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After much deliberation and consultation with friends of the gallery, we've come to the conclusion that we made a mistake (not our first ever)! As such, the Youth Category for the Artizan Summer Open 2018 has now had its age range expanded to include anyone up to the age of 21. Anyone who has already submitted work who believes they now fall into this category should get in touch with the gallery and we'll be happy to arrange a refund. An updated call file will be live soon but for now please disregard any reference to a an upper age restriction of 18. #ArtizanSummerOpen2018 #Artizan #Summer #July #Youth

Local thespian Brenda Hutchings appeared in last months production of Steel Magnolias at the Little Theatre and, here, brings us her take on how it all went. The play is set in Truvy’s (Brenda Hutchings) Salon in Chinquapin, Louisiana, where the ladies of the neighbourhood meet regularly to have their hair done. Helped by her eager new assistant Annelle,(Amy Burton-Smith) wise-cracking Truvy dispenses shampoo, coffee and advice to her clients, including the town’s rich curmudgeon Ouiser Boudreaux,(Nichola Aldridge) a woman blessed with attitude and acerbic wit; the eccentric, but lovable millionaire Clairee Belcher; (Adele Reynolds) M’lynn Eatenton,(Lisa Fletcher) social leader and mother of Shelby Eatenton. (Emma Hackett) They engage in small town gossip, but when one of the group faces a trauma that affects them all, they draw on their strengths to support each other. By turns hilarious and poignant, Steel Magnolias is a heart-warming portrait of friendship and love. Robert Harling wrote the stage version of Steel Magnolias in ten days. His wife Kathy urged him to write something after the death of his sister Susan, whom the character Shelby is based on. "I wrote it to somehow get this true story off my chest and to celebrate my sister in the process," Harling said. That means all of the characters are based on real people from his hometown of Natchitoches, Louisiana. The play premiered in 1987 at the WPA Theatre in New York City. Despite the snow and other misfortunes affecting our (TOADS) rehearsal schedules, Steel Magnolias was a very successful production. Feedback from the audience was positive and the majority enjoyed the show. There were a few issues with volume at times, and the nerves kicked in on a few occasions on the first night with just a couple of prompts needed, but everyone played their characters so well this was never an issue. Something I personally believe, and I’m certain the cast would agree is - we all felt the emotion, the tears, and the wonderful moments of laughter throughout the run of the play. And the audience felt it too. Many people said they’d cried, laughed and hung onto every word spoken. It was the reaction the director Helen Gould wanted and achieved. There were some brilliant one-liners which the cast delivered on cue, and the reaction from the audience attests to this. Robert Harling wrote Steel Magnolias in memory of his sister, but I think in many ways he wrote it for everyone who has ever lost a loved one. ‘That’s the way it should be. Life goes on.’ Robert Harling. Next up at the Little Theatre: Tons of Money - 14 May to 19 May Revised by Alan Ayckbourn, originally by Will Evans & Arthur Valentine, Directed by Andrew Bell An unsuccessful inventor has inherited the life interest in a fortune which reverts to his cousin George Maitland on his death. Unfortunately the inventor has accrued enormous debts and, as cousin George is thought to have died abroad, the inventor has the idea of ‘dying’ so he can resurrect himself as his cousin thus avoiding paying his debts. Inevitably complications arise! Tickets available here! #2018 #TheLittleTheatre #SteelMagnolia #TonsofMoney #Torquay #Theatre

At the end of what had been a very busy week at the gallery with a re-hang for our latest show along with not one, but 3 evening events, one might have expected that, come 5 ‘O’ Clock on Saturday we would have been hot footing it home to pop open a bottle of wine and sit in the garden soaking up the sunshine. But we had one final very important event to attend which we didn’t want to miss, so we jumped in the car and headed over to the wonderful ‘Words and Pictures’ Gallery in Teignmouth to view an exhibition by Artizan Artist, F. G. Davis. ‘Words and Pictures’ is, like us, an independent gallery working hard to promote and support local artists and is run by Jason and his wife. They have a dedicated space to the rear of their gallery where they host a series of exhibitions throughout the year. We have been to a few here but were especially keen to see this one as we knew that George would be showing his ‘Coffee Sack’ series of paintings altogether for the first time to coincide with a book launch of the same name. We had already seen some of them but to see the work as a whole is very special. George is a prolific abstract painter who just loves colour and working with unusual mediums and techniques to produce original bold works of art. In this latest body of work, he does not disappoint, taking coffee sacks as his starting point, using their texture and graphics for inspiration, George has produced a collection of innovative work that fully demonstrate his skills as an artist. We were delighted to see a first sale notched up as we were leaving and would suggest that you get yourselves over there quickly before the rest get snapped up. The Exhibition runs until 18th May #2018 #WordsampPictures #Teignmouth #FGDavis #Artizan

