The Calne Music & Arts Festival gets underway today, following last night’s Preview Evening and Private View at Marden House.
The evening brought together artists, Festival Friends and invited guests for the opening of this year’s Open Art Exhibition, with more than 300 works on display.
Paintings, photography, calligraphy and other artwork filled the exhibition space, giving visitors the chance to see this year’s entries before the exhibition opened to the public.
The festival was opened and judged by Alex Bramall and Catriona Tyrwhitt, the founders of MADE in the Pewsey Vale, an artist collective and gallery showcasing the work of local artists and supporting emerging creative talent in Wiltshire. Alex is a fashion and portrait photographer who has worked for publications including Vogue and Vanity Fair, while Catriona is an artist and calligrapher with a background in arts marketing.
Genevieve Sioka, Art Director and a Trustee of the Calne Music & Arts Festival, told us: “Every year we’re blown away by the talent on our doorstep, and this year's exhibition of more than 300 works is no exception. From painting to calligraphy, photography to sculpture, it's a privilege to help bring our local creative community together - and a joy to welcome Alex and Catriona, whose MADE in Pewsey Vale gallery has done so much for the arts in Wiltshire, to open the Festival and judge the show.”
Calne based artist Ana Exton was among those taking part in the exhibition. She said: “It was a wonderful event and an excellent celebration of local artists.”
The Open Art Exhibition, sponsored by Bevirs Law, is now open to the public at Marden House and Calne Heritage Centre and will remain on display throughout the festival.
With the art exhibition now underway, the rest of the Calne Music & Arts Festival programme gets started today with a packed programme of music, performances and events around the town.
Take a look at the full list of events on offer here.
