Alison Summerfield meets Lynsey and Graham Pickwell of South West Art, Sidmouth, who announce their exciting summer project.

Lynsey and Graham have run South West Art in Sidmouth for more than 18 years and so are well aware of the many talented and enthusiastic artists working in Devon. Lynsey said: “We also know that many of them are keen to share their expertise with those of similar minds and interests.

"With many online resources, it is perhaps more difficult to share art experiences in person but meeting other artists often provides new ideas and encouragement. It was with this in mind, that when we heard the East Devon Art Academy, a venue opposite our shop, was available we took the opportunity to open a summer school.”

Sidmouth Herald: 'Morning Walk' by Phil Creek, SWAc'Morning Walk' by Phil Creek, SWAc

The East Devon Art Academy has been run by founder and owner Cathy Osbond for the past fifteen years and has an exceptional following. Cathy with other regular tutors, and guest tutors from around the country, has provided artists of all levels with knowledge, inspiration and confidence, and as Lynsey added: “The town is very lucky to have this resource.”

South West Art is also teaming up with The Sidmouth School of Art for this event. Readers who may be unaware of the Sidmouth School of Art will have perhaps enjoyed the results of their projects, from the ‘Wallspace’ billboard by the Sidmouth sailing club to the Branscombe Art Festival.

Lynsey said: “We simply love their ethos. The creative energy that they bring to art should certainly be celebrated.

“The summer school enables us to highlight the brilliant activities and projects this organisation runs throughout the year.”

The Sidmouth School of Art will run free community-based workshops during Folk Festival week, from August 4 to 11, and portraiture sessions with selected ‘Sidmouthothians’ sitting as models will be incorporated into the billboard project to celebrate their contribution to the community.

The rest of the month offers an extensive range of workshops from tutors and artists that are part of South West Art’s success, from printmaking to life drawing.

Phil Creek SWAc, is offering a two-day painting course during the first week and praises South West Art for its plans.

Phil said: "I'm delighted to be contributing to the summer school. Finding a local art materials supplier is difficult in 2023 and to have one with such a wide range of quality stock prepared to provide a summer school for artists is remarkable.”

There is also the opportunity for those attending workshops to enter a piece of work they have created during the summer school to be judged by renowned artist David Shrigley OBE. The winner will have their work grace the billboard on the wall that overlooks the swimming pool car park by The Ham.

South West Art tells me they will donate much of the proceeds from the workshops towards the cost of creating the billboard, and further assist this community project celebrating a month of art.

For information on courses and to book a place visit: https://www.tickettailor.com›events›southwestart

South West Art Materials: 01395 514717. E: info@southwestartmaterials.co.uk

For more: www.alisonsummerfield.com