Mon 2 – Sun 8 July 2018, A FESTIVAL OF ART

This fifth year of Open for Art is particularly special. Jelly is 25 years old, and as in previous years, curates this event. Join us on walks and talks. Participate in events and workshops. Be sure to book ahead where necessary. We really look forward to welcoming you. The Open for Art Festival is curated by Jelly

You can pick up a map from one of our partners and host venues, the Open for Art HQ at the Jelly Studios in Broad Street Mall or festival downloads here:
 
Download a festival map here >> Open for Art 2018 – festival map
Download a festival planner here >> Open for Art 2018 – plan your visit

Workshops and events bookable here: Book tickets to an event or workshop here: thejellyreading.eventbrite.co.uk

Sponsored by The Oracle, Reading Business Improvement District, Cream Design, Reading UK, RGSpaces and all the venues and hosts.

Open for Art is just one of many events delivered by Jelly. As recognition for our work, last year we were awarded The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (The ‘MBE’).  We aim to make everything we do free, accessible, and available to those restricted by social and economic reasons. Projects would not happen, nor would we reach as many people, without the support we receive. From businesses to individuals; volunteers to donations: every contribution matters. To support our work please get in touch. Email belong@jelly.org.uk, or visit jelly.org.uk/supporting-jelly

Below is a full listing of every event and details on how to get involved:

25 STORIES
To mark our 25th birthday we have invited people with special Jelly connections to make things and curate 25 Stories events as part of the celebrations.

Where Jelly Hangs its Hat
Jelly studio artist Sam Knight is creating a limited-edition book of drawings of each of Jelly’s many homes, gathering stories and marking notable achievements. Sam will begin this collection during Open for Art and the finished books will be available from December to celebrate Jelly’s birthday .

Friendships
Justine Holt graduated in 1993 and her first exhibition in Reading was at the original Jelly venue, 35 Minster Street. She played a pivotal role as curator both at the corner of Broad Street (now Patisserie Valerie) and at The Oracle Riverside. Justine has written a piece about the importance of these friendships and the creativity that comes from being part of Jelly.

Jelly Stories – Artists and Friendships

Breakfast with an Artist 
Kerry Lemon joined the Jelly team during our years at The Oracle while studying fine art at the University of Reading. Since then she has created public art for The Lexicon Bracknell and been artist in residence at Coutts, London. Join us for breakfast where Kerry will discuss making public art, with Sarah Hacker, a passionate advocate of the arts in Reading. Kindly sponsored by Broad Street Bar and Kitchen. FREE. Pre-booking essential at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/open-for-art-launch-event-breakfast-with-an-artist-kerry-lemon-tickets-46592900620

Mon 2 July 8 – 9.30am / Venue 2, Broad Street Bar and Kitchen

Second Time Around
Over the past three years Jelly’s education team has worked with Reading schools on the theme of Our Town, enabling over 330 children to gain an Arts Award. The Oracle recycles about 95% of its waste. In this special project 30 schoolchildren from Katesgrove Primary will work with Jelly artist Yan Chong to create a large sculpture on The Riverside using some of The Oracle’s waste. Visitors are invited to join in. This project is generously supported by The Oracle and Mothertongue.

Mon 2 – Sun 8 July, open daily / Venue 11, The Oracle Riverside

Beginnings to 2018
On show will be art works and a fashion display created by fashion, textile and media students from Reading College’s UAL (University of the Arts London) selected by Emma Bradbury who joined the Jelly team as a volunteer in 2000 and later studied textiles at Winchester and the RCA.

Mon 2 – Sun 8 July, open daily, meet the students Thu 5 July 4 – 5.30pm / Venue 17, The White Building

Making Time
In celebration of Jelly’s silver jubilee, Mirren Kessling and Lisa-marie Gibbs have been inviting the public to create icons which symbolise creativity. These works will become a time capsule, to be opened up when the charity turns 50, a message to a new generation of artists to keep creativity at the heart of the city. To add your piece to the time capsule please deliver it to Jelly HQ during Open for Art.

