Amy Wormald is an award-winning artist based in Ely. Drawing inspiration from the world around her home, her work captures the essence of wildflowers and flora in vibrant, colourful paintings. With a distinct painting style, she uses a combination of spray paint and acrylic to evoke a feeling of joy in these exuberant forms.

In her third solo exhibition at Babylon Gallery, Amy offers moments of joy and connection, using nature’s power to inspire, uplift and connect us to the world around us. The title, ‘WILD’, refers to both the unrestrained aspects of nature, and the freedom and spontaneity of the artist’s creative process.

“This exhibition is perfect for anyone wanting to feel uplifted by colour and inspired by the
energy in nature,” says Amy Wormald.

For World Sight Day on Thursday 10th October, 10:30am – 4pm, Amy will be in the gallery to talk about the exhibition, describing her paintings for those with visual impairments, and giving an insight into her creative process. Alongside this, visitors will be invited to make their own clay ornaments inspired by plants and flowers. While the day is planned for visitors with visual impairments, all are welcome to come along.

WILD is on from Wednesday 2nd October at Babylon Gallery until Sunday 3rd November 2024

Babylon Gallery is open 12 – 4pm Wednesday – Friday and 10am – 4pm Saturday and
Sunday, with free entry.

Press release from Babylon ARTS

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Babylon ARTS Summer Open is an annual celebration of work created by artists from both the local area, and further afield. Following an open call for artworks, a selection panel anonymously selects works to create a balanced and varied exhibition.

This years selection panel included Jay Morally (Jay the Creator), an artist, writer and poet from South London; Madhu Manipatruni, a visual artist based in Peterborough, currently in residence at PARCA (Peterborough Asylum and Refugee Community Association); and local artist Stuart Green, who is also Babylon’s own exhibition installer and trustee.

With almost 300 artworks submitted for consideration, the panel had a difficult task. The final selection consists of 115 pieces from 83 artists, featuring both two and three dimensional works. These include portraits, florals, landscapes, abstracts, geometric patterns, wildlife and seascapes, in a wide range of styles and mediums, in an exhibition that promises to offer something for everyone!

Babylon ARTS Summer Open Exhibition 2024 is on from Friday 2nd August at Babylon Gallery until Sunday 1st September 2024.

Babylon Gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday, 12pm to 4pm with free entry.

Press release from Babylon ARTS

The post Babylon Gallery’s Summer Open Exhibition returns for another year! appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

Focusing on a metaphorical ‘cabinet’, it will explore the transformation of seemingly mundane materials into new forms whether in paint, found objects or mixed media pieces.

Helen uses mostly natural and organic materials, including old artworks, torn paper, metal dregs, twists of plant fibre, slate, shells, small animal bones, dried gorse, clay and tiny pebbles. They are collected by the artist who describes them as treasures that can be found everywhere.

During the process of reworking these materials possible new identities emerge, with each artwork becoming a miniature theatre in which characters and narratives can be interpreted by the viewer. The work is intended to be a playful signpost in which numerous stories can be found. The artworks themselves are often created in a grid format.

Helen works byapplying layers of materials over individually painted squares using tweezers. She aims to evoke a mood or atmosphere in the objects, to create an intuitive understanding for the viewer.

Referencing the words of Miro, “It is signs that have no exact meaning that provoke a
magic sense”.

“This exhibition is dedicated to my mum with huge love and gratitude,” says Helen Murray,

“She was a very wise and playful woman, as well as being a wickedly funny mimic, and full of love […] I have treasured memories of our time together and I hope very much she would have enjoyed this show.”

Helen is a self taught artist, and lives near the Suffolk coastline, which she finds a source of inspiration in her work. She has worked previously as an illustrator and in 2009 set up Artbox (now Artboxarts CIC) which offers art sessions for adults with special needs.

Stories from my Mother’s Cabinet is on from Thursday 4th July at Babylon Gallery until Sunday 28th July.

Babylon Gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday, 12pm to 4pm with free entry.

Press release from Babylon ARTS

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EAST was formed in 1995 when founder member, Carol Dixon, created a group for textile artists in East Anglia who wanted to develop their creative skills and build an awareness of the beauty and power of textile art amongst a wider audience.

The group has since exhibited across England in galleries and museums. EAST exhibitions usually have an enigmatic title, with members carrying out in-depth research and preparation into their artwork.

Over the previous year, members of the group have pondered the role of women both past and present. Each of them has undertaken research across a diverse range of topics, focusing on either an individual story, or on societal trends that reflect how women’s lives have changed.

The resulting work is inspired by women who, despite their circumstances and the challenges imposed on them due to their gender, have forged a path and a way forward for themselves for others to embrace. “When viewing this exciting new exhibition, one may surmise that EAST has become the bridge – the link between our ‘women of inspiration’ and the wider audience that views the final work” says a member of EAST.

Bridging the Gap is on from Tuesday 4th June at Babylon Gallery until Sunday 30th June.

Babylon Gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday, 12pm to 4pm with free entry.

Press release from Babylon ARTS

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When he left teaching Art and Design to produce his own work, Mark chose to paint things he likes. Having lived in East Africa, he loved the animals, the gardens, and the big leafy tropical plants. Struggling to invent a complex arrangement of leaves, he decided to make them from paper to gauge the effects of light and shadow. This was an intuitive process for him having trained as a product designer, but he describes the moment he shone a light on these paper leaves as a revelation.

With a ‘black box’ arrangement on the wall of his studio, Mark uses paper, string, clay and
all sorts of rescued items to make plants, birds and animals. He then paints these vibrant wildlife scenes emulating the style of late 17th- and 18th-century Dutch Still Life paintings.

This exhibition will include animals and scenes that can be found right outside the doors of Babylon Gallery.

