Description:

Art in Action opens its gates for another four days of fine art and master craftsmanship in the Oxfordshire countryside. Over 150 artists from around the globe will demonstrate their skills in a wide range of disciplines for an audience of enthusiastic and enquiring visitors.

Art in Action is a festival of fine art and master craftsmanship staged in the grounds of
Waterperry House, Oxfordshire. Each July artists set up their studios in one of the many
marquees and work in front of visitors, giving them the rare opportunity to observe the
creative process at first hand.

Art in Action champions art in many disciplines and forms, from the traditional to the
contemporary. In 2010 artists will demonstrate their expertise in Painting, Sculpture, Drawing,
Printmaking, Ceramics, Calligraphy, Illustration, Glass, Metalwork, Jewellery, Nature in Art,
Textiles and Woodwork. We are delighted to welcome a new section, International Art,
featuring artists from around the world working in numerous disciplines and all portraying
something of the culture they are from.

One of the many unique features of Art in Action is the large selection of practical classes on
offer. There are opportunities for approximately 4000 visitors to take a class in a wide and
eclectic number of subjects from mosaic making for 3-7 yrs to enamelling for the over 16s.
Half of the classes are run by some of the UK’s most prestigious and established colleges and institutions, including the Drawing School of the New English Art Club, West Dean College, the Prince’s School of Traditional Art and the Guild of Glass Engravers. A number of classes can be booked in advance online (www.artinaction.org.uk), but demand is high. Following a class, enthusiasts can purchase art materials and publications to refine their skills or just get started.

There is also the Craft Market where more than 100 designer-makers sell quality goods.
In addition, Art in Action offers fine music, performing artists and storytelling for children.
There are lectures organised by NADFAS (National Association of Decorative and Fine Art
Societies) and visitors can take guided tours of the beautiful Waterperry gardens and the
exquisite frescoes on the walls of Waterperry House that were completed in 2006 - a 10-year
project.

There is a wide range of refreshments: cream teas from the Pear Tree Restaurant, a
good selection of wines, champagne and Pimm’s and numerous organic and artisan food
stalls throughout the site. Art in Action is truly a celebration of creativity as well as a great day
out for families and art lovers. People come year after year – often, they say, as much for the
atmosphere as for the works on show.