Renowned South West Contemporary Artist F G Davis exhibits his Coffee Sack Series as a whole for the first time at the Words and Pictures Gallery, Teignmouth, 5th-18th May. F G Davis paintings are uncompromising in their use of colour, texture and surface - They will excite your visual receptors and shake up your imagination. The starting point for this series ,as the title suggests, is a collection of large coffee sacks used in whole or in part to direct the composition. There is a very well presented book that accompanies this exhibition and copies are available at Artizan Gallery priced at £8.95 The Private View is on Saturday 5th of May from 5 to 7pm, please feel free to come alone and say hello to F G and enjoy the exhibition. #FGDavis #Exhibition #WordsampPictures #Teignmouth

This year I promised myself that I would try to get out walking a bit more, not only because we are surrounded by stunning scenery but also because, having lost my lovely Woodie just over two years ago, I was becoming increasingly aware that my fitness levels had started to drop. So, this year I have been trying to walk to and from the gallery and have been joining the other half of the team on occasions when they are out for a walk with Cobi. This Sunday with Jacob and Grace off partying at Grinagog Brian and I headed in the other direction down to the harbour to pick up the South West Coast Path and take a walk up to Daddyhole which sits just above Meadfoot Beach. Hardly a major hike but at least it’s a start! It’s uphill pretty much all the way so plenty of excuses to stop and take in the view whilst getting my breath back. Every time I wander past Peaked Tor I think what a great place it would be for a small open-air amphitheatre, yes, we could have our very own Minack here, just need some permissions and helping hands to make it happen, one day maybe? When we got to the top we sat awhile and had some lunch then had a wander around the National Coastwatch Institution Visitor Centre that we had not even realised was there. Not a huge space but packed full of interesting information about the work the volunteers do, wildlife in the area plus a potted history of some significant events. We then stopped off at the wonderful Headland Hotel for a coffee before heading back down for a wander around the harbour and along the seafront and then feeling thirsty again, grabbed a quick drink at One World Café which was in full Grinagog swing before heading back up the hill and home. #SouthWestCoastPath #MeadfootBeach #Torquay #Torbay #CoastalWalks #NationalCoastwatchInstitution #HeadlandHotel #OneWorldCafe #Grinagog

#2018 #Artizan #Newsletter #April #CristinaUlander #May #RAWArtForum #CocktailsandConversation

“Write to your councillors and tell them that this festival is going to be here for the next 50 years” DJ Chris Tofu “Write to your councillors and tell them that this festival is going to be here for the next 50 years” DJ Chris Tofu Grinagog Day 2 has passed, and yes, I’m feeling a little delicate again, but I challenge anyone to wake up feeling sprightly after a day which included, Kiko Bunn, Macka B, Tropical Tea Party, Sam Wulf, The Correspondents, Dizraeli and Downlow, Drystones, Henge, The Kaizens, and the New York Brass Band… twice! This was the big day, with the big man, Big Narstie and the festival site was buzzing. Chris Tofu was everywhere, sporting Grinagog cap, leather trousers, and bright gold shoes, and visibly bouncing in the sunshine. We started the day again at One World (still the best festival site in our opinion!) and quickly realised that we’d be needing the factor 50 as we slowly crisped on the sundeck. Tropical Tea Party were back again in the DJ pergola with their signature blend of fruity flavours, having tp’ed the surrounding area with colourful bunting and palm fronds. It was a look that pretty much epitomises the feel of the whole festival; vibrant enough, tropical enough and colourful enough, that you might forget you were in Torquay. Moving on to Torre Abbey, we spent most of the day enjoying the sunshine, flitting on the edge of the Supersonics tent to watch Torquay indie band The Kaizens who rocked one of the biggest crowds we’ve seen in the tent so far. The Crypt took on a far more mellow countenance hosting acoustic acts throughout the day. Here we caught Samuel Wulf, who mixed funk and acoustic guitar with a loop pedal to offer some soulful melodies. Then we took up residence in the Spanish Barn for a large helping of Reggae! First up, Kiko Bun – the man who brings the fun, and something about sun which we didn’t quite catch – delivered a DJ set that despite seemingly being fraught with technical issues, was hit after hit; we bumped into Kiko later on enjoying Dizraeli and Downlow in the RICC and he certainly seemed to be enjoying himself. Kiko was closely followed by Macka B, famed vegan reggae artist perhaps best known for his viral “Medical Monday” video, “Cucumba”. We’d been looking forward to this one and Mr B delivered some exceptional Jamaican vibes with his sterling band. “Health is wealth, ital is vital!” We tried to avoid the RICC for the main part; the sun was too nice to be in the dark of the Forum and if we had one criticism of the festival it would be that this venue still lacks a bit of atmosphere, although it has been significantly improved since last year! However, the draw of The Correspondents was too much, so we ventured into the dark for what was definitely the highest energy performance of the weekend. This British electro-swing duo made up of frontman Mr Bruce, who threw his lanky self around the stage in an otherworldly two-piece suit with UV detailing, and DJ Chucks, who mixes drum and base as though he’s working out on an elliptical cross trainer, were intense. These guys do electro swing but dirty, with retro soul and blues mixing with the most modern electronica and jungle beats. It’s all quite improper, in a good way. This was of course just a handful of highlights from an epic day, but for me the crown goes to the last performance of the evening from the band so nice we saw them twice, the New York Brass Band. The Chapel is a thoroughly unexpected venue in itself, but add in The Egg, a projection masterpiece across the back wall and high domed ceiling and it becomes something else. Drop in some great bands and this space is really something else. We arrived a bit early to see the end of the Drystones set who were mesmerising their audience – all taking a well-earned rest in the chapel pews – with furious fiddle playing and acoustic guitar. To quote the flyer we found on the floor, this duo is indecently talented, and they play a mixture of folk influenced music from every corner of the world. Having come from the angry rhymes of Dizraeli and Downlow, the calm of this space was quite overwhelming, and their more relaxed numbers very nearly lulled me into a peaceful repose. But then came the brass. The New York Brass Band are a York based New Orleans style brass ensemble performing modern hits in brass formations and boy do they perform! At their command the audience was upstanding, and The Chapel’s pews emptied out to fill the centre aisle with foot stomping, fist-pumping energy as they played an hour of hits to see in the night. The highlight for me was undoubtedly their cover of The Human League’s, Don’t You Want Me, which if it had it my way would have been their closing number. Either way, it was the perfect end to an absolute party! We’re heading back in again today, for what might be a quieter finish to the festival. But then again, we may as well go out with a bang! #Grinagog #Grinablog #Torquay #Torbay #Festival #TorreAbbey #RivieraCentre #OneWorldCafe

