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Blank Canvas

Blank Canvas: - 27 September to 8 November 2008

Blank Canvas is an open exhibition at the newly restored Torre Abbey on Torquay’s seafront.

It aims to express and reflect current ideas and practices in the South-west art scene today. Artists of all disciplines will be showcasing exceptional sculptures, paintings, installations, dancing, performance, theatre, poetry and music during the five week festival running from Saturday 27 September until Saturday 8 November.

Aimed at promoting the best of modern art in the South-west, Blank Canvas will bring a fresh contemporary feel to one of the English Riviera’s most important historic monuments. The Blank Canvas ethos was to discard a formal artist brief and placed no restrictions on content or media on the artist, resulting in an overwhelming choice of work which was carefully selected. Hence the open exhibition aims to express and reflect current ideas and practices in the South-west art scene today. A prize fund of £1500 will be given to no more than three artists thought to best echo this ethos of the Blank Canvas exhibition.

Art connoisseurs, locals, visitors and families will not only enjoy the exhibitions on show in the glorious Georgian top gallery, Cary Room and other areas of the Abbey but the many free interactive events, held mainly on Sundays. In addition, many of the artworks are available for purchase, and Torre Abbey invites first time buyers to browse and seasoned collectors to seek out budding new artists.

Blank Canvas interactive will be hosted on each Sunday in October at the Abbey, whilst the Blank Canvas exhibition will run from 27th September – 8th November.

Blank Canvas is kindly supported by Torbay Council, Friends of Torre Abbey, Torre Abbey, Torbay Poetry Festival and The Great Create.

Blank Canvas Interactive Events

International Comedy Film Festival, 25th-28th September

First ever in Torquay. See website for details and tickets, www.icff.co.uk.

Chainsaw Sculpture Demonstration, Sunday 28th September, 11am - 3pm, Free

Local artist Isabel Coulton.

Glorious Chorus, Sunday 28th September, 12 - 1pm, Free

Songwriter and conductor Helen Yeomans leads captivating contemporary cappella choir infusing gospel, jazz and blues.

Poetry Workshop, Saturday 4th October, 10.30am - 4.30pm, Free

A Taster Day, open mic and afternoon reading.
This event is sponsored by Torbay Poetry Festival.

Katherine Nietzebka - Dancing with myself 2D, Sunday 5th October, 12 - 3pm, Free

A duet between the live and mediated dancer. Contemporary dance performance in and around the Abbey grounds.

Maggie Duffy, Sunday 5th October, 11am - 3pm, Free

Local acclaimed singer songwriter sings uplifting soulful lyrics with guitar in the Abbey.

Christine Sweetman, Sunday 12th October, 11am - 3pm, Free

Performance with installation, Christine receals her 'boxes'.

Tango Blank Canvas, Sunday 19th October, 12-3pm, Free

Tara y Fernando bring together contemporary dance, theatre and tango, creating a unique original piece for this occasion.

'Ut Pictura Poesis' - Offical opening event of Torbay Poetry Festival 2008,Thursday 23rd October, 7.30 - 9.30pm, Tickets £5.00 / £4.00 concs

A mix of ancient and modern poetry which has been inspired by painters. Listen to the poems and see the paintings.
This event is sponsored by The Great Create.

An exhibition of contemporary abstract pieces which have been inspired by literature, Thursday 23rd October to Sunday 23rd November

Located in the Edward Herbert Burt-Smith Gallery (adjacent to the shop) this exhibition is timed to coincide with the Torbay poetry Festival. This is a rare chance to see work by artists who have exhibited at the highly acclaimed Tobacco Factory Theatre Gallery in Bristol.

David Osbiston, Sunday 26th October, 11am - 3pm, Free

Unique in style, contemporary Spanish Guitar. David will also be using digital loopers and guitar synthesisers.

Headbangers Theatre and South Devon College, Sunday 26th October, 2-3pm, Free

A contemporary lively performance in the grounds of the Abbey.
This event is sponsored by friends of Torre Abbey.

Please note that although some events are listed as free, normal admission fees to Torre Abbey may apply. Please contact Torre Abbey for further information.