Mon 2 – Sun 8 July 10am – 2pm / Venue 1, Open for Art HQ Jelly Studios 

Jelly Artists Art Swap
Exhibition of works by Jelly artists curated by Squirrel Ink, an art exchange. Each artist has produced a series of A4 works in a variety of mediums, donating one for sale to raise funds for Jelly during Open for Art. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/open-for-art-jelly-artists-art-swap-tickets-46593853470

Mon 2 – Sun 8 July 10am – 2pm / Venue 1, Open for Art HQ Jelly Studios

Creative Book Club 
Launching at Open for Art, anew book to art club for creatives lead by librarian and artist Laura De Moxom. Join us to talk about ‘The Power’ by Naomi Aldermanand whether it has shaped your creative practice. Milk will create a special ‘The Power’ cocktail for the evening. Ticket profits to Berkshire Women’s Aid. Tickets £10,including one cocktail. Ages 18+. Pre-booking essential at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/open-for-art-creative-book-club-launch-tickets-46354705171

Mon 2 July 7 – 8.30pm/ Venue 30, Milk

Home
Reading is so much a part of Jelly’s history. Reading photographers John Angerson and Salvo Toscano will talk about their perspectives on home and storytelling in a Q&A led by Amanda McDonnell from Reading homelessness charity Launchpad.

FREE, donations on the day directly to Launchpad. Pre-booking essential at https://ofahome.eventbrite.co.uk

Tue 3 July 12.30 – 2pm/ Venue 31, Spaces

The Secret Language of Clothing
Artists Rebecca Swainston and Louise Alexander work in very different mediums but are linked by their love of ideas and the transformative possibilities of objects. Journey with them as they explore the role and visual language of clothing in art and everyday life. Expect direct experience, observation, discussion and performance as we contemplate our symbiotic relationship with clothing and materials in everyday life and art. Come as you are. You may never dress in the same way again. Refreshments available. FREE. Pre-booking essential at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/open-for-art-the-secret-language-of-clothing-with-artists-rebecca-swainston-and-louise-alexander-tickets-46594200508

Tue 3 July 2.30 – 4pm/ Venue 29, Malmaison

 Jelly Tots Play: Pre-school Art Club
This special session will be led by current Jelly artist Emma Bradbury and guest Marje Doyle who ran Jelly Tots right at the start. Tickets £4 per tot. Pre-booking essential at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/open-for-art-jelly-tots-play-pre-school-art-club-with-special-guest-marje-doyle-tickets-46569530720

Wed 4 July 10.30 – 11.30pm/ Venue 1, Open for Art HQ Jelly Studios

Papier Mâché People
In 1997 Jelly first started to run art classes and one of the most popular artists was Marje Doyle. As a special birthday treat Marje will host this one-off adult workshop making beautiful papier mâché people. Tickets £16, includes tea and cake. Age 16+. Pre-booking essential at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/open-for-art-papier-mache-people-adult-workshop-tickets-46570159601

Wed 4 July 12.30 – 2.30pm/ Venue 1, Jelly HQ

Open for Art

Spinning a Yarn with The Outcasts
Founded in 2004, The Outcasts have been delivering projects as part of Jelly ever since. Join them for a special knit night. Tickets £6, includes a hot drink and a slice of cake. Pre-booking essential at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/open-for-art-spinning-a-yarn-with-the-outcasts-tickets-46162346822

Wed 4 July 6.30 – 9pm/ Venue 12, Picnic  

Reading Stories – Artists Talk
Jim Attewell, Jelly artist and Trustee since 1999, has selected fellow Jelly artist Julie Simmonds to undertake an artist residency at estate agents Haslams, where he has worked for many years. Julie will develop her work focused on Reading inspired by Ray Atkins’ Reading series of 50 years ago. Haslams are also showing one of Ray’s paintings, on loan from Reading Foundation for Art through the Reading Museum corporate scheme. FREE. Pre-booking essential at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/open-for-art-reading-stories-tickets-46594583654

