Stephen Grayston instructing children how to paint the sign for the "Sun"

 At the beginning of July Stephen Grayston's beautiful Japanese Calligraphy exhibition opened at the Gallery 2 space based in the Eastgate Centre in Basildon. The exhibition by Stephen (who exhibits annually in Japan), contains traditional sho with bokujo and some work with acrylic on canvas. 

On the 14th July Stephen was joined by local children and held a demonstration workshop in front of Stephen Metcalfe MP and Mayor of Basildon Councillor Mo Larkin. Following the expert instruction provided by Stephen the children used black ink and paint brushes to paint various symbols in a traditional Japanese format - including symbols for the sun, happiness and wind.

Stephen was exceptionally impressed with the concentration and talent of the local children commenting " This was an opportunity for school children to come along and try something that they had not tried before."

You can see Stephen's exhibition at the Gallery 2 space next to the BEA gallery in the Eastgate until the end of July 2012. Or if you have been inspired by this blog and would like to try your hand at a bit of calligraphy, come along to the Gallery 2 on Saturday 28th July between 10:00am - 2:00pm for another opportunity to experience and take part in another live demonstration of Japanese Calligraphy by Stephen.

The Basildon Art Trail is delighted to announce that you will also be able to see some of Stephen amazing canvases and calligraphy as part of the Basildon Art Trail in October 2012.

Stephen Metcalfe joins the workshop to see what the children are painting

Sitting patiently awaiting the next instruction

 Alongside the amazing work produced by Stephen, artist Alistair Smith (who has been working at the Eastgate recycling cardboard boxes discarded by local retailers) created a large golden pagodas that stands just over 6 metres. Traditionally pagodas have five stories (one for each element) but the Writtle based artist used his artistic licence to add a sixth floor to represent grandeur and the spirit of  friendship between our nations .

Artist Alistair Smith stands in front of his amazing cardboard pagodas, joined by Yuko Warwick-Yamamoto, Reiko Aitken, Nanae Miller,  Mayor of Basildon Councillor Mo Larkin and Stephen Metcalfe MP

 Eastgate shopping centre has dedicated the sculpture to the Japanese Olympic swimming team, who have used Basildon as a base. It is displayed as a warm welcoming gesture of friendship and thanks to the team on behalf of the Eastgate Shopping Centre and the people of Basildon. 

Stephen Grayson with Yuko, Reiko and Nanae

Essex Summer of Art

The Basildon Art Trail is very proud to be affiliated with the Essex Summer of Art festival.

This year Essex is celebrating its fourth Summer of Art festival, which will see local artists exhibiting their work on art trails and open studios in the county's rural, coastal and urban settings, showcasing the county's artistic talent. Essex Summer of Art 2012 is the biggest yet and please to announce that it is representing trails/fringe events/open studios by every borough  across the county celebrating the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games through art.
Taking place from May to October 2012 Summer of Art encourages people to visit the Essex art trails and explore the landscapes that have inspired generations of artists.
Essex Summer of Art has been brought to you by firstsite in partnership with Essex County Council's Arts Development, 2012 Legacy and Tourism Teams, participating District, Borough Councils, Unitary Authority, BBC Essex and Essex's many and varied art trails.

Pick up your brochure today form various venues around Essex including libraries, Basildon BEA gallery and Barleylands Farm

Essex is proud to have a 2012 Olympic Games venue at Hadleigh Farm in Castle Point, which will host the Mountain Bike events. However, the legacy of the 2012 Games in Essex will not just be felt in sport. In the build up to 2012, the Essex Summer of Art will form part of Essex's innovative contribution to the 2012 Cultural Olympiad, a four year programme combining cultural activities and education with sport to showcase the UK to the rest of the world through the London Games.
List of the 2012 Trails:

• Art on the Railings - Southend: 1st weekend of every month from May to September
• Braintree Art Trail: 12 & 13 May and throughout June
• Westcliff Art Trail: 12 -19 May
• Gatehouse - Harlow: 19 & 20 May
• Gosfield Jubilee & Olympic Scarecrow Trail: 16 & 17 June
• Leigh Art Trail: 16 - 23 June
• Brentwood Art Trail: 18 - 30 June
• Burnham Art Trail: 23 June - 1 July
• Thurrock Art Trail: 2 - 15 July
• Parndon Mill Open - Harlow: 21 & 22 July; 14 &15; 21 & 22 July
• Essex Craft & Design Show - Hyde Hall: 28 & 29 July
• Art Trail Barleylands - Billericay: 3 August - 3 September
• Billericay Art Trail: 30 August - 9 September
• Jaywick Coastal Open: September - October
• Colchester and Tendring Open Studios: every weekend during September from 8 & 9 September
• ‘Works Like a Charm' - Epping Forest: 16 September
• Essex Craft & Design Show - Cressing Temple: 29 & 30 September
• Maldon Art Trail: 29 September - 6 October
• Basildon Art Trail: 5 - 15 October
• Hadleigh Art Trail: 6 - 13 October
• Rochford Art Trail: 27 October- 3 November

Why not have a look on the Essex Summer of Art Website and view information on the Basildon Art Trail as well as finding out more about then various other cultural events and Art Trails in the borough http://www.visitessex.com/discover/cultural/summer-of-art/basildon-art-trail.aspx

Welcome to the Basildon Art Trail 2012

Connecting people, places and art !!

What is an art trail?

The Basildon Art Trail manifested from the collaborative borough art trail founded in 2010. Art has a rich history in Basildon from the Mother and Child statue in the Town Square by the William Lambert R.A. from 1962 to the new BEA art gallery in Eastgate.  This year sees the 3^rd annual art trail coming to Basildon from the 5^th – 15^th of October 2012.

The Basildon Sign

The Basildon Art Trail is a non-profit event, which is run by a group of volunteers and aims to bring local artists and the business community together. For 10 days in October 2012 the eclectic borough of Basildon will be home to temporary exhibitions by local artists and art groups who will use shops, businesses and public spaces to exhibit their work.

Through establishing links between art, its audiences and places, Basildon Art Trail aims to bring unique and distinctive works of art to the area for the benefit of all both locals and visitors. Art to buy and see, free admission to all venues. The aim of the art trail is to provide the public with the opportunity to walk around the town of Basildon to not only view the diverse range of artwork on display, but to explore the town, it’s history, landmarks and many shops, businesses and establishments.

Previous Art Trails have been so successful, with businesses reporting an increase in visitors, artists raising their profile, gaining new commissions and art groups attracting new members

The launch of the Art Trail at Basildon Library

It is also the chance to explore some of our diverse areas at a relaxed pace. Who knows - you may even meet some new friends!

Why not get involved? Local artists and art groups are invited to get involved in this year’s Basildon Art Trail which will take place between the 5^th October and 15^th October 2012.

To enter, pick up your application from the BEA gallery in the Eastgate Shopping Centre, opposite New Look. Applications are now open for individuals and art groups that live, work or meet in the Basildon area. The deadline for applications is Monday 25^th June 2012.

Alternatively email basildonarttrail@hotmail.co.uk for more information