A brief journal of art as practice

Saturday 10^th and Sunday 11^th December, 1200 – 1700hrs

Coniston Institute, Yewdale Road, LA21 8DU

The Coniston Farmers Market and Art Fair goes from strength to strength, cocking a blind snook to the economic apocalypse, the fair rolls into town this weekend. Offering local farm and kitchen produce, crafts, gifts, cafe and high-end international fine art.

Participating galleries this year include young bloods Limoncello, Castlefield, Homeshop Beijing, Auto Italia South East and Frieze Projects along with CFMAAF stalwarts Modern Institute, Lisson Gallery, Modern Art, Vitamin Creative Space and Woodland Meats.

Read more…..

Friday 16^th December, 2000hrs

Coniston Institute, Yewdale Road, LA21 8DU

Tickets £8.00 in advance

A Grizedale Arts production, written by Ray Davies specifically for six pupils from the John Ruskin School in Coniston. Commissioned by the South Bank Centre as part of the Festival of Britain 60th anniversary celebrations and based on a concept by resident artist Alexander Singh, this original play provides a commentary on the aspirations and disappointments through the decades of modern Britain since 1951. Directed by Russell Peat, music by Ray Davies, performed by Sam del la Haye and Arthur Mazzer. Plus live music set, food and drinks. Last few remaining tickets available the Tourist Information Centre in Coniston (10% community booking charge) or contact maria@grizedale.org

Throughout December, throughout Coniston Village

The Coniston Christmas Lights, brought to you in partnership with Blackpool Illuminations and with thanks to the Grundy Gallery Blackpool, are now officially on for the festive season. The grand switch-on honours were performed by village hero Margaret Proctor followed by an educational talk on the history of illuminated Christmas decorations by Richard Ryan, Blackpool Illuminations manager.  

The illuminations can be viewed at Yewdale Road and St Andrew Church Coniston or the Coniston wecam until January.

Tuesday 20^th December 1000hrs to 1600hrs

Lawson Park, Coniston, LA21 8AD

John Lewis bile overload?  Tinsel reflux? Offset the excess of Jesus’ Birthday with a day of offset tree planting (Cherry Plums, Bulace, Cobnuts) at Lawson Park. Delicious Christmas lunch provided to stretch your lining in advance of the season. Volunteers needed. Advance booking only on 015394 41050 or email maria@grizedale.org

Saturday 18 January 4.00 – 7.00pm

Blackwell, The Art and Crafts House, Windermere, LA23 3JT

Grizedale Arts, Lakeland Arts Trust and Charlie Whinney Associates present a day of inspiration for green woodworkers and design enthusiasts, with guest speakers including Wayne Hemmingway (tbc), Ray Leigh of the Gordon Russell Trust and Dr Kathy Haslam , curator of Blackwell. The day is part of a larger project to instil the rigour of contemporary design into the development of traditional woodworking skills.

Contact info@grizedale.org or go to the Grizedale Arts website for booking and further information.

Monday 12 December 2.00pm Coniston Local History Group

Coniston Institute, Yewdale Road, LA21 8DU

As part of the Coniston History Group events programme, Adam Sutherland will give a lecture on the life and history of Lawson Park farm from it’s foundation in 1338 by the Cistercian monks of Furness Abbey, through 19^th Century Ruskiny, agricultural decline and interwar holidays, animal testing station to contemporary art farm.

Admission £2.00 to Coniston Local History Group.

This month we are saddened by the recent deaths of three close, colorful colleagues: Ken Russell, a stand out pioneer of cinema, who also gave us numerous golden Grizedale moments and gave so much energy on every visit; village stalwart David Watt, the ironmonger who had everything but often found items difficult to locate and Gerald Laing,  one of Britain’s most perverse artists and a class creative maverick who recently returned to making classic pop art incorporating current icons like Amy Winehouse apparently in response to Britain’s involvement in the Gulf War! Thanks to you all, you’ve been an inspiration.