“Dreams and Visions” September 2013

 

Listed Building hosts Art Show Again!
Art students from Wanstead House Community Association and Redbridge Institute of Adult Education worked together for a second time with members of St Mary’s Church, Wanstead to bring vibrant colour and a hint of mystery to a much-loved historic building. Redbridge’s only Grade One listed building opened its’ doors to the general public and played host to this exhibition during Art Trail Wanstead, September 2013, as well as taking part in the London-wide Open House event.

Tutor and Artist, Anna Bisset, says “It’s a wonderful partnership of art, history and the local community. This is the second exhibition we have put on here and we have really enjoyed seeing our work in a completely different context. It’s also a great opportunity for students to work together outside the classroom”.

Members of Anna’s classes worked over several weeks, putting up displays at both Wanstead House Community Association and St Mary’s Church – Art Trail Wanstead took place all over the town in shops, the library and other community buildings.

Anna selected student work from the past year on the themes that touched on “the unexplained or unknowable concepts of the universe, the power of the natural world, spirituality and the unconscious mind”. The images were intensely colourful, thought-provoking and sometimes strange.

In addition, Artist and Tutor, Patrick Purcell installed a sound-work in the church which was played periodically, making connections with the images and adding another dimension to the show. He says “This exhibition brings together interpretations of the natural, and at times the apparently supernatural world, driven by human desires and the imagination, which throughout history have often been a motivation for art.”

Churchwarden, Peter Brown added, “St Mary’s has participated in London Open House many times, and in the Wanstead Art Trail since its early days. We are very proud of being custodians of Redbridge’s only Grade I listed building, and we love the opportunity to show it to a wider audience. The Art Exhibition, from our very talented local art students, brings fresh life to the opening and helps connect the church to the local community.“
Students from Anna’s classes as well as members of the church were stewarding the exhibition over the weekends 14th/15th and 21st/22nd  September, part of Art Trail Wanstead.

More artwork can be seen at: 
http://www.wansteadhouse.co.uk

Further details on the Art Trail can be found on the Art Group Wanstead website
www.artgroupwanstead.com