Thu 5 July 6 – 8pm / Venue 26, Haslams 

Sarah Pritchard and Holly Buckle
An exhibition of photography taken by Sarah and Holly during their time at Jelly Studios, Jacksons Corner (2016 – 2017). Includes evocative images and textures created by Holly, and colourful stills from a film by Sarah and fellow artist Laura Nicholson. FREE. Booking: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/open-for-art-sarah-pritchard-and-holly-buckle-tickets-46594723071

Mon 2 – Sun 8 July, open daily, private view Fri 6 July 9 – 10pm / Venue 34, Castle Tap

Artist Studio Café
Mark Andrew Webber joined Jelly Studios when he needed space to work on his three metre linocut of Berlin. During Open for Art he will invite people to sit and have a conversation with him while he draws them. FREE. Pre-booking essential at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/open-for-art-artist-studio-cafe-tickets-46779886901

Mon 2 – Sat 7 July / Venue 8, Anonymous at The Tasting House  

Guerrilla Gardening
Caroline Fletcher, current Jelly Studio artist, has been working with Cath Holwill, Di Hayes, Anne-Marie Beatty and Charlie Beatty since 2016 on a guerrilla gardening site on Vastern Road. Come and meet them, there will be a few plants to take away to start your own guerrilla sites as well as tree decorating, kerb-side colouring and drawing. FREE. Booking: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/open-for-art-guerrilla-gardening-tickets-46862722665

Fri 6 July 2 – 5pm, Sat 7 July 2 – 5pm, Sun 8 July 2 – 5pm. Beer and biscuits (to go with the bulbs!) from 3pm on Sun/ Venue 33, Vastern Road

Julie Simmonds
Join Julie on a walking drawing tour of Reading. Learn about her process, ideas and techniques while sketching in the town centre. Bring a sketchbook and simple drawing materials. FREE. Pre-booking essential at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/open-for-art-walking-drawing-tour-with-julie-simmonds-tickets-46862844028

Fri 6 July 2 – 3pm / Meet Venue 1, Open for Art HQ Jelly Studios 

RDG Bayeux Tapestry
In celebration of a new book on Reading’s famous Bayeux Tapestry, Kate Powell will be creating an embroidered panel, starting at Open for Art. Join in and add to this contemporary reworking. The panel will grow over the year, culminating in time for Jelly’s birthday in December. In partnership with Two Rivers Press and Reading Museum. FREE. Pre-booking essential at  https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/open-for-art-rdg-bayeux-tapestry-tickets-46863144928

Fri 6 July 10.30am – 12.30pm launch workshop/ Venue 27, Nibsy’s

 Chosen by Jelly’s youngest artists: Jelly Tots presents Nick Cope and his Pirate Friends 
We welcome back children’s singer songwriter Nick Cope for a special event all-aboard The Majestic Bel. Decorate your very own pirate hat, followed by a fun filled, interactive concert and FREE hot dogs for all the children after the show at a special BBQ lunch hosted by Bel & The Dragon. £8 per tot, £1 per adult. Pre-booking essential at https://ofanickcopejellytots.eventbrite.co.uk

Fri 6 July 11.15am – 12.30pm / Venue 20, The Majestic Bel boat, Bel & The Dragon

Gallery 142: West Reading Arts Trail
Selected by Jelly resident artist Nigel Bish, Gallery 142 returns with aselection of jewellery, textiles, drawings, prints, ceramics, books and floristry by local artists and makers. These include Nigel Bish, Emma Capel, Julie Simmonds, Trudie Middleton, Geoff Sawers and Emotional State. Displayed in an 1865 town house, once home to Reading’s ‘Association for the sale of work by Ladies of limited means’.Refreshments available. FREE. Pre-booking essential at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/open-for-art-gallery-142-west-reading-arts-trail-tickets-46863270303

Fri 6 July 4pm – 9pm, Sat 7 July 11am – 4pm, Sun 8 July 11am – 3pm/ Venue 35, Gallery 142 (142 Castle Hill)

