December 2022

13 Buckden Roundabout December 2022 Art Exhibition Art Exhibition On the weekend of the 22 nd and 23 rd October, All Saints Church, Offord Cluny, was the venue for our community ’ s open art exhibition. The event was the brainchild of Fr David Sheppard, who contributed time, encouragement, and practi- cal help, to make the show such a success. He was also one of the many artists contributing to this uplifting and cheering occasion. The delightful church also provided a visual treat with its painted ceiling and beautiful Pathfinder memorial stained - glass window. There was an enthusiastic response from visitors (over 200) on the weekend; rather surprising given the torrential rainfall most of Sunday. The exhibition showed over 70 works by 35 artists. Subject matter included: landscapes, surrealist images, figurative painting and life drawing, still life, animal subjects, digital art, abstracts and portraits. One special exhibit was ‘ Buckden in a Storm ’ a lithograph by John Piper from 1977; kindly lent by Buckden Towers*. During the recent glum finan- cial and political times it was a pleasure to see so much posi- tive spirit in our own community ’ s cultural endeavour. Thank you to Michael Murfin who designed a superb poster – perfect for the event. And much gratitude and appreciation to all the contributing artists, the visitors, and the helpers who hung the show, loaned easels, transported works, etc. and also to Mr John Simpkin who kept everything safe and secure. The exhibition raised approximately £400 for the church (over £250 in donations and around £150 from sales commissions). It is hoped that this event could be the first of a bi - annual visu- al arts exhibition in the parish ’ s community. It was a successful first time, so let ’ s hope it can be a fixture to look forward to in 2024. Terry Sladden * John Piper (1903 - 1992 ) was a distinguished British artist (official war artist 1940 – 1942 depicting scenes of The Blitz around Britain and painter of a spectacular mural for the 1951 festival of Britain) John Piper ’ s lithograph is the work at the top Photos are all by Terri Morley