you are sure for a VERY big surprise! Read about background to step in stone
step in stone art trails open in Mendip’s Halecombe and Westdown/Asham Quarries
If you go down to the Mendip Quarries today you probably aren’t expecting to find stones wrapped in sheep fleece, chairs growing grass or fossil-like creations appearing to emerge from the undergrowth but these and other exciting, thought-provoking works are now on show to visitors.
Perfectly timed for the summer holidays and ideal for families, the art trail forms part of the Arts Council England/National Lottery funded step in stone project, fusing art with the wonders of the natural landscape through the work of international artists, educators and scientists. The trail is free and provides hours of fun, walking or cycling along the trails. Take a picnic, walk the dog and give the children – and adults! – something really different to remember about their school holidays!
Special performances and events will be happening – one this weekend. Artmusic’s ‘ECHO’ sculpture and sound installation at Westdown/Asham (Sat/Sun 22nd, 23rd Aug, 11-4) will be animated by live performances of Artmusic’s BLAST (Saturday 22nd Aug, 2-3pm); a theatrical response to the rock and mechanics of quarrying, with specially composed trumpet music being played from locations to echo around the quarry. The audience will be encouraged to move around during these performances, to hear the sound from different perspectives.
Workshops, guided walks and artist talks are also starting this week at Somerset Earth Science Centre, one of step in stone’s venues with artwork installed around the beautiful lake and woodland. These events are for all ages to engage and learn something new and spaces are still available. For further details about the trail or to book a step in stone workshop, guided walk or artist talk visit:
www.stepinstone-somerset.co.uk
step in stone is open until 18th October 2015.
Note to Newsdesk: a site visit and/or interviews with selected artists can be arranged this week. Alternatively, do come along to Artmusic’s performance Sat, 2-3pm!
Contact:
Fiona Campbell
Laundry Cottage, 13 Cooks Lane, West Cranmore, Shepton Mallet, Somerset BA4 4RH
Tel: (01749) 880394 mobile: 07515 537224
Email: fionacampbell-art@sky.com
step in stone website: www.stepinstone-somerset.co.uk
step in stone trailer film
Further information
The experience of encountering contemporary art revealed in quarry environments is the essence of step in stone, an extraordinary new venture which has intrigued residents and visitors to Somerset. A collaborative, multi-disciplinary artscape in the heart of rural Mendip, step in stone features work by fourteen leading artists, all with links to the South West, responding to the nature of quarries and their place in the cultural and industrial heritage of the region.
Having opened in July the project is stepping up in 3 phases to its finale in October, when the event will occupy 6 different venues including 1 working and 2 disused quarries. Currently in step 2, venues now open are Somerset Earth Science Centre, Westdown/Asham and Halecombe quarries. Trail, exhibitions are free while there is a small charge for workshops and artist talks.
Bristol poet, Ralph Hoyte has created ANTICLINE, an aural word-symphony to download onto your smartphone and triggered by GPS while walking through the Westdown/Asham quarryscape. Download from Ralph’s website – ralphhoyte.com – click link “SIS link to QR”.
“Geology underpins everything about our landscape yet the rocks below our feet are largely hidden, their profound influence difficult to perceive. Quarries, cliffs and caves can give us a glimpse into this underground world.”
– Amanda Wallwork (artist)