The Jelly Patchwork
In 2003 Julie Calce, Charlotte Hardy and Marje Doyle begana patchwork quilt of peoples’ drawings of a jelly leg’d chicken (the original Jelly name). Using these drawings as an inspiration point, families are welcome to join her to add to the quilt. FREE. Pre-booking essential at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/open-for-art-the-jelly-patchwork-tickets-46863530080

Sat 7 July 10am – 12pm / Venue 1, Open for Art HQ Jelly Studios

A Theatre Start in Life
Long-time Jelly volunteer, Alexandra Dewis’s enthusiasm for performance began when she joined her local youth theatre at just eight years old. As a Reading Rep trustee, she proudly welcomes Reading Rep Youth Theatre to Open for Art for their debut event. Inspired by the World Cup, they will be performing flash mob style, in and around Station Hill.

FREE. Pre-booking essential at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/open-for-art-a-theatre-start-in-life-tickets-46863687551

Sat 7 July 10am – 2pm/ Venue 32, Station Hill

Eliza’s Entertainments
The poet Adrian Blamires and the painter Robert Fitzmaurice will discuss and read from Eliza’s Entertainments, their Tudor-themed sequence of poems and pictures. The event will fittingly take place next to the Kenilworth portrait of Queen Elizabeth I, one of the most historically significant paintings to survive from her reign. FREE. Pre-booking essential at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/open-for-art-elizas-entertainment-tickets-46863838001

Sat 7 July 11.30am – 12.30pm/ Venue 25, Reading Museum

Jelly’s Silver Jubilee: Life Drawing
Artists’ model Abbey will lead a life drawing session with a silver theme inspired by Jelly’s 25th birthday. Please bring your own paper and materials. Tickets £10. Pre-booking essential at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/open-for-art-jellys-silver-jubilee-life-drawing-tickets-46864198078

Sun 8 July 11am – 1.30pm / Venue 1, Open for Art HQ Jelly Studios

OTHER AMAZING EVENTS

Reading Abbey Quarter
The Abbey Quarter has witnessed almost 900 years of history, and includes Reading Museum, the Town Hall, Reading Gaol, St James Church, St Laurence’s Church, Forbury Gardens, and the remains of Reading Abbey. The Abbey Ruins have recently reopened after extensive conservation work and almost ten years of closure.

readingabbeyquarter.org.uk

Open daily, 8am – dusk/ Venue 21, The Abbey Quarter

Peter Driver
Peter’s recent woodcut prints explore text and interpretation, some presenting hopeful statements to prompt the viewer to reflect on their own position, while others consider our relationships to landscape and nature.

peterdriver.info

Mon 2 – Sun 8 July, open daily / Venue 12, Picnic

The Lemongrove Gallery
One of the UK’s leading independent galleries presenting original paintings, collectable limited editions and sculptures.

thelemongrovegallery.co.uk

Mon 2 – Sun 8 July, open daily / Venue, Lemongrove Gallery, Minster Street

Anne Wilson
From endangered animals and birds to gorillas riding bikes, Anne varies her style, flooding her illustrations with colour, detail and unusual patterns. She will be selling copies of her latest picture book ‘Red Alert!’.

anne-wilson.co.uk

Mon 2 – Sun 8 July, open daily / Venue 13, Workhouse Coffee

Linda Saul
Using mixed media including collage, Linda focuses on the built environment, its textures, and how it changes over time.

lindasaul.co.uk

Mon 2 – Sun 8 July, open daily / Venue 2, Broad Street Bar and Kitchen

 Michael Garaway

Urban landscapes and technologies inspire geometrical play, sensuous surfaces, and tightly controlled colour, using various media including acrylics and pastels on paper.

garaway.co.uk

Mon 2 – Sun 8 July, open daily / Venue 6, C.U.P.

Cityscapes to superheroes
Castle Galleries specialises in original and hand signed limited edition pieces from today’s finest contemporary artists.

Mon 2 – Sun 8 July, open daily / Venue, Castle Galleries, Chain Street 

The Discover Reading Map: Your Arts Award Adventure
Art is everywhere, you just need to know how to look for it. Come to Jelly HQ to pick up your Discover Reading Map. As an art explorer, you’ll see Reading in a whole new way. Return your completed map to Jelly and achieve your Discover Arts Award. We’ll post your certificate to you after the event.

