MEDIA INFORMATION

READING CONTEMPORARY ART FAIR 2011

14-15th May

Rivermead Leisure Complex

(www.readingcontemporaryartfair.co.uk)

The second Reading Contemporary Art Fair 2011 promises to be a

vibrant, celebration of the best contemporary art with artists and

galleries from the UK and worldwide.

The fair returns after a successful first year showcasing the work of over

80 established and emerging contemporary artists, printers, sculptors and

photographers (14/15th May 2011, Rivermead Leisure Complex).

Organisers Deborah James and Sarah McAllister

say “We want people to come along and find out

what contemporary art is all about. Visitors will

have the chance to see and buy pieces of

extraordinary originality, whether they are

collectors or just want something eye-catching

for their home. “Above all,” they say, “we want

to debunk any myths that contemporary art is something only for the

connoisseurs.

“In fact, it’s fun, vibrant, exciting and incredibly creative.”

The fair will be opened by Sir John Madejski OBE DL at the Private View

on Friday 13th May. (See website for tickets)

Meet the artists

One particular benefit of the Reading

Contemporary Art Fair is that it gives

visitors unprecedented personal access

to artists giving them the opportunity to

talk to the artists about their work,

inspiration and methods.

Sarah McAllister said: “At most art exhibitions, artists would be

represented by a gallery, together with several other artists. The Fair

gives them a different kind of exposure and many of them relish the

experience of explaining what their work means to them.”

Exhibitors this year include established names, as well as some of the best

up-and-coming artists. Their work spans fine watercolours and oils, mixed

media pieces, photography, sculpture and ‘urban’ art.

For anyone looking to buy, pieces will be selling for between £40 and

£4,000+, putting collectable contemporary art well within reach.

Wonderful workshops

Highlights of this year’s Fair are a series of hands-on workshops run by

The Jelly of Reading. These including printing classes led by Jo Quinn and

painting master classes by Paul Kessling. Encouraging youngsters to get

involved express their creativity and take home their own wonderful piece

of art.

International exhibitors

Among this year’s international contingent are Art Chinese, a gallery who

are dedicated to the promotion of Chinese emerging contemporary artists

with a range that includes modernist ink painting, calligraphy, oil painting

and photography.

Atomo Gallery from Porto in Portugal,

who will be bringing a range of both

established and up and coming

international artists.

Local talent

Closer to home, artists from Berkshire

feature prominently with fresh talent and

established exhibitors alike, including

award winning Reading Artist Jonathan Newey.

Supporting The Prince’s Trust

The Reading Contemporary Art Fair will be selling 8” x 8” canvases

painted by a variety of artists including exhibitors. All proceeds will go to

The Prince’s Trust to help change the lives of disadvantaged young people

in the Berkshire area.

Where to go

The Fair will be held at Rivermead Leisure Complex 14/15th May

(open Saturday 10am-6pm and Sunday 10am-5pm). Tickets are £6 for

adults, £4 concessions and children under 12 get in free. Refreshments

will be available.

Ends

Journalists’ notes

To contact the Fair organisers, Deborah James and Sarah McAllister,

please call 01753 591892 or email info@readingcontemporaryartfair.co.uk

Images

1. Fiat in Florence by Helen Parsley

2. Wild Flower by Hideyuki Sobue, Art Chinese

3. 123 by Jonathan Newey