THE PEACE WHICH PASSES ALL UNDERSTANDING, a solo exhibition by Robert Fitzmaurice

Coming up this December:

The Zealot, oil on aluminium, 61 x 91 cm / 24 x 36 in. 2016

THE PEACE WHICH PASSES ALL UNDERSTANDING

Dates: Tues 06 - Fri 16 December 2016

Hours: 1-7pm daily, except Monday 12 December

Free entry

Reception with artist's talk Thursday 8 December 6-8pm

This exhibition, which forms part of Reading's Year of Culture, reflects upon our complex attitudes towards peace. Whether in politics, media or religion the concept captures the imagination far more often than it is experienced. In our personal lives too peace can often seem a rare and precious commodity. Since humans seem to be hardwired for conflict can there ever be a peace which passes all understanding?

These ironies are explored in a series of large paintings on aluminium, supported by smaller paintings, prints, collages and mixed media.

Robert Fitzmaurice's art presents the human figure in absurd, fragmented narratives that reference history, drama and rites of passage. Other exhibitions this year include The Royal Academy Summer Exhibition, International Print Center, New York and New Grounds Gallery, Albuquerque.

You can join the Facebook event here: https://www.facebook.com/events/143577336109020/

Jon Lockhart - Work: 23 September - 25 September 11:00 to 17:30 @The Keep

Boundless Museum Intervention

Jon Lockhart

Come along to OHOS and look at some sculpture. Part of Reading's awesome year of culture.

Opening Times 23 September - 25 September  11:00 to 17:30

Pulling Strings

Fragile?

 

Monday 15 - Sunday 21 August 2016.
Open Mon-Fri: 3-7pm, Sat-Sun: 11am-5pm
OpenHand OpenSpace, Brock Keep

Exhibition of sculpture, drawing and photography by Ingrid Jensen, focusing on the role of habitat and niche in the life of the artist, and the joys and frustrations of being part of an artists' network.

Getting There

John Percy's paintings in his recent exhibition "Getting There" at Brock Keep were much admired by visitors.  He hopes to have a studio at OHOS from September this year.

'Getting There', solo exhibition by John Percy

Abstract artist John Percy's solo exhibition, 'Getting There', begins on Monday 1st August and continues for one week only. This exhibition reviews John's work of the last 3 years and marks his return to painting after a 15 year hiatus. You can meet John during the exhibition and at a special open evening on Tuesday 2nd August at 7pm - 9pm.

John works primarily in oil, often on large canvases; he has a wide selection of smaller works in watercolour, watercolour and gouache, acrylic and ink. He also makes collage and adds other materials to the canvas.

Oxford Road Fun Day 2016

This great event was as successful as ever on 2 July, with all the neighbourhood groups getting together in Kensington Park, and local families enjoying the chance to try new activities.  OHOS had lots of happy customers who kept artists Neile, Kate and Ingrid busy as they tried not to get too covered in paint while helping them to print cards.  Many thanks to Luke, Kim and all the Oxford Road Multi-Agency Team for organising this beacon of community cohesion.

Adult Make and Take Session at The Keep! - Friday 1st July - 6:30pm - 10:00pm

Unusual Memorial found in Brock Keep Garden

OHOS volunteer Trevor Thomas from Brock Gardens has dug up a most unusual object in the Keep's garden.  Trevor kindly looks after the garden for OpenHand OpenSpace, sometimes helped by other kind neighbours and friends, and a few weeks ago he was digging a new bed for tomatos and potatoes when he found, 2-3 ft down, two pieces of a slate memorial plaque that looks as if it was once inside a church.

The left part of the plaque is missing, but we think the text reads: of...daughter of... nny Ford...25th 1839   years...their son...1839...years.  Possibly it has come from a church that was demolished around 1980, such as Reading Trinity Congregational Church,1846 - 1979, which was located at Queens Road and Sidmouth Street.  If anyone has any information about this plaque, please contact the OHOS administrators on info@ohos.org.uk, or 0118 959 7752.

Open Studios - This weekend!

Come for a tour of the Keep, see the amazing work of studio members and associate members. 

Studio Artist - Kate Lockhart - New Paintings on show in County

The RGspaces Tricycle visits OHOS

The RGspaces Tricycle is busily making appearances all over town to promote the many events and activities associated with Reading Year of Culture, and to highlight just how much is going on in the wide range of venues and spaces around the Town. On Saturday 16th April the tricycle visited us at Brock Keep, during the current exhibition of work by Amy-Rose Holland and Peter Driver: 'A Gaol Ballad and Other Assorted Love Songs'.

Watch out for the tricycle all around Town this year.

RGspaces and the Tricycle is a brilliant initiative by Annette and Alex Haworth to raise awareness of the rich cultural life of Reading and all the often overlooked venues and activities that are making Reading a cultural centre.

A Gaol Ballad and Other Assorted Love Songs

Don't miss the last days of this beautiful exhibition of contemporary work by Peter Driver and Amy Rose Holland.  Drawings, woodcuts, paintings, sculpture and artists books.
Brock Keep, 11 - 17 April 2016.  Open mon - Fri 3 - 7pm, Sat - Sun 11am - 5pm.  Free entry, and free parking behind the Keep (access to car park via  Brock Gardens).