Activity £5, pay at Jelly HQ. Ages 5 – 25.

Mon 2 – Sun 8 July 10am – 2pm/ Venue 1, Jelly HQ

Lost Girls

In this new series Laura de Moxom combines gel transfer and painting, exploring themes in Naomi Wolf’s ‘The Beauty Myth’ and the idea that to be heard and have space in the world women must be wrapped in layers of ‘beauty’ and ‘femininity’.

Laura De Moxom 

Mon 2 – Sat 7 July, open daily / Venue 16, HolyBrook Gallery (Central Library)

The Museum of English Rural Life (MERL)
A wonderful permanent collection focusing on the skills and experiences of farmers and craftspeople displayed over nine galleries.

merl.reading.ac.uk

Tue 3 – Sun 8 July, open daily / Venue 41, Museum of English Rural Life, Redlands Road

Cerebral Gas
An ideas exchange between artists that is given materiality in an installation by Ingrid Jensen.

imjensen.co.uk

Tue 3 –Sun 8 July, open daily / Venue 38, OpenHand OpenSpace, Brock Keep, 571 Oxford Road, RG30 1HL

Jim Attewell
Jim’s three new paintings entitled ‘Reflections’ are perfectly matched to this venue.

Jim Attewell

Tue 3 July – Sat 7 July, open daily / Venue 15, Nylon Hair Artists

Patrons and Donors: Reading’s Art… and How it Got Here
In 1885 the cost of having a portrait of biscuit magnate William Isaac Palmer painted for the town was met by 3,000 people. Later he left his personal art collection to Reading Museum. Today the collection continues to grow through the support of Reading Foundation for Art, grant-giving bodies and individuals.

readingmuseum.org.uk

Tue 3 – Sat 7 July 10am – 4pm/ Venue 25, Reading Museum

Creating Ruin
Internationally renowned Kyiv based artist Lada Nakonechna will be in residence at the Abbey Ruins, a former site of European economic, historical and cultural significance, as part of a major new commission for Reading International.

Reading: International

Thu 5 July 11am – 6pm, Fri 6 July 11am – 9pm (includes Launch Night), Sat 7 July 11am – 6pm / Venue 22, Abbey Gateway

Think Like An Artist – Roger Robinson.
#Artists: The art industry is designed to break u down and test how tough yr skin is. To be a part of it u have to be anti-shook. 

A Readipop talkshop: Roger Robinson, a writer who makes music, helps creatives think about and reach their potential.

readipop.co.uk

Thu 5 July, 6.30pm / Venue 3, Smokin’ Billy’s

Emily Gillmor: Sonning Flowers Residency
Emily will create a temporary studio amongst the blooms,drawing subjects from the magnificent floral display. Sketchbooks and original artworks will be on show.

Emily Gillmor

Fri 6 July 9.30am – 5pm / Venue 4, Sonning Flowers

Battle Primary Academy: West Reading Arts Trail
Sam Butler, Reading resident and co-artistic director of internationally acclaimed Fevered Sleep will be screening three Fevered Sleep short films, Sheep Pig Goat, It’s The Skin You’re Living In, and Still Life With Dog. Sam Butler is a keen contributor to Reading’s vibrant communities and alongside this screening is working with artists and Battle Primary Academy to develop a newly created West Reading Arts Trail showcasing the very best of west Reading’s creative community. Fevered Sleep believe in meeting people where they are. Over the past 22 years, their work has appeared everywhere from theatres, galleries and cinemas, to parks, beaches and schools, and in the spaces. Local potter Jenny Zolkwer will show her latest thrown stoneware. Plus an eclectic gallery of work by pupils, parents and other local artists, showcasing the active, creative community in west Reading. Refreshments available.

Fevered Sleep

Fri 6 July 9am – 3pm, Sat 7July 10am – 4pm, Sun 8 July 10am – 2pm / Venue 37, Battle Primary Academy, Cranbury Road, RG30 2TD

Cultural Connections: A Reading Collection
Reading artist and designer Paul Hill specialises in spray-painted portraiture. This five-canvas collection features notable figures past and present, all with a connection to Reading from the fields of architecture, literature, academia, music and comedy.

