ArtsFest 2010 has ended after nine days of creativity from across the arts spectrum at venues all over the town, enhancing its reputation for innovative, inspirational work and attractions which were well attended.
Lucy Daniel Raby and Maisie Hill at the Big Draw
Visitor numbers to the exhibitions may have been slightly down, but quality art has been the focus. Sales at the Baptist Church Hall reflect this trend, with a surprising 18% increase over 2009. The Town Mill proved a popular starting point for those exploring the trail or following a particular artist, while top seller at the Baptist Church Hall was Libby Washington, and Hilary Buckley, who started painting only recently, selling 4 paintings. Trends are always unpredictable, though favourites Brian Matravers and Michael Stride each sold several large originals. Businesses participating and earning commissions included Castle Wines and Acorn, though one un-named proprietor asked for a donation to be made to Devon Air Ambulance instead.
Phil Clayton - Find the Artist
Phil Clayton had a young patron who spent her pocket money on a print after participating in the Big Draw at the Cobb Aquarium, and Chelsea Davine will need to work hard to replenish her paintings in time for an exhibition at the Russell Gallery in London in January.
Workshops proving popular were Gina Youens’ Calligraphy and Ann Pengelly’s Stained Glass, with Christine Allison’s Sunrise Sketching and Sizzling Breakfast at By The Bay creating quite a stir both there and on Radio 2.
Writer Anthea Simmons, whose interviews have been featured in ‘View From’ since July, used some of the poems from her ‘Paint the Landscape with Words’ workshop when she performed a poetry slot at the Marine Theatre for LymeLit Night, together with a piece from Jane Austen. LymeLit Night opened with Diana Dixon reading excerpts of ‘The Lymiad’ to an enrapt audience. The second half of the show, in a warm, welcoming theatre, consisted of talented scriptwriter Lucy Daniel Raby’s specially-written ‘Six Characters in Search of a Story’, directed by Anthony Shrubsall. Lucy took the part of Ann Elliot, and young London drama students, Vanessa page as Sarah Woodroffe, and Natasha Lee-Dowd as Little Pig Robinson, gave outstanding performances. We do hope this piece will be returning to Lyme in pantomime form. The cast praised Anthony for his skill in holding the show together when previous cast members got jobs and had to withdraw only a week before the performance, and said the audience reaction was most encouraging.
Anton Skrabl at the Slovenian Choir Concert
The visiting Slovenian Choir gave a concert at St Michael’s which again had the audience spellbound, the programme ranging from Greek Orthodox church music to light Slovenian folk. Twenty Slovenians sang their hearts out for the love of it, including the organ builder, Anton Skrabl, who has a deep, resonating bass voice. All credit to Andrew Nicholson for arranging this organ appeal evening.
The possibilities for future uses for the Malthouse were illustrated on the Wednesday evening, when music by local and London performers filled the space in a relaxed atmosphere, with art and music complementing each other. Another well-supported evening was a talk on photography, with Richard Austin entertaining enthusiasts with anecdotes and tips, his subjects animal photography and more recent shots of Lyme.
Sandra Reeve dances to Christine Allison's bird of prey
Dancer Sandra Reeve surprised some with her own ‘Glimpses’ of the art on show, an unusual reflection of pictures and sculptures.
The Jam Factory was once again a mecca of inspiration, full of unexpected installations, and the young B Sharp buskers helped get things off to a great start. Woodroffe School’s Sax Choir, led by Ali Young, caused a stir at the Mill; intrepid Natalie Manifold took walkers through the Architecture of the Undercliffe in a gale as well as to meet Jane Austin’s and john Fowles’ Lyme in kinder weather; while plein-air painter, Phil Clayton, battled on regardless. Rikey Austin found drawing teddy bears was the most popular of her workshops, while Alison Bowskill helped Woodroffe students towards their Arts Awards with projects at the Museum.
Looking back, Artistic Director Christine Allison said: ‘It was people doing what they are passionate about that gave this ArtsFest the upbeat feel.’
Director Sally Holman agreed, noting the aliveness and continually developing character of the festival in responding to challenges, the confident interaction between the arts making the whole.
‘Sincere thanks from all ArtsFest people to our business partners, WDDC and the Town Council, the Marine Theatre, the Town Mill, the Museum, the Baptist Church, LymeLive TV and local press. The success of the past nine days is already leading to plans for the next ArtsFest and we hope you will be there with us. New possibilities are constantly opening up, and it’s translating the ideas into happenings for everyone to enjoy that is our aim. Let’s see where we stand when there has been a thorough review, but I’m confident we will be here in 2011. ’
Next year’s dates have been set as 17th to 25th September, so make a note in your diary now!