Art Goes on the Rails for Creative Peninsula 2012

Art upgrades to a new level at the opening ceremony of the 2012 Creative Peninsula (3rd−12th August).

For the first time, paintings and drawings will be hung from specially erected railings outside Ards Arts Centre as part of the open air ‘Craft in the Square’ event (Friday, 3rd August), with every art work available to buy and take home on the spot.

At the same time Conway Square will play host to more than 20 local artists and makers, all gathered to showcase and sell their work, give demonstrations and chat about what inspires them. An extensive range of artistic activity will be represented, from card-making and calligraphy to soap art, sculpture and silver jewellery design. Kids too will have their own dedicated area and the opportunity to get creative with clay, print and textiles under the expert guidance of professional artists and calligraphers.

n all, over 80 artists, calligraphers, and makers will be participating in this year’s Creative Peninsula, organized by Ards Borough.

The 2012 programme includes a series of new elements, including a creative cycling trip, where visitors can get on their bikes to follow the Strangford Lough Cycle Trail around local artists’ studios. Also new are the ‘Creative Courtyards’ where artists, calligraphers and craft makers will be set up in outside venues to give demonstrations, display their work and reveal the inspiration behind it.

The main Creative Peninsula exhibition takes place in the Georgian Gallery in Ards Arts Centre and will show the work of over 40 local artists and craftspeople. Visitors can time their viewings to coincide with ‘Gallery Notes’, a series of atmospheric, acoustic performances in the gallery from talented musicians like flamenco guitarist Paddy Anderson and the inimitable duo of Steve Amos and David McCann.

Castle Espie will also host a show of work themed to the wildfowl and wetlands centre and the Creative Peninsula will once again go on tour when a 2D crafts exhibition featuring ceramics, wood, glass and batik, is mounted at the Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre in Limavady.

The 2012 Creative Peninsula kicks off on Friday, 3rd August 2012 with Craft in the Square in Conway Square, Newtownards, and runs until Sunday, 12th August 2012.

Ards Arts Centre

Source: Ards Borough Council