystery guest DJ’s. Ooo err! (more…)

Listen up folks, because what follows is a fantastic opportunity to be involved in something quite special.

Next week sees the return of Ergo Phizmiz to Quay Arts with a FREE three (try saying that after a few pints of Golden) day workshop.

This is a unique opportunity to participate in the creation of a new 12-part radio play from one of the leading practitioners of sound-collage, Ergo Phizmiz (WFMU radio, Soleilmoon Recording, Gagarin Records).

“The Faust Cycle” tells the story, through narration, song, original composition, and sound-collage, of a visit to the house of the infamous alchemist Dr Faustus, and the many strange and musico-nonsensical adventures which take place there. (more…)