WSP Art In The City

• Posted onJuly 26, 2018

Saturday 14^th July saw the WSP Art In The City live outdoor painting competition, held in the city of Gloucester. This culminated in an awards ceremony held that evening in the grounds of Kings School. The awards and competition are part of SoMAC, a festival which celebrates creativity inspired by Gloucester’s history and heritage, its picturesque surroundings and its people. Organised by Marketing Gloucester, WSP Solicitors have been proudly sponsoring the event for three years.

Having originally been planned to take place in Ivor Gurney Hall, Kings School, the event spilled out in to the grounds, making the most of a beautifully balmy, summer evening. After a day spent in one of two painting zones, artists were able to see their work displayed whilst a judging panel deliberated over the worthy winner of each category.

The judging panel was made up of well-known names in the art world including Dr Janina Ramirez, Art Historian and BBC Broadcaster, Swarez, Artist, and Russell Haines, Artist. As the event sponsors, WSP’s very own Judi Bonham, Managing Partner joined them in their deliberations. The judges were very much looking for the artworks which best capture the spirit of the city.

There were 4 different competitions to enter, Plein Air, Open Art, Family, and Community. The evening was hosted by Jason Smith of Marketing Gloucester and Peter Mardon, Corporate Partner, WSP Solicitors. They delivered speeches and interviewed the great Jack Russell MBE before joining with the judges to award the prizes.

Congratulations must go to all who entered, prizes were awarded to:

Plein Air competition

Winner – David Robinson

Runner-up – Kate Dove

Student – Phoebe Bunce

Open Art competition

Winner – Shiloha Levi

Runner-up – Luba Arnold & Jayne Tricker

Student – Poppy Birkby

Sculpture – Chloe Victoria

As well as the live, outdoor painting competition and Awards Ceremony on Saturday, there were free workshops and an art trail throughout the city centre on Saturday and Sunday. Former England and Gloucestershire cricketer turned artist, Jack Russell MBE, was one of the star attractions at the events. Jack joined the artists and painted throughout the day, showcasing his work in one of the many smaller exhibitions across the city. Other artists taking part include Jem Bowden and Trudi Hayden.

The SoMAC festival continues throughout July & August, and will see a whole range of arts, musical and cultural events taking place. For more information about the events please visit the SoMAC website.

 

Visit our Facebook page to see the full gallery of photos from WSP Art In The City.

 

Photo credit: Anna Lythgoe