Well folks, no new pics to upload as of yet - oh, yes okay there are a few of recent happenings, but trapped in this internet cafe in Nottingham I haven't been able to get them online .. yes, persistent trouble with my provider has relegated me to the outfield of server access .. be faithful, it won't be long till Exemplar Art makes a new posting of exciting events happening at Quad in Derby, the flyers from several recent perfomance poetry gigs and even a pic of my cousin Bill's leaving do in Leeds - yep, he's off to the Cayman Islands with his new beau Natalie to teach English to the sunshine addled youth of the warmer climes .. oh, why am I stuck in dreary Britain in an August rainstorm when turquoise seas and palm trees beckon? haha ..

Remember, you can add this blog to your personal RSS feed at anytime by clicking the button above, enabling you to stay in touch with all the latest exhibitions and gigs in my own calendar .. Cheers KW

Verses Grow ..

'Verses Grow In Our Garden' is the name of a poetry anthology published by The Madd Chadd Poets with whom I was involved.


Joel Denno, a former Derby Slam champ and others, including yours truly spouting my 'Pop Star' anthem to environmental salvation.


Also in attendance were Rakesh Parmer, the fabulous Mellow Baku, Catherine Clarke, Rob Hodkinson and of course Richard and Seema.

The evening was enlivened by a few radical songsmiths and alternative violinists, the Time Travel Opportunists showed up to applaud and the weather held out to give the gathering a warm and cosy ambience. All in it was a pleasant evening held together by the occasionally quirky and often inspiring poetry on offer. Oh, I think you can still order books by contacting http://www.uprisearts.com/

Illumination

Even with all the excitement of recent events and the work that has been put into the various exhibitions and poetry gigs I've been involved with recently, I've still tried to get out and about to see a few sights this summer.

One of the most interesting places to visit in the region is the stunning Coventry Cathedral. Although initially laid out almost 800 years ago, it was built onto in stages over several centuries, and had a grand design with bell tower - still ringing in the changes around town.

However, it is perhaps now most notable for the fact it was bombed during WWII and subsequently rebuilt in the style seen above. The architecture of the original structure was incorporated into the new Cathedral to create the postmodern composition of this tremendous icon to survival and regeneration. Filled with magnificent artwork that compliments the design and beautiful chapels that play with the light and space to generate a sense of the awe and wonder of the human spirit, this cathedral harmonises the contemporary interior with its ancient exterior in a balance that reveals the enduring significance of the nature of worship.

I would recommend a day out in Coventry to anyone with an interest in history, from the cathedral to Lady Godiva to some terrific Tudor pubs the town has a lot to offer, and getting there can be a pleasant drive through the lovely countryside.

Here is a little picture of St Thomas' Cathedral in Portsmouth, to help illustrate the discussion in the comments section .. please feel free to read the accompanying text to understand. I think it is quite interesting, and perhaps worth a visit for the history and variation in architectural styles.

CUC Exhibition Website

Here are a few more photos of the CUC Exhibition in Liverpool and the magnificent Cathedral .. it was a great experience being involved in this prestigious event, and by all accounts a very successful show. Selected artists are being considered for exhibition at the Novas Scarman CUC on the South Bank in London, and I'm hoping my name is in the hat for that great opportunity.




Thanks to David Crawley and Diana Ali for the inclusion, and everyone who attended and made it all worthwhile. Hope to see you at the next event.

Also, the new website detailing the artists who were involved is up and running (or should be within a day or two of this post), and can be found at www.upandcoming.org .. feel free to visit and have a look at some of the great work that was on display in the Aghafar Gallery at the Contemporary Urban Centre, Liverpool, through July.

Contemporary Urban Centre, Liverpool

The exhibition private view in the Aghafar Gallery, and the after party with live band in the Jamaica Room was really a night to remember, with a wonderful turnout of guests and surprises around every turn.

Here you can see Liverpool through one of my acrylic and metal pieces installed in the 3rd floor window, as well as a glimpse of the gallery, and the view from my hotel room overlooking the Albert Dock (that's the Tate Gallery on the left). Additionally, there was a visit to the Liverpool Cathedral - a fine example of iconic industrial architecture, and you may note the similarities between the vaulted ceiling and my own designs.

I look forward to returning to Liverpool and to my next public exhibition. Many thanks to all those involved, including curators David Crawley and Diana Ali, Tom the art handler for making some excellent recommendations, and the staff at the CUC for all their support.

Please visit the web

Publish Post

site and lend support when you can.

http://www.novasscarman.org/arts/novas-galleries-cuc-north-west/up-and-coming,70,IN.html

Contemporary Urban Centre for the Arts, Liverpool

This past week saw me preview my first exhibition at the CUC in Liverpool, a fabulous new development across from the Albert Dock - home of the Tate Gallery and Beatles Museum. I am honoured and pleased to be part of this terrific emerging artists show in the magnificent newly refurbished listed building in the heart of the Capital of Culture.

The Contemporary Urban Centre and Novas Arts is an arts and cultural initiative that invests 100% of profits into services to increase access to education, work and training for homeless and other excluded individuals.

Aghafar Gallery

Contemporary Urban Centre

41 - 51 Greenland Street L1 0BS

Up & Coming Exhibition: 4th - 18th July 2008 Open: Tues - Sun 11am - 6pm

Folk Festival in Leicester

Recently, I was part of the Big Sessions Folk Festival in Leicester, as performance poet, along with Lydia Towsey, Rob Gee, Hit Man Jay and organiser Rakesh Parmer. We performed in the beer tent to a raucous reception - it was a great experience and I hope to do it all again soon. Thanks Rakesh!

Banks' Mill Open Studio Weekend

The Banks' Mill Open Studio event was a terrific success this year with over 900 visitors, many of whom were able to view my art, and hear me perform several poems with the former Cheshire poet laureate Jo Bell.

I was pleased with many of the encouraging comments I received, and was able to discuss my work in detail with more than a few interested visitors and art enthusiasts.

Jo Bell and I had a 'Live' moment on BBC Radio Derby, and enjoyed an additional spot at the Big Blue Cafe in Derby on Saturday night.

Overall, it was a hectic but exciting weekend, with many lessons learned for the future.

Exemplar Art Blog

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