Libraries and leisure

Venue: Margaret Harvey Gallery, 7 Hatfield Road, St Albans, Herts AL1 3RR.

Date: This exhibition is currently open. It closes on Monday 28th July

Clothes for Living and Dying: an exhibition of work by Margareta Kern and Odjeca za Smrt.

Clothes for Living and Dying brings together two interrelated projects which questions the signifigance of clothing in terms of social constructions of identity, in relation to gender, age, history and geo-politics.

'Graduation Dresses' (Margareta Kern) is an ongoing project consisting of a series of photographs Kern takes of young women, who have recently graduated from secondary schools in Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Their dresses are based on images found on the internet, in fashion magazines and on television, of celebrities and models wearing haute couture dresses. Kern photographs them in their homes, and through this engagement with their personal space, captures their transitional journey from adolescence to womanhood, revealing both their maturity and vulnerability.

'Clothes for Death' (Odjeca za Smrt) is an ongoing research based project documenting women in Croatia and Bosnia Herzegovina who prepare clothes in which they wish to be buried. Taking this ritual as an opportunity to explore social and cultural constructions of death and dying, the resulting work intimately engages with the lives of women whose identities have been shaped by turbulent historical, political and cultural currents.

Wanted - Artists and Sponsors for the Boy in Blue Charity Art Exhibition to be held at the Barns at Westmill Farm from the 10th to 16th October 2008. The latest date for the submission of work is 28th September 2008.

Venue: Artshed Arts Centre, Westmill Farm, Westmill Road, Ware.

Boys in Blue is a charity art exhibition being staged in October 2008 for the benefit if The Prostate Cancer Charity and sponsored by Artshed Arts Centre and Winsor & Newton. The exhibition, being organised by Artshed Arts Centre, offers an opportunity for artists to exhibit their work and raise funds for the charity.

The organisers of this exhibition are also looking for sponsors to pledge to purchase a painting for £100. Buy a ticket for £100, which will entitle you to join us for the evening on the 10 October and choose a piece of work.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK. Each year, 35,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer and 10,000 men die – that’s one man every hour. The Prostate Cancer Charity is fighting prostate cancer on every front – through research, support, information and campaigning.

A ready prepared canvas measuring 16”x16” (40cmx40cm) square will be included in the £11.75 hanging fee to Artshed Arts Centre. Canvases to be posted will require an additional cost of £4.20 (1 or 2) £6.85 (3). For larger quantities please call for a quotation. All paintings will be sold at the exhibition for £100 each. A minimum of 25% will be deducted at the point of sale for the benefit of the charity with no commission taken by the organisers.

The paintings must be original, not shown before the exhibition; but can be of any style or theme or medium. Wall hung sculptures are welcome as long as the outside measurements do not exceed 40cmx40cm – they must all have some element of Blue within the work. All work will be available for sale and exhibited.

If you want any further information about the event or how you can help in other ways please call Artshed Arts Centre on 01920 466 446. Administrators: Lynn Andrews and Sarah Mayson

If you would like to participate in this exciting exhibition as either an artist or a sponsor you can download an application form from the website at www.artshedarts.co.uk

Venue: Hatfield House, Hatfield, Herts.

Date: Friday 1st August to Sunday 3rd August

Time: Friday and Saturday from 10.00am to 5.30pm and Sunday from 10.00am to 5.00pm.

Now well established as one of the most important events in the ceramics calendar, the 14th National Pottery and Ceramics Festival will take place at Hatfield House. A weekend to interest potters, enthusiasts and an appreciative public, allows everyone to experience the full range of work on offer in the ceramic community today.

www.hatfield.artinclay.co.uk

Venue: British Schools Museum, Hitchin.

Date: Tuesday 12th August

Time: 12.30pm to 1.30pm

On the second Tuesday of each month you are invited to a cup of tea and a talk. Bring your own sandwiches or buy some freshly made from our cafe.

This month Margaret Miles will talk about her Art Exhibition:
"Fire in the Works II - The Art of Dreaming" which is displayed in the Lancasterian Schoolroom. You will be able to view her art with greater understanding and appreciation.

Cost: £3.50, tea or coffee included.

See our web site www.hitchinbritishschools.org.uk for further information.

Venue: St John’s Arts & Recreation Centre, St John’s Walk, Market Street, Old Harlow.

Date: This exhibition opens on Thursday 4th September and closes on Thursday 18th September

A selection of oils acrylics and water colours. Private View 6.00pm-9.00pm. All welcome.

Venues: Various.

Dates: Saturday 13th September to Sunday 5th October.

Almost 200 artists throughout Hertfordshire open their studios to visitors. Organised by Herts Visual Arts Forum, entry is free and many artists provide demonstrations, some also offer the chance to 'have a go'. Opening days and times vary; full details are on the website www.hvaf.org.uk and in free brochures available at libraries and tourist offices.

Venue: Millbridge Rooms, The Wash, Hertford, SG14 1PS (opposite Castle Hall).

Date: Saturday 1st November and Sunday 2nd November

Time: Saturday 10.00am to 6.00pm
Sunday 10.00am to 4.00pm

All members on the Hertford Art Society register as at 1st October 2008, will qualify to submit two framed works and two unframed works, into the ever-popular 'Members Show'.

Held at the Millbridge Rooms the show attracts a high level of patrons and a pleasing level of sales.