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Grayson Perry: Playing to the Gallery

Click on the image to listen to all 4 parts of the lectures.

In the first of four lectures, recorded in front of an audience at Tate Modern in London, the artist Grayson Perry reflects on the idea of quality and examines who and what defines what we see and value as art. He argues that there is no empirical way to judge quality in art. Instead the validation of quality rests in the hands of a tightknit group of people at the heart of the art world including curators, dealers, collectors and critics who decide in the end what ends up in galleries and museums. Often the last to have a say are the public.

Perry examines the words and language that have developed around art critique, including what he sees as the growing tendency to over-intellectualise the response to art. He analyses the art market and quotes - with some irony - an insider who says that certain colours sell better than others. He queries whether familiarity makes us like certain artworks more, and encourages the public to learn to appreciate different forms of art through exploration and open-mindedness.

Perry was awarded the Turner Prize in 2003, and is known for his ceramic works, printmaking, drawing, sculpture and tapestry as well as for his cross-dressing and alter-ego, Claire.

The Reith lectures are presented and chaired by Sue Lawley.

Copyright: BBC

Christmas Lights Celebration

Christmas lights switch-on at Northwich

A festive spectacular will culminate in the switch-on of Northwich’s new Christmas lights on Saturday.

Father Christmas will arrive in town at noon to kick-start the festivities, which will include stalls, games, roast chestnuts, sweets and mince pies as well as free tractor and trailer rides through the town centre.

A lantern parade featuring schoolchildren, stilt walkers, street entertainers and a samba band will leave Weaver Square at 4.30pm and make its way along Market Way, High Street and Witton Street until it reaches Brunner Court, by Northwich Library.

At the square there will be a brass band and carols and the lights will be switched on at 5pm.

Santa’s grotto will be open in Brunner Court from his arrival in Northwich until 6.30pm.

Chris Shaw, clerk to Northwich Town Council, said: “Northwich Town Council and Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWAC) took over this event last year and it was a great success.

“But this year it’s going to be bigger and better – a spectacular event.

“We want it to be an event for Northwich to be proud of.

“It’s about supporting the town and supporting the local shops as well – this year we’ve tried to make it so the whole town is included.

“There’s a bigger parade and lots more going on.

“We’ve also tried to make everything free or low cost so it’s affordable for everyone to come and take part.”

Tractor and trailer rides are free and will take place between 2pm and 6pm.

Waitrose will also have a stall featuring a 12ft Christmas tree and a lucky dip of baubles which correspond to prizes from the store.

The town council has also taken over the responsibility for Christmas lights in the town and this year has invested in new lights.

Chris said: “The council will strive to build on these lights in future, this is just the start.

“They have been purchased with the help and support of Waitrose, Roberts Bakery, Haywood and Jackson, Bells Funeral Service, the Rotary Club, Weaver Vale Housing Trust, CWAC and Colliers and the town council wishes to thank them.”

Northwich Guardian Article here.

Sewing From Scratch Workshops

Sorry - Cancelled due to illness.

Wednesday 6, 13, 20 and 27 November - 10.00am - 12.30pm
VAC Gallery, 93 Brunner Court, Northwich CW9 5DR
£12 per session, or book all four for £40.

Learn how to get the most from your sewing machine.

Learn how to do hems, buttonholes, piping, seams, corners, gathering, and adding zips.

You will learn by working on a series of projects, including making a cushion cover.

You must have your own sewing machine in good working order.

Places are limited, so book early to avoid disappointment.

Click here to book your place.

Dress a Girl Around the World Workshop

VAC Gallery organised a workshop on Wednesday 2 October to make dresses and shorts as part of the "Dress a Girl Around the World" project. Many thanks to the volunteers who made the dresses, and those who donated materials.

 

Made with Love by Erica (17) and Mary

This international project has so far made almost 165,000 dresses, sending them to children in 65 countries.

Check out their website (includes patterns) here, or the UK Facebook page here.