The biggest exhibition of some of the best art in West Wales

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Art At Rhosygilwen returns!
The biggest exhibition of some of the best art in West Wales returns to Rhosygilwen this summer, and looks set to become an annual highlight in Pembrokeshire's cultural calendar. Starting at Midday on Friday July 10th, the event will continue through the weekend until 6pm on Sunday July 12th. The exhibition is not only a feast for art buyers but also great fun for those wishing to take part in many of the workshops, masterclasses and demonstrations. The event was first staged last year and was a huge success. 'Rhosygilwen was transformed into an intimate yet grand showcase', said Maggie Goff from Cilgerran, adding 'We are culturally blessed in this tidy corner of the planet and it was a good feeling to be able to celebrate the arts in this way.'

History
The idea started with a group of artists who meet regularly at Pauline Latham's studio in St. Dogmael's. Sharing ideas over French-style lunches, it occurred to them that there were an enormous amount of highly talented artists who lived and worked in the area, and yet their work was not being shown locally. What was desperately needed was a high-profile venue in which to showcase their work withinPembrokeshire. Rhosygilwen Mansion quickly became the favourite choice, so they met with Glen Peters and Brenda Squires at Rhosygilwen who were immediately supportive. From then on, Art At Rhosygilwen just took off, achieving even more than was hoped for.

The finest artists of the region
Some of the region's most sought after artists such as David Tress, Ashraf Hanna, Sue Hanna and Mary Lloyd Jones will be exhibiting their work along with 70 others showing paintings, sculptures, photographs, ceramics and a range of crafts. The main exhibition will take place in the Oak Hall, which is ideal for an exhibition of this calibre, and also in marquees, gazebos and other locations around the splendid gardens ofRhosygilwen (which recently featured in the Gardens of Wales book published this year). This is the perfect day out for you and your friends and family to enjoy. It could also be the perfect treasure trove for the art bargain hunter. 'Come rain, hail or brilliant sunshine, we're going to have a ball' said Pauline, confident that this year will surpass the expectations of anyone who comes to Art At '09.

Artists and art-lovers welcome the event
Geoff Yeomans, whose work can be seen again this year, was thrilled to be a part of Art At Rhosygilwen. As an artist, he sees it as a great opportunity to present work in a very special place: 'Art At Rhosygilwen presents art in a different setting - outside the usual gallery spaces, so it brings new audiences to see my work.' He also says 'it's a great opportunity to have your work seen with a broad range of other artists.' Audiences compared Art At Rhosygilwen's inaugural event to the first Hay-on-Wye festivals: 'fun, interesting, intimate and very pleasurable.' Whether buying art, doing an amazingraku-firing workshop, browsing stalls, or just having a coffee with friends, there are fantastic experiences to be had.

Unique artists in West Wales
The artists that will be showing this year at Art At Rhosygilwen represent a unique artistic spirit born out of West Wales. This wild and diverse region provides a genuine backdrop for artists who have grown up in the area, or who have been drawn to the region. Artists see it as the perfect place to inspire, resonating with their creative urge. GeoffYeomans, a self-confessed 'townee' from the Midlands, finds there's no other place to inspire his highly detailed paintings. Diana Durey , a jewellery-maker, makes trips to India to source her ideas, but finds West Wales gives her the perfect contemplative setting in which to produce work. Whether working with paints, ceramics or wood, the landscapes of West Wales provide artists with an ancient and modern context in which to create all kinds of work, and this vitality can be seen in abundance at Art At Rhosygilwen.

An Opportunity to learn from the masters
Over the weekend there will be full-day Masterclasses in monoprinting, collage into abstract painting, bag-making and jewellery-making, as well as short workshops in everything from raku pottery to feltmaking. Masterclasses cost £25 (£20 concessions), and all participants will be able to complete, and take home, a unique piece of work. The Masterclasses are for all levels of ability, but those who want to take part must book in advance as places are limited: phone Pauline on 01239 612580 to book and to find out what materials you may need to bring (e.g. paper, brushes and paints).

Entrance fee is £3 (£2 concessions) and includes parking on site.
For more information about the artists taking part, workshops, masterclasses, other events, and Rhosygilwen Mansion, visit the website: http://www.artat.org.uk