Fri 6 July 10am – 7pm, Sat 7 July 8am – 1pm / Venue 18, 58 Barbershop

“…to the power of ³”
Site-specific, mixed media work by three Reading-based artists. Heather McAteer, Sarah Read and Fong Scott present their responses to the history and architecture of the listed Victorian Turbine House which spans the River Kennet.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/open-for-art-to-the-power-of-3-tickets-47141719151

to the power of ³

Fri 6 – Sun 15 July, open daily, meet the artistsSat 7 July from 2.30pm / Venue 19, The Turbine House (Riverside Museum at Blake’s Lock)

Matthew Potts
A collection of illustrations with some slightly macabre subjects and a level of humour that would rival the very worst Christmas cracker jokes.

Matthew Potts

Fri 6 July 10am – 4pm, Sat 7 July 10am – 3pm/ Venue 23, Simon Dowling Bespoke

Palmer Park to Redlands: Tree Walk
Brian Morley and Reading Tree Wardens will lead you through the historic streets of Redlands, pausing to study trees planted by our Victorian forbears, and ending at the University gardens on London Road. FREE, donations welcome to support thework of the Tree Wardens. Pre-booking essential at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/open-for-art-palmer-park-to-redlands-tree-walk-tickets-45079955360

readingtreewardens.org.uk

Fri 6 July 10.30am – 12pm/ Meet at Venue 42, outside Chalkboard Café (Palmer Park)

Jewellery + Silverware: Young Designer Competition and Exhibition
Since 2015, the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths has supported Jacobs theJewellers’ Young Designer Competition. Young emerging designers studying at The Bishopsland Trust each showcase two pieces; one of silver, one of noble metal jewellery. Visitors vote for their favourite pieces. Work by silversmith Gerald Benney will also be on show, kindly loaned by Reading Borough Council. As part of Open for Art, Jacobs will host a live craft skills demonstration. Exhibitionopen 19 June – 7 July (voting closes Fri 6 July at 11am)

jacobsthejewellers.com

Bishopsland Educational Trust 

Fri 6 July 11am craft skills demonstration, 12.30pm reveal of winning makers / Venue 14, Jacobsthe Jewellers

Too Many Cooks
Caroline Marriott has been creating a community fabric collage based on Lucienne Day’s tea towel design called ‘Too Many Cooks’. Templates will be provided and examples for people to work from. FREE. Age 18+.

Book here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/open-for-art-too-many-cooks-tickets-47190958427

carolinemarriott.com

Fri 6 &Sat 7 July 11am – 3pm/ Venue 7, John Lewis (haberdashery department)

Jane Doyle and Matthew Jones: West Reading Arts Trail
Local artists Matt Jones and Jane Doyle will be exhibiting photography and paintings at No.1 Ormsby Street.

Fri 6 July 12 noon – 5pm, Sat 7 July 11am – 5pm, Sun 8 July 11am – 3pm/ Venue 36, 1 Ormsby Street (off Argyle Street, RG1 7YR)

Re: Vote 100 Public Dance & Debate
Reside Dance invites you to record your views on the rights and equalities of women and girls in Reading today in this revisit of Vote 100 Public Dance and Debate.

Sat 7 July 9am – 5.30pm / Venue 28, Takeaway Gallery (Harris Arcade)

STASH Micro Gallery
A new pop-up exhibition space located on a plinth at the centre of Broad Street, displaying artists’ work at weekends. East Reading art collective STASH (organised by Tim Wilson and George Field) are excited about providing opportunities for art to be seen in new and unusual spaces. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/open-for-art-stash-micro-gallery-tickets-46591639849

Sat 7 & Sun 8 July 10am – 4pm/ Venue 9, STASH Micro Gallery (Central Broad Street)

