Shrugging off the Covid cobwebs, Under the Edge Arts are looking forward to throwing open its doors of the Chipping Hall in May.
“Our first event is an exhibition of work by local illustrator Rebecca Clark,” says the group’s Sam Carlton. “Pen and watercolour paintings of beautiful local buildings, original artwork and prints will be available to purchase, so please come along and have a browse.”
Rebecca’s exhibition runs from Saturday 22nd to Sunday 23rd May, from 10am-4pm. Admission is free.
The following weekend, the same space hosts the 50th-anniversary show of Wotton Arts Festival’s annual art exhibition, featuring work by a variety of local artists.
On Saturday 5th June, it’s lift-off for a programme of live music featuring a rock-and-roll showdown: Elvis vs Jerry Lee Lewis.
“Two breathtaking performers in the guise of Dave B (Elvis) and Peter Gill (Jerry Lee Lewis) perform hits such as Hound Dog, All Shook Up, Blue Suede Shoes, Great Balls of Fire, Whole Lotta Shakin’ and Good Golly Miss Molly.”
Other music events over the summer include Tango Calor, the most exciting tango group in the UK, and My Winehouse Laura Jane Butler brings the stunning sounds of Amy Winehouse to life.
And on Thursday 10th June, the centre is joined by the self-proclaimed No. 1 poetry teacher in the UK, Andy Gilbert, who delivers a mini-masterclass before performing a new genre combining poetry, storytelling and theatre. Annus Horribilis, Anus Horribilis (Horrible Year, Horrible Bottom) is a free one-hour show (featuring, as the title may suggest, strong language and adult themes).
For tickets and more information on all events please see our website www.utea.org.uk
“We’d like to add a huge thank you to everyone who has supported us in our recent fundraising online art auction, Drawing Lots. More than 40 pieces of artwork were generously donated by local artists and craftspeople, ranging from delicate embroidery to a beautiful patchwork quilt, watercolour illustrations to oil paintings, abstract canvases to detailed prints,” says Sam.
“The money raised from this will help us to continue to offer a whole range of arts events and activities for the local community.”