WordUp! Two OHOS artists' project for the Year of Culture.

Reading’s Year of Culture has a different theme each month. Since April’s theme is New Writing, OHOS artists Robert Fitzmaurice and Peter Driver have devised a project to engage with the imaginations of people all around the Town through the simple power of words.

The project places artworks using carefully chosen words in locations around the town in such a way that the combination of word and location are seen afresh.

By giving prominence to one word or a short phrase that is some way relates to the host venue, viewers are encouraged to reflect upon the history and identity of the town in new and thought-provoking ways.

Robert and Peter's project has its own website were you can find out more. As well as highlighting the art at each venue the website also promotes some online artworks which will be added to throughout the month. Please click on THIS LINK to go to the website, find out more and to participate.  

You can also follow the project on Twitter HERE

Explore and enjoy!

Robert Fitzmaurice, Peter Driver

OHOS at The Reading Contemporary Art Fair, Stand 20

Join OpenHand OpenSpace Studios and Associate Member artists  Anna Mitchell and Janet Curley Cannon at this year's Reading Contemporary Art Fair on the 23rd and 24th April at the Rivermead Leisure Complex in Reading. Come along to Stand 20 to find out more about the studios, our recent activities, workshops, and exhibitions as well as see first hand the artwork by two of our members.

Reading Contemporary Art Fair is a prominent annual arts event for the area, promoting affordable art directly to the general public, a  showcase for the diversity of talent, styles and mediums used by regional and national artists. Visitors can expect to see an inspirational range of artwork, a unique opportunity for new and experienced collectors to view and buy direct from the artist or benefit from the informed collections from a number of leading galleries. The atmosphere is informal, friendly and relaxed, with something for everyone. Recent graduates and established artists can be found alongside a number of galleries showing work by accepted masters and fresh new talent. A good day out to enjoy contemporary art in Reading!

Practical Art Workshop Taster Sessions at Brock Keep

£10 per session, places limited, booking essential, to book a place please email info@ohos.org.uk or phone 0118 959 7752. Free on-site parking.  Part of Reading's 2016 Year of Culture.

Saturday 16 January 2016
10.00 - 12.30  
Introduction to Mixed-Media Sculpture led by Janet Curley Cannon. - Morning session now fully booked, but places on an extra afternoon session may be available.
Explore the potential of creating 3D forms out of simple, easy to use materials.
Suitable for all abilities. Wear warm clothing that could get messy.
£10, booking essential, to book a place email info@ohos.org.uk
For more info about artist Janet Curley Cannon see www.jcurleycannon.com

1.30 - 4pm
Getting started on Drawing led by Ingrid Jensen
Oh, that big scary sheet of blank paper!  Even for experienced artists, making the first mark for a new drawing can seem like a big step. This session explores enjoyable ideas for starting drawings, and ways of developing them to improve your drawing skills. Suitable for all abilities. Wear warm clothing that could get messy. £10, booking essential, to book a place email info@ohos.org.uk
For more info about artist Ingrid Jensen see www.imjensen.co.uk

Saturday 23 January 2016
10 - 12.30
Urban Landscape: From Conception to Materialization led by Petre Nikoloski
Participate in creating a collective project inspired by the contemporary surrounding landscape that will contemplate all the senses including taste and smell.  No limitation of expression, using food ingredients and spices including one individually chosen (personally important) object that you can bring with you. Look at work by Joseph Beuys for inspiration. After this introductory workshop, participants will be invited to continue to contemplate the ideas from this workshop at a later date.  Suitable for all abilities. Wear warm clothing that could get messy.
£10, booking essential, to book a place email info@ohos.org.uk
For more info about artist Petre Nikoloski please see  www.diary.petrenikoloski.com

 2pm - 4pm
Family Creative Activities led by Kate Lockhart
An opportunity for families to come and explore their creativity in a fun, friendly and inspiring environment.  Suitable for all abilities. Wear warm clothing that could get messy. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.  £10 per family, booking essential, to book a place email info@ohos.org.uk
For more info about artist Kate Lockhart please see www.thinklockhart.com or  www.katelockhart.com

Saturday 30 January 2016
10am - 12.30
Linocut Printmaking led by Peter Driver - now fully booked
Learn how to produce a simple lino cut print. Bring ideas and or images for inspiration.  Suitable for all abilities. Wear warm clothing that could get messy.  £10, booking essential, to book a place email info@ohos.org.uk
For more information about artist Peter Driver please see his website www.peterdriver.info 

1:30pm - 4pm
Serigraphs - basic screen printing led by Chris Mercier - now fully booked
Learn how to produce a simple screen print. Bring ideas and or images for inspiration.  Suitable for all abilities. Wear warm clothing that could get messy.  £10, booking essential, to book a place email info@ohos.org.uk
For more information about artist Chris Mercier please see his website www.chrismercier.co.uk