Old Tilehurst: Tree Walk
Anna Iwaschkin and Reading Tree Wardens will guide you on a circular walk through the charming streets of Tilehurst and Arthur Newbery Park to look at a variety of magnificent species planted in Victorian days. Some steep hills. FREE, donations welcome to support the work of the Tree Wardens. Pre-booking essential at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/open-for-art-old-tilehurst-tree-trail-tickets-45080373611

readingtreewardens.org.uk

Sat 7 July 10.30am – 12 noon /Meet at Venue 39, Tilehurst Station, RG31 6TH 

A Yorkshireman in Reading
Meet Simon Mayor (writer and mandolin virtuoso) and Hilary James (vocalist and illustrator) with their first book of augmented reality, poems and anecdotes ‘Of Death And A Banana Skin’. Simon extolls the delights of his native Yorkshire and shares his enthusiasm for Reading, his adopted home. Hilary, best known for her ‘elegant’ singing and unusual taste in bass instruments, provides lively illustrations and animations. Simon’s four Reading sonnets: The Abbey, Reading Gaol, The Oracle and Queen Victoria Street appear alongside a host of humorous poems, limericks and anecdotes. All this is wrapped up in a delicious mix of music and song – sweetly sung folksongs to 1930s hot swing fiddle, blues, ragtime and classical mandolin showstoppers.

Tickets £12.  Pre-booking essential at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/simon-mayor-and-hilary-james-tickets-45443140657

mandolin.co.uk

Sat 7 July 1 – 3.30pm/ Venue 24, Reading Town Hall 

Art Salon: Reading International Fringe Event
Hosting an ensemble of staff and students from the University of Reading, this show will include performances, installations and videos bringing a vibrant range of work to The Rising Sun Arts Centre, recreating the spirit of the Salon. Refreshments available.

The Rising Sun Arts Centre

Sat 7 July 2 – 9pm/ Venue 40, The Rising Sun Arts Centre

Animation Using Plasticine: Workshop
Lead byJulie Calce, specially created for National Deaf Children’s Society members, enabling young people to create an animation using plasticine.

NDCS members only

Sat 7 July 2.30 – 4pm/ Venue 1, Jelly HQ 

Sketch the Abbey Quarter with Reading Sketchers
Join us on an untutored sketch crawl around the Abbey Quarter, including the newly reopened Abbey Ruins. Bring your own sketching materials and portable seat (if needed). FREE. All children must bring an adult. Pre-booking essential https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/open-for-art-sketch-the-abbey-quarter-with-reading-sketchers-tickets-46926021995

Sat 7 July 3 – 5pm/ Venue 25,meet outside Reading Museum entrance

Creative People and LEGO® present Build and Animate: Workshop
Lead by Matthew Foster of Creative People. Families work on a model they would like to animate, create background scenery and use an iPad to make an animation. Tickets £10 for a family of up to 4, includes a basic LEGO® kit to keep. Age 7+. Pre-booking essential at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/open-for-art-creative-people-present-build-and-animate-tickets-46828834304

Sun 8 July 10 – 11.30am/ Venue 1, Jelly HQ

print on desk, Kirsti Dedman

ArtLine Street Market
Visual arts street market showcasing the work of 50 artists local to the Reading area. All of the works will be for sale, and you can buy direct from the artists. Presented by Reading Business Improvement District in partnership with Open for Art.

For more information on artists taking part, visit jelly.org.uk/2018/06/artline-2018/

Sun 8 July 11am – 4pm/ Venue 10, Broad Street East

Historic Town Centre: Tree Walk
Dr Michael Keith-Lucas and Reading Tree Wardens will lead a circular walk looking at the stunning trees in this area including the beautiful Forbury Gardens. FREE, donations welcome to support the workof the Tree Wardens. Pre-booking essential at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/open-for-art-historic-town-centre-tree-walk-tickets-45080842012

readingtreewardens.org.uk

Sun 8 July 2.30 – 4.30pm /Meet at venue 5, Reading Minster  

Details correct at time of going to press.

To link for event updates please visit:
Hashtag: #OpenForArt
Twitter: @thejellyreading
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Jelly
Open for Art events and workshops: thejellyreading.eventbrite.co.uk