We're doing Gringog Festival 2018! Here's our round up of the Day 1 mudless fun! Whilst I wouldn’t go as far as to say I’m hungover, I’m prepared to admit that Grinagog Day 1 has left me feeling somewhat fragile this morning, but frankly, it was totally worth it for what is already promising to be another exceptional weekend of mudless festival fun! We were early adopters of the festival, sneaking in the first two days of Grinagog 2017 and partying until two in the morning on the second day, before dashing up to London to catch long haul flights out to Jamaica; we were determined that Torquay’s inaugural major music festival was not something we were going to miss! It turned out that Grinagog’s laidback reggae vibes were the perfect warm up to a holiday in the Caribbean and staying up for two nights straight makes it exceptionally easy to sleep through a 9-hour flight. So, when it was confirmed that the festival would indeed be returning to the Bay, we snapped up some early bird tickets the first chance we got and then spent the next 6 months counting down the days. And Friday night has not disappointed! We headed down to a festival site that its fair to say is looking a lot more official this year. Checkpointed entrances are a staple, and there’s fencing restricting a few of the handy shortcuts between Torre Abbey and the RICC. It takes away a bit of the relaxed, welcoming atmosphere the festival had at first glance last year, but we get that its all necessary steps for security and traffic control. There’s more stages this year too, more food stalls to choose from (not that we had any complaints about Meat 59 being the sole outlet last year!), and Torre Abbey Gardens are playing a much bigger role with a couple of small stages. We sampled the offerings of the Caribbean Kitchen who are making some great jerk and our friends at the Cognitive Coffee Company are brewing some fine beans for a caffeine injection. We’re disappointed to see that the Gathering Space has not returned though, but again, we’re not entirely surprised to see that the use of Torre Abbey as a venue seems to be a bit better thought out this year with “one in one out” policies in The Crypt and The Chapel, and much more clearly defined routes as opposed to a free for all across the whole ground floor. After grabbing our wrist bands, we started off the day at One World Café which won our award last year for best venue of the festival. We love One World every day but add in live music and sunshine and there’s really no better place to be than their sunsoaked courtyard. DJs perform in their tiny gazebo, and crowds spill out into the surrounding paths in what must be the most chilled out place at the festival. Dogs aren’t allowed at the festival, but because One World is on an open part of the site you’ll find plenty of four legged friends enjoying tunes here too. We caught “It’s a Swing Thing” which was an ideal way to get in the mood for the festivals mix of electro, acoustic, reggae and world music. We’re heading back here today for Tropical Tea Party! The rest of the night flashed past with Craig Charles Funk and Soul in the RICC undoubtedly being the highlight. We also did a brief stint in the Crypt on the hunt for “New York City’s most beloved blues bashers”, Daddy Long Legs. We were definitely not the only people there disappointed to find that we should have actually been expecting @daddylonglegsacid a much better fit for the festivals alternative rave venue! We stayed for a little while, and after we’d come to terms with the fact we weren’t there for some foot stomping I actually quite enjoyed Mr Long Legs bassfest. The Crypt is also a really cool venue with its cavernous walls, low ceilings and UV. And now, it’s time for Round 2! Our line up for the day includes, Tropical Tea Party, Macka B, The Drystones, New York Brass Band, Kiko Bun, Henge, The Correspondents, and Dizraeli and Downlow. See you there! #Grinagog #Grinablog #Torquay #Torbay #Festival #TorreAbbey #RivieraCentre #OneWorldCafe

