Art workshop at the Old Fire Station

ACTORS in costume will pose as figures from literature for an extraordinary life-drawing session in Holloway tomorrow (Saturday).

Experienced and novice artists will be able to walk in off the street and draw characters inspired by literary narratives, including ruffians, seducers, gluttonous heretics and amphibious lizard men. 

Drawing materials will be provided free of charge.

The 6.30pm session at the Old Fire Station in Mayton Street is part of a day of arts workshops from Islington Exhibits, an initiative by charity Rowan Arts.

The aim is to use hidden spaces throughout the borough to highlight artistic talent. Open studios, pop-up spaces, temporary performances and exhibitions will be staged over two weekends. 

More than 100 artists will invite the public to explore a museum, tattoo parlours, a farm, galleries, hair salons, artist studios, a law firm, shops, pubs, artists’ homes, public walls and gardens. Events will include artist-led walks. 

Harriet Carter, chairwoman  of Rowan Arts, said: “This year Islington Exhibits is bigger and better. We’ve been really impressed by the quality of the artwork and the enthusiasm of artists and venues to highlight the vibrancy of their area.”

A highlight will be a discussion between acclaimed artist David Blandy and psychoanalyst Valerie Sinason about memory and family legends, accompanied by a screening of his latest work, Child of the Atom. 

The talk is at 7pm on Monday at the Free Word Centre, 60 Farringdon Road. 

Four artists are exhibiting their work at Richardson’s of Highgate furniture showrooms from today (Friday) until Sunday.

The group are David Bottomley, Stella Michael and Andrea Heselton.

Richardson’s of Highgate is at 190 Archway Road. Nearest Tube station is Highgate.

To find out more about the weekend, go to www.islingtonexhibits.com.

Published: 15th July, 2011
by AMY SMITH