Rise and Fall - Arts on the Towpath

I was honoured to be asked to attend the presentation of this year's Open Studios family learning project. Children from three local schools, and their relations, were lucky enough to work together with three local artists - Julieann Worrall Hood, Sarah Moorcroft and William Wollen.

Since March they have spent time at Newbury Lock; cruising through Kintbury Lock on the 'Rose of Hungerford'; at the Globe Theatre in London; and at workshops for willow sculpture and silk screen printing. This all culminated today in a performance by all 40 participants and the aritists by the Ebb and Flow sculpture by Newbury Lock. They had made billowing sail boats from willow and tissue paper, and beautiful silk screen prints of their surroundings. These artworks were incorporated with excerpts from plays by Shakespeare all on the theme of Rise and Fall. Several young trumpeters played a fanfare from the roof of the Tower of St Nics Church, overlooking the canal. The audience were treated to several interactive experiences, including a short trip through Newbury Lock on the 'Rose of Hungerford'.

I think the audience were amazed - especially the public who happened to be at the right place at the right time! Congratulations to everyone involved, especially Pat Eastop who made the whole thing happen.