On Sunday afternoon with the weather looking a bit grey we took a trip to Greenway House. Not our first trip but our National Trust membership gives us the luxury to return as often as we like and takes away the pressure of trying to take in everything in one go; an impossibility here as it is fair to say that Agatha and the rest of her family were great collectors. Agatha Christie called Greenway 'the loveliest place in the world' and treasured it as a holiday home for her and her family. They filled each room with items dear to them, brought to Greenway from Ashfield, Agatha's childhood home, and their travels and extensive collections. The contents of the house are as the family left them when they gifted it to National trust, with rooms laid out as they would have been used by the family, so that when walking around you might almost believe that you might bump into one of them and strike up a conversation. We enjoyed chatting to the knowledgeable guides, and listening to audio recordings of Agatha and her grandson Matthew as we wandered around,, we learned that Agatha would read her new works to her family before going to print challenging them to work out 'whodunnit', that some of her curios became characters in her books, that she didn’t drink alcohol but preferred to drink cream with her meals! With the day outside still looking ominous we headed home planning to return to explore the extensive gardens and the boathouse on our next trip. #AgathaChristia #Greenway #Torbay #NationalTrust

#2018 #Artizan #Newsletter #April #CristinaUlander #Cockington #May #RAWArtForum #KirsteenTitchener #SusanCavaliere #FGDavis #JoWest

Back at the start of March we let you know about a little mystery at Artizan. A photo was left hidden above our doorway (presumably by someone quite tall!) of a seascape scene. We still aren’t sure where it came from, but since then the plot has thickened… One month on, we’re now beginning to gather a small collection from our mystery photographer with a total of three photos finding their way into the gallery. We still have very few clues as to who this might be, but the scenes in the two most recent photos perhaps stand a slightly better chance of being recognisable with some very unique rock formations and a wider backdrop of coastline to identify. We’d love some help identifying where the photos may have been taken, so if anyone has a good knowledge of the local coastline, do come and check them out and give us your best guess so we can go off exploring! #2018 #April #ArtizanUpdate #Torquay #Mystery #Photography #Coastal

Last year we received the exciting and sad news that artist and friend of the gallery Karen Lorenz would be moving out of her studio behind Artizan and migrating south for our neighbours in Cornwall. The fact was disappointing for several reasons; for one, Karen is an exceptional artist and has exhibited her beautiful work with us on occasion in the past; beyond this she has always, and continues to be, a committed supporter of the work we do, attending performance evenings, talks and previews with us on a regular basis. What is more, knowing that Karen was just across the road from us in her creative space, gave a comforting feeling of solidarity to know there was a cultural comrade a stone's throw away. But opportunities in Cornwall beckoned, offering successes that Karen's work undoubtedly deserves, so we waved farewell wishing her all the best. We're pleased to say however, that Karen has not been a stranger since making the move, and as well as keeping in touch regularly she’s also recently returned to Devon for an exhibition alongside Kate Walters at Space in Dartington Hall. Curated by the art.earth group for Dartington Arts, the show is called My Looking Ripens Things, and features new works inspired by the arts spiritual reaction to the world around them. The two artists are old friends, and their works are very complimentary; neutral earthy tones combine with splashes of rich burnt colours to unite their series’; abstract flowing forms, rough lines and heavy textural marks recall natural formations; overall, works are primal, recalling cave painting, geological beauty, lifeblood, fire and energy. Individually and as a collection, these are very powerful images. The exhibition runs until May 16th, and we definitely recommend a viewing. For more of Karens work visit www.karenlorenz.co.uk or for Kate head to http://www.katewalters.co.uk/ #Exhibition #Dartington #Devon #KarenLorenz #KateWalters #April #2018 #Nature #ArtistPreview #Event