Take A Punt (From Oxford Mail)

Take A Punt

11:51am Thursday 6th May 2010 in

• Skip social links
• Print
• Email
• Comments(0)

KATHERINE MACALISTER takes a peek at Oxford’s contribution to the 27th Artweeks event, starting today.

Ever been to Artweeks? Too much choice? Too hard to get around?

Well, this year the organisers have made it easy for you.

There are two trails already laid out, so all you have to do is follow the yellow brick road. All the hard work has been done for you and it’s free into the bargain. So what are you waiting for?

And if that sounds too tame, these locations should whet your appetite – a pizzeria, a yurt and a convent are just three of the unusual settings for the Cowley Road Artweeks trail, which kicks off at Barracks Lane Community Garden where you can see real and virtual gardens on display in a yurt.

Following on is Karen Shott’s photography and digital art in Fratelli’s Pizzeria, the spiritality exhibition in the Parish Church of SS Mary and John, a rich show of Oxford’s finest designer makers and artists featuring at Cowley Road Studios, textiles, sculptures, drawings and paintings at Cowley Road Studios and then trek on down to Manzil Way for a look at the mixed work and refreshments in the city oasis of The Garden Café.

If embroidery is more your bag then try All Saint’s Convent in St Mary’s Road for a rare opportunity to see work in progress.

Two primary schools are on the City and South Oxford Trail.

Kicking off at the north end of Abingdon Road, New Hinksey Primary School and St Ebbe’s Primary School will be hosting exhibitions, as will the Edith Road Workshops where Jo Dixon and Melanie Donaldson’s mixed media, Gordon Stokes, photography, Valerie Mead’s jewellery and Sarah Spackman’s paintings can be seen.

A short walk will then bring you to St Matthew’s Church showing mixed media and a visit to Eleanor Bruce’s home in Buckingham Street where you will be transported beyond the city with her colourful mixed media work inspired by travels to Spain, Vietnam and South Africa. All exhibitions are free. Go to artweeks.org for information.