A LIVE art event in Keynsham saw artists braving the threat of rain to create new work across the town.
Although forecasts predicted up to an 80% chance of rain on Saturday September 20, it held off until nearly 3pm, giving participants plenty of time to capture local scenes.
Ten artists submitted 11 pieces of work for the Chew Creatives pilot event, which are on display in the Libourn Lounge at Keynsham Library until Saturday October 4.
Artists spread themselves around town. Local artist Les Benson took to the bandstand in the park, Nasro Mo drove down from Southport and set up in the High Street, and Frank Morris (who cycled in from Bristol) worked at the cemetery, which was also hosting a Heritage Open Days event.
Passers-by were intrigued to see artists at work ‘in the wild’. Les spent much of his time chatting with the public, while Nasro drew crowds who watched him paint.
The youngest participant, 15-year-old Lilah, joined at the last minute, picked up a canvas from a local shop and used watercolours for her painting of the River Chew near Dapps Hill.
Prizes awarded as follows:
1st place (£200): Nasro Mo for his oil painting of Keynsham High Street
2nd place (£150): Frank Morris for his charcoal drawing at the cemetery
3rd place (£100): Luiza Leu for her drawing of St John’s Church
Thanks to the event’s sponsors, additional prizes included three annual memberships to the Clifton Arts Group in Bristol (£30 each), three goody bags of art materials from Cass Art (£60 each), and an e-voucher for the Community Pottery in St Anne’s House (£85).
With 11 artworks and a dozen GWR poster frames available at the station, Chew Creatives are also able to share the artwork – and artists’ background stories – with the travelling public.
Organiser Joe Tymkow said: “I was delighted with the turnout. The artists showed real courage creating work live in public, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive.
“Artists valued the chance to make their art, to see it displayed, and to connect with the local community.”
Joe thanked Keynsham Town Council for supporting and encouraging the event.
Pictured above, artist Nasro Mo in Keynsham High Street and, below, his winning entry
