Active Arts artist in action

Active Arts art sale

A couple of days ago, I bumped into Ann The Actor wearing her Active Arts co-ordinator’s  hat, distributing posters for their arts sale this Sunday – and I promised to spread the word, writes HOT’s Zelly Restorick.

The sale of Active Arts artwork has been catalysed by a clearance of their packed-out studio space. All the artwork is original, of high quality and includes one-offs, outsider art and seconds, all at ‘crazy prices’ according to the poster! Aardvark are involved too – all of their prints are on sale for £10, with 10% of their proceeds going to Active Arts.

Active Arts artistry

Active Arts artists have taken part in Coastal Currents Arts Festival and exhibited at The Hastings Museum and Art Gallery and, famously, at The Tate Modern in London. The goal of the sale is to raise money to make a film next year with the students – and to buy art materials. Any donations – money or materials – would be gratefully received, especially as the organisation doesn’t receive any core funding. Please contact Ann on 01424 424813 or see website below.

In case you don’t know, Active Arts is a visual and performing arts organisation running courses for adults from the category known as ‘Learning Disabilities’. [Having worked as an advocate for SEAP’s My Choice a few years ago, I know I am not alone in feeling not entirely comfortable with this label; tell me which one of us doesn’t have a learning disability of some sort – and who amongst us doesn’t have a learning ability?! How restricting language and labels are at times.] Active Arts are a lovely organisation of caring and creative people, run by The Hastings and Bexhill MenCap Society. [Is it just me who feels that a replacement is needed for the thoroughly out-dated word, ‘Mencap’? Language and labels again.] Students are taught by professional artists and performers – with courses including Musical Theatre, Dance, Art and Design, Comedy and Drama Improvisation, to name but a few.

Searching for gifts at this time of year? This arts sale will be a great place to look!

Active Arts Studio Clearance and Sample Sale

Sunday 15 December, 12 – 3pm, St Leonards Pub, London Rd, St Leonards

More info about Active Arts here.

Also in: Community Arts