What’s On in Devon and Cornwall September 2020
Some events coming up in Devon and Cornwall over the next few weeks or so.
12th to 27th September sees Devon Open Studios‘ fortnight with an online option for those people who prefer not to visit studios in person. With over 200 resident artists and crafts people offering a diverse range of media including painting, sculpture, printmaking and ceramics in settings as varied as medieval barns, sculpture gardens and seaside studios there’s a wonderful choice of art on offer. Some venues are offering demonstrations and workshops too. Visit www.devonartistnetwork.co.uk for full details and don’t forget that some studios may ask visitors to book in advance.
Open Studios Cornwall has just ended but I must mention Diana Dixon’s ceramics at her studio in Newlyn. Diana was showing ‘Birds 3’, an exhibition of gulls and wading birds, flying, swooping and coming into land, sculpted from clay and cement fondue with ceramic glazing, acrylics, fire and smoke finishes (pictured above).
Diana explains: ‘Some birds are about escape, freedom and loss of gravity – but gravity is omnipresent so it’s about thwarting the inevitable: stop and you will plummet to your death… all the birds have the common nemesis: gravity – it supersedes hunger, safety and bonding. It is why flight is the ultimate freedom, the sky is their kingdom and the winds their companions.’
Plymouth’s revamped museum, The Box, is at long last opening on 29th September, having been delayed by Covid. See the Mayflower 400: Legend and Legacy exhibition, part of the city’s Mayflower celebrations, also thwarted by the virus. I’m keen to see Figureheads, an impressive aerial display of Victorian ship figureheads, some of which weigh about two tons and measure four metres tall.
And although many of Plymouth’s planned events for the 400-year celebration have been delayed until next year, a couple will still be going ahead. A Flower and Quilt Festival is taking place at the Minister of St Andrew’s Church from 1st October through to 1st January. Exploring the Mayflower’s voyage, the displays focus on four themes: leaving home, life at sea, journey’s end and life in a new land. Plus, Royal William Yard will host Illuminate from 26th to 29th November with light art installations, projection mapping and interactive pieces created by local and international artists, tech designers and students.
