events

Media Launch 2009

The 2009 Artwave media launch took place at the All Saints Centre on Thursday 6th August.

Artwave is a not-for-profit event. Having established itself over two decades, starting in the 1980s as an art trail in Lewes town, it has grown and is now covering the whole of the Lewes District. We were delighted to welcome many new participating venues and artists and the festival continues to grow from strength to strength.

Other than officially launching the Artwave festival and bringing the invited supporting press and artists together with a view to marketing the festival to a maximum, this event was also an opportunity for artists to network with other venue representatives and the Artwave team in pleasant and relaxing surroundings over a fabulous buffet lunch.

In excess of 120 people attended with 40 venues submitting artwork. This was displayed in a quirky ‘studio style’ exhibition.

Many new artistic working relationships were formed between the exhibitors and venues and journalists bringing together this annual festival in a truly cohesive way.

The launch was sponsored by Lewes District Council, All Saints Centre, Harvey’s, Chaulas, Kudos foods and Hillary Moore Flowers.

A Big thank you to everyone who participated in the festival.

Winner of the Artwave Festival Open House Competition 2009
Mark Glassman and Geoff Stonebanks.

Driftwood, 4 Marine Drive, Best Open House Winner 2009 as voted for by our visitors.

Over the course of the 3 Artwave weekends we received over 200 visitors.

As the event was garden based we were dependent on the weather and were very lucky that it held out for us which enable us to serve teas in the garden and enjoy the company of our Artwave visitors.

Mark Glassman displayed paintings, a selection of prints and greetings cards in his studio at the top of the garden.

Colin Tingle displayed his unique collection of ceramics in the summer house.

And throughout the garden, which had already won third prize in 2009 as the “Best back garden in Seaford In Bloom”, there were strategically placed ceramics by Michele Findlay, sinuous human forms by Lou Johns and a range of metal garden ornaments, fibreglass bunnies and ceramic butterflies by Paul Cox.

We chose to raise money for Martlets Hospice and asked those who had enjoyed looking around the garden to donate a £1 in the collection boxes provided.

Tea and coffee was served in the garden in china cups and saucers along with homemade, individually crafted cup cakes. Over £300 was raised, so thank you to all those who donated.

More details on Mark Glassman’s work can be found on the Axis website.

For information, there will be a thank you to those who voted for us in the local magazine, Seaford Scene, in the November issue.