Shaw House, Church Road, Newbury RG14 2DR will be hosting this exhibition that will transform its stunning site into a sculpture park, with artworks by acclaimed sculptors from all over the UK. This exhibition will provide the visitor with the chance to see and purchase a creative mixture of traditional, modern and cutting-edge contemporary work, and will be open from 11am – 4pm 7 days a week. Entry is free. Last Summer we had 5500 visitors enjoying the works in the sunshine.
It is with great regret and sadness that we share the news that the sculptor, Paul Harvey passed away on 14 June 2023 after a rapid decline in his fight against a cancerous brain tumour.
To the end he was positive, strong and truly amazing. He died peacefully at home surrounded by his family. The Altered States Open Air Sculpture Exhibition 2023 is dedicated to the life and legacy of this superbly gifted sculptor. He combined his acute observation of birds, his love and appreciation for the Art Deco style of expression and his exceptional level of craft
to make his beautiful and sublime bird sculptures.
There are nine of his works in the exhibition as evidence
of his skills.
He was a vital part of the arts community and shall be much missed.
REFUGEES FACING HOMELESSNESS IN WEST BERSKHIRE
Local refugees are being made homeless as a result of receiving Leave to Remain decisions (i.e. permission to live and work in the UK). West Berkshire Action for Refugees (WBAR) are pleased that positive decisions are being made; however the hotels which currently house the refugees cannot allow anyone to stay beyond their eviction notice period.
WBAR are urgently seeking host families willing to provide short term accommodation for refugees in the local area. These are people who have been approved by the Home Office to stay in the UK and find work because they cannot live safely in their home country.
WBAR have been working jointly with West Berkshire Council to plan how to support people as they receive their Leave to Remain. The Council Housing team is proactively seeking ways to mitigate the problem, but this may take a little time.
West Berkshire Action for Refugees continues to work to find accommodation and employment for the refugees. If you would be interested in offering short term accommodation to refugees whilst they set out on their journey of settling in the UK then please contact us at admin@westberksrefugees.org.
"We are delighted to welcome the return of the Altered States sculpture exhibition to Shaw House. First established in 2018, this annual event attracts more and more visitors each year and with free entry it really does ensure that art is accessible for all to enjoy!"
There are stories on the lawn at Shaw
one or more for every dreamer
drifting in this shady plot
lost among the numbered pages
of half a hundred different books
one for everyone who looks and muses
pauses
captivated by a certain style
or stops in sudden half-surprise
at being captured, held in awe
reflected in some brazen form
or otherwise, as Burns had wished
to see himself through other eyes
There are mysteries and thrillers here
threads to tug forensically
a long-forgotten memory
made tangible by someone else's mind
Launchpads of imagination
monographs on graceful frames
fables, fictions, flights of fancy
works of wonder, fairy tales
A metaphor turned turtle swims
in someone's stream of consciousness
past a whole anthology of holes
arranged in a set of hardback volumes
But light and dark must play their part
Shaw's idyllic lawn has claws
into each life some pen must scrawl
the coal-black corvid tragedies
scorpion tales of lightning pain
cold hollow griefs, the out-of-reach
the elephants of our inner rooms
the shark of harsh self-criticism
intransigent dominant silverback views
There are stories at Shaw beneath the trees
and everyone who comes creates
another innovative narrative frieze
in the athenaeum of Altered States