If you’ve never watched an Art Race, you’ve been missing out! During July the Stour Hall at The Exchange in Sturminster Newton became a challenge arena – twelve artists with very different styles each set out to create a picture in just 20 minutes, watched by an audience free to stroll around and see the works develop. The viewing was helped along by music, a bar, fresh-cooked pizzas and the chance to chat and compare opinions with the rest of the audience.
The observers voted for their favourite work, and the four top scorers competed again in a Grand Final.
Finally, a well deserved winner was chosen – Claire Gillies will now have an exhibition of her work in the Bibbern Gallery at The Exchange.
The remaining three runners-up will share an exhibition at the same venue, which is also the well-used café as well as the bar for all evening shows at The Exchange.
It was a real challenge for the artists, fascinating for the audience, and a great social night out, with the chance to buy all the art created during the evening as well. The event was held to raise funds for The Exchange, and there will be another Art Race on Friday 28th February next year.
Coming soon
Meanwhile the next fundraiser for The Exchange is on 25th September, when three-time Olympic medal winner William Fox-Pitt, who has just coached the Japanese Olympic team to a first equestrian medal, getting Bronze in Paris, will be talking about his remarkable career in eventing and his decision to retire from 5* level events.
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