I have just returned from the final show at Art in Action, an event that has been running for 40 years and one in which I have worked as a practical class teacher for the last eight years teaching silk painting and marbling. Whilst we had many new visitors this year, there were some familiar faces who came to say a fond farewell – some of whom I have watched grow up …

Thank you for doing the silk painting, I’ve enjoyed it so much ever since I snuck in at the age of 8 … it has been so much fun.” Allyson, aged 14

And this year’s class had equal fun creating their work in the relaxed and friendly space…

 

Art in Action has been a family affair with my two sons and my niece helping by teaching the marbling; as always, the class was fully engaged in the delights of dropping the oil based pigments onto the tray of carragheen ready to make beautiful marbled patterns.

During the eight years of Art in Action my own work has developed through a Creative Arts degree at Bath Spa University, graduating in 2015 with first class honours. I have been very fortunate in the support that my work has had from visitors, other exhibiting artists and the wonderful staff who have strongly believed in this fabulous festival of art.

For the last show, visitor numbers were well over 25,000. Amongst the creative conversations there was one reoccurring question ‘will this wonderful event really end?’ At the demonstrators dinner on Saturday night, Simon Buchanon, the organiser, provided some hope by suggesting that something new may evolve and for that reason, we all cheered.

Julie Heaton