A Celebration of Contemporary Art in a Beautiful English Garden
5 – 26 June 2022
The Old Rectory
Quenington
Gloucestershire
GL7 5BN
http://www.freshairsculpture.com/
Blog by Fresh Air Sculptures
Fresh Air Sculpture is a contemporary sculpture and craft show taking place in the extensive gardens of Quenington Old Rectory, Gloucestershire from 5 – 26 June 2022. We are a biennial curated event, celebrating 30 years this year, and we take pride in supporting emerging and more well-established art talent by showcasing and selling unique sculptural pieces as well as decorative arts in our beautiful 5-acre organic gardens.
Fresh Air Sculpture 2022 brings over 130 modern pieces of outside sculptural work to this Grade II listed building with its expansive garden, in a tranquil setting, with the River Coln running through.
Many installations are created specifically for the gardens, to encapsulate the quirky spirit of fun, creativity and history that comes together at Fresh Air Sculpture whilst also acknowledging the times we live in and the challenges we face.
We are proud to feature provocative and moving works by Sally de Courcy and Ai Hashimoto.
Sally’s ‘The Colour of Mourning’ is constructed from cast objects. At first glance these decorative mandalas look strikingly beautiful with their pure white contours and repetitive design. However, as the viewer begins to recognise the objects as symbols of war and death, the aesthetic of the mandala takes on a whole new meaning.
Ai’s ‘Kinoko’ is based on a fictional narrative called ‘Pink Tsunami’, which references the devastating earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan in March 2011 and caused nearly 20,000 deaths.
But we also showcase the intriguing and fun; look out for Sarah Strachan’s flexible ceramic installation which dips and out of the river, Henry Collins steambent wood cloud-like formations and for plain fun make sure to enjoy the inflatable art by Steve Messam and Philip Michael Wolfson’s concrete sheep!
All works are available to buy, and work can also be commissioned. Sculpture prices go up to around £50,000.
The Pool House transforms into a contemporary craft and design gallery for the duration of the sculpture show. Curated by Jo Swait from The Gloucestershire Guild of Craftsmen, the exhibition centres around ‘Rhythm, Pattern, Repetition as a theme with makers creating new collections of work across the craft disciplines that include basketry, jewellery, textiles, wood, metal, ceramics and glass.
Alongside the modern sculpture, art, and craft, we also run a comprehensive Educational Programme for schools, colleges, and adults. Workshops inspired by exhibiting artists and delivered to primary and secondary children from disadvantaged areas and schools as well as special schools for children with physical and mental disabilities. The programme also provides education resources and free visits for local schools and communities.
We are thrilled that fibre artist Barbara Long will be on site for the duration of the show, making one of her sculptural cocoons.
Visitors to Fresh Air Sculpture have come to expect the traditional and the experimental, from moving and thought-provoking sculptures and detailed heritage craft, to the brightest of textiles and the glamour of glass. We welcome over 10000 visitors who enjoy the enchanting atmosphere, the flora, the artworks, and the chance to relax with drinks and locally produced foods.
Our visitors often make a day of it. We welcome families and well-behaved dogs on leads.
Tickets for the show cost £10, under 18s free and are available here…
More information:
Fresh Air Sculpture 2022
5 – 26 June 2022
Open 10am – 5pm every day
Entrance £10, under 18s free
The Old Rectory
Quenington
Gloucestershire GL7 5BN
