10:02am Wednesday 8th July 2009
A NEW artists’ co-operative has been established in Weymouth, with its official launch at this weekend’s Spirit of the Sea festival.
Artwey is an expanding group of artists from Weymouth and Portland who have come together to run an open studios event throughout the borough every weekend in September, as well as a daily group show at Brewers Quay.
The group’s first assignment will be its launch at Pilgrim House in Hope Square this coming Saturday and Sunday as part of Weymouth’s annual marine festival.
Pilgrim House will be transformed into an art gallery and artists will also be encouraging people inside by dressing up in handmade lobster costumes and undertaking some stone carving on the harbourside.
Among the artists taking part are tiara and jewellery maker Andrea Frankham-Hughes, textile worker and toy maker Cath Owen, Upwey Potter Bill Crumbleholme, stonecarver Sarah Gilpin, woodcarver Mark Vyvyan-Penney and artists including Clare Buckle, Merete Bates, Cathy Taylor and Caroline Nairn.
Artwey spokeswoman Cath Owen said: “For some reason, people have this idea that Weymouth and Portland doesn’t do art – but we do and this is our chance to show people.
“We really hope that people will come and see what we do and maybe even join us.”
The launch exhibition takes place at Pilgrim House, Hope Square, Weymouth on Saturday and Sunday, July 11 and 12 from 10am until 4pm.
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