Art In Action

In a matter of weeks Art in Action gets underway. This festival of fine art and master craftsmanship which attracts over 25,000 visitors, is held over 4 days each in the grounds of Waterperry House, Oxfordshire.

Around 150 artists demonstrate their skills in painting, printmaking, glass, nature in art and more. What makes it unique is that the visitors can also have a go themselves in practical classes (for all ages from 3+) that teach everything from pottery throwing to glass engraving. There are performing arts from around the world including, live music, lectures, storytelling for children and good food and wine.

Art in Action champions art in all forms and styles so visitors can find everything from traditional crafts to contemporary art.

Every year, artists are invited to exhibit what they consider their best work in the 'Best of the Best' tent, this is a particularly good place for the visitor to start as it gives a comprehensive overview of the scale and quality of the event.

Highlights include:Drawing, Calligraphy, Ceramics, Glass, Metalwork & Jewellery, Illustration, International Arts, Sculpture, Textiles, Woodwork, and painting.

Many of the classes are run by some of the UK's most prestigious and established colleges and institutions, including City and Guilds, West Dean College, the Prince's School of Traditional Art and the Guild of Glass Engravers. A number of classes can be booked in advance online.

Art In Action Thurs 21 - Sun 24 Jul 2011 atWaterperry House, Near Wheatley Oxford OX33 1JZ. (Car parking FREE). 10am-5.30pm daily. Adm: Adm: £4 (child) to £15, Senior Citizens £12, under 9s Free. Info: 0207 381 3192 / www.artinaction.org.uk

Ayuba Suleiman Diallo, called Job ben Solomon

by William Hoare of Bath, 1733. Oil on canvas

Regarded as a key figure in asserting the moral rights and humanity of black people, Ayuba Suleiman Diallo was taken into slavery in 1731 and sent to work on a plantation in America. He was an educated man from a family of Muslim clerics in West Africa and by his own enterprise, and assisted by a series of spectacular strokes of fortune, Diallo arrived in London in 1733.

Recognised as a deeply pious person, Diallo mixed with high and intellectual society, in England. He was introduced at Court and bought out of slavery by public subscription.

Through the publication of his Memoirs in 1734, Diallo had an important and lasting impact on Britain’s understanding of West African culture, black identity and Islam.

In the early years of the nineteenth-century, advocates of the abolition of slavery would often refer to Diallo as a major figure in allowing them to understand the race and basic humanity.

William Hoare’s sensitive portrait of Diallo is the earliest known British oil portrait of a freed slave and the first portrait to honour an African subject as an individual and an equal. Painted at the time when there was a new interest in Islamic culture and faith in Britain, it provides a fascinating insight into the eighteenth-century response to other peoples and religions.

Venue: The National Gallery (room 15), St Martin’s Place, London, WC2H 0HE. Adm: Free. Info: 0207 306 0055

Summer Breeze: An Exhibition by Malarky & Billy

Well Banksy did it, and look at him now! But it's not the fame or dosh that drives Malarky and Billy, the two guys behind these latest(mural) works of Art. It's freedom of expression.

Producing upwards of six murals in a single evening may seem like the work of ten robots, but Malarky and Billy simply have it down to an animalistic instinct. Being inspired by skateboarding and trained by foxes has certainly had its benefits; the adroit duo has been painting towns in a medley of 'look-at-me!' colours across the UK and beyond non-stop since the freezing snow day when they first met.

As the warm weather approaches, the two artists have delivered hoards of redecorated work trucks and shop shutters with lightening-fast ferocity, the culmination of which heralds their first London show, SUMMER BREEZE. The exhibition blows in on 11 June with a series of original paintings and prints to resonate the new season.

Raised in South London, Malarky's style is influenced by a combination of the multi-cultural surroundings of Brixton, and the laid-back vibes of sunny Barcelona where he spends half his time.

Malarky's trademark foxes pay homage to his home turf where the animals roam freely around the city streets at night, echoing that of his own evening escapades with the likes of Billy, Mr Penfold, Rowdy, and Mighty Mo.

Childhood adventures in Africa fused with a background in graphic design influence Billy's tribal-esque shapes and bright colours. Billy incorporates funky typefaces and wild colour combinations to create a style that is abstract, bold and fun. Taking this on trips to colour up the streets, Billy is enjoying the positive vibes and community impact of drawing big and painting bigger in Brixton and beyond.

SUMMER BREEZE presents both individual and collaborative works by the artists, and runs Sat 11 June- Sun 3 July (Opening PartyFriday 10 June). 7pm-10pm.Gallery hours: Thurs-Sun 12noon-6pm, (and by appointment). Info: www.highrollersociety.com

Now – Mon 19 Feb 2012
GRAYSON PERRY - THE TOMB OF THE UNKNOWN CRAFTSMAN
Take a journey to this exhibition which celebrates anonymous makers of arts and crafts throughout history in a display curated by Turner Prize-winning artist Grayson Perry. Grayson Perry curates an installation of his new works alongside objects made by unknown men and women throughout history from the British Museum’s collection. From the first great invention, the hand axe, to a Hello Kitty pilgrim hand-towel, you will discover a reality that is old and new, poetic and factual, and funny as well as grim. Open late Fridays. Venue: The British Museum, Gallery 35, 38 Russell Square, London WC1B 3QQ.
Adm: Varied Prices.
Info: 0207 323 8181.

Mon - Fri
FINE ART
With Sally A Turner of Blue Lizard Arts. Make your own canvas with artist in these fine art classes that explore the themes of her exhibition. Venue: Zion Arts Centre, 335 Stretford Road, Manchester M15 5ZA. Ages 11-16 yrs.
Time: 2-4pm.
Info: 0161 226 1912.

Mon - Fri
LAYLA GARNER
Fun art and craft activities to inspire and delight artistic, young minds. Learn mixed media and new craft techniques from artist Layla Garner. Venue: Zion Arts Centre, 335 Stretford Road, Manchester M15 5ZA. Ages up to 11 yrs.
Time: 10am-11.30am.
Info: 0161 226 1912.