What’s an Artwave?
During the last few weeks of August, our little town hosts what’s called an artwave, art crawl, or open house art. The Burnout Queens love art and we love a good snoop in the little cottages and shops and studios in our town. Come snoop over the walls with us.
Armed with a little Artwave map we knew exactly what our first stop would be. We could not pass the opportunity to see inside the stone mini-mansion attached to the castle. Imagine living in an 11th century building that has so much history. We have walked by it nearly every day and marvelled at what ‘could’ be inside. Well darlings, this year it was opened to exhibit art, so off we went for a proper snoop. The entrance gate alone is divine, but the home is stunningly beautiful, historic and welcoming.
Exiting onto the cobbled path, passing under the castle gate, crossing the busy little High Street, down the narrow street between buildings built in 1390 to our next stop, the chocolate shop! Okay, we confess we didn’t buy any art pieces, but we didn’t come away empty handed either (dessert anyone?!)
Back up to the High Street and a good hike up to St. Anne’s Gallery (a proper art gallery) full of fabulous art and architecture. All pricey, so we’re sticking with the chocolates. By the end of our first day we were happy but tired, so stopped to pick up a veggie burger at Bean + Bun (often a staple on weekends) and caught their wall art. The artist here decided the little outside patio needed it’s own artistic touch. Got inspired about the patio now!
Next weekend up the quiet, leafy lane to the Paddocks Studios to view art, illustrations, and pottery. We did buy a little something, but it remains top secret for a ‘Christmas’ someone!
Getting tired of walking up and down the cobble-stoned streets? Take a quick sit, catch your breath and then off we’ll go again.
Winding back through the Paddocks, Castle precinct past the oldest pub in the town ‘The Lamb’, through Grange Gardens, arriving at the sweetest little short street for our next stop (again excited to see inside a cottage on this historic little neighbourhood). Who could possibly make up a house name like Puddingbag Cottage, but here it is in all it’s quaint glory. Again, we found the perfect birthday gift for our neighbour who was thrilled to receive a piece of local art.
We had a blast seeing all the artworks and especially thrilled to see so many cottages, old grocery stores-turned homes, castle homes and chocolate shops along the way. We couldn’t share all 62 venues, but suffice to say we were happily tired and satisfied with our August artwave.
Oh, and we did get a little something for ourselves…well actually for the birds. It will sit in a well-planted spot in the back garden.
Until September’s special cottage issue (you won’t believe the little gems we have to share with you).
Love,