Mark has spent a lot of his life around the rivers of East Anglia and has painted many swans. One particular painting called ‘Family Swansemble’ shows two swans and a cygnet, and gives the impression of being right on the river…

“…It is the relationship between the three swans that creates the intrigue, and for that you have to create your own story,” says Mark Ward about ‘Family Swansemble’,

“This I hope is true for all my pictures.”

Birds, Beasts and Even More Bendy Stuff is on from Wednesday 1st May at Babylon
Gallery until Sunday 2nd June.

Babylon Gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday, 12pm to 4pm with free entry.

Press release from Babylon ARTS

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It features a range of poetry and artworks reflecting the artists own, sometimes bizarre, experiences over a busy and eventful year.

This upcoming exhibition at Babylon Gallery will showcase the artist’s work over the past
year. Mack Mathod began 2023 by setting himself the daunting task of writing a poem every day throughout the year. Combining the outcomes of this with illustrative work, ‘Poems, Pictures and Poppycock’ seeks to reflect the changing aspects of the world through an artist’s perspective.

Mack has had an exciting career in comedy and the arts, with a focus on the production of surreal and absurd work, whether written, performed, or visual. From touring with his own comedy troupe and appearing on TV and radio, to working with professional theatre groups, being a scriptwriter for a top comedian, and teaching art and drama in a secondary school.

Throughout his work, Mack’s ideas attempt to amuse and brighten an artistic experience,
challenging the sometimes over serious sobriety of contemporary artistic methodology. His recent exploits have involved repurposing old photographs with an absurd point of view, surreal collages, short performances, and poetry on social media.

“The main premise of absurdity is to undress the truth and replace it with clothes that do
not fit,” says Mack Mathod.

Through absurd humour coupled with serious observations, this artist has created an interesting and unusual body of work that aims to amuse and challenge through words and images.

Poems, Pictures and Poppycock is on from Wednesday 27th March at Babylon Gallery until Sunday 28th April.

Babylon Gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday, 12pm to 4pm with free entry.

Press release from Babylon ARTS

The post A Wonderfully Absurd Exhibition Comes to Babylon ARTS this April. appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

From a visit from the Secretary of State for Culture to a wonderful turnout for the official
opening event, this exhibition is off to a great start.

On Friday 1st March, Sensing Nature opened at Babylon Gallery. This multi-sensory
exhibition comprises of a variety of artwork, including sound pieces, tactile artworks that
visitors are invited to handle and touch, and visual artworks, some of which have been
translated into raised drawings. Elements of the exhibition also explore scent and taste. An
audio guide has been created for the exhibition, which guides visitors around the displays, with detailed descriptions of specific artworks.

The Secretary of State for Culture, Lucy Frazer paid a visit to the gallery on its opening day and spent time looking around the exhibition and talking to the Babylon ARTS team.

“I enjoyed meeting the team at Babylon ARTS – led by CEO Michael Corley – and exploring
the beautiful variety of creative work on display!” Lucy Frazer posted on Facebook.

On Saturday 2nd March, an official opening event was held. This was attended by composer Tom Adams, artist Kaitlin Ferguson, and many other artists who were selected from the open call. The day was a celebration of the hard work put in by so many people throughout this project, with talks given by Michael Corley, CEO of Babylon ARTS, and by two members of Basecoat Collective, the group of young curators who curated this exhibition.

“We all agreed very early on that we wanted the exhibition to have a multi-sensory aspect
to it,” said Bethany Haysom, Young Curator and member of Basecoat Collective:

“We were determined to make it a fun and accessible experience that extended beyond the traditional visual confines of an exhibition.”

Sensing Nature is part of a wider project called Inspired by Nature, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Babylon ARTS are working in partnership with Ely Museum, RNIB and the National Trust’s Wicken Fen Nature Reserve to develop creative approaches that facilitate connection and engagement with nature for people with low vision, children, young people and the wider public.

Sensing Nature is on from Friday 1st March at Babylon Gallery until Sunday 24th March.

Babylon Gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday, 12pm to 4pm with free entry.

Press release from Babylon ARTS

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Curated by Basecoat Collective – a group of 18-25 year olds – the exhibition invited people to contemplate how they connect with nature, and includes new artwork from composer Tom Adams, artist Kaitlin Ferguson, and a selection of artworks from an open call to the local community.

Sensing Nature is part of a wider project called Inspired by Nature, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Babylon ARTS are working in partnership with Ely Museum, RNIB and the National Trust’s Wicken Fen Nature Reserve to develop creative approaches that facilitate connection and engagement with nature for people with low vision, children, young people and the wider public.

Sensing Nature encapsulates the project aims, with the exhibition celebrating nature, with
inclusivity and accessibility considered throughout. It features a sound piece created by composer Tom Adams in collaboration with participants from CamSight and Vision Norfolk; 3D printed fossils from artist Kaitlin Ferguson used in a whole-school project with pupils from Highfield Littleport Academy; and a range of multisensory artworks from an open call to the public. The exhibition has been curated by Basecoat Collective, a group of young artists and creatives from the local area aged 18-25 years.

“Inspired by Nature has been a wonderful project where creativity has been used as a vehicle to better understand, celebrate and be inspired by the unique Fenland landscape,” says Lucy Wheeler, Project Coordinator for Inspired by Nature,

“From imagining Wicken Fen in the pre-historic age with school children, to making soundscapes inspired by Fenland folklore with participants from CamSight and Vision Norfolk. Basecoat Collective have curated Sensing Nature – an intelligent, thought-provoking exhibition that has involved so many people of all ages.”

The exhibition will include access to an audio-tour, exploring some of the artwork through audio description, and raised drawings where possible, to provide further access and engagement to the 2D artworks.

Sensing Nature is on from Friday 1st March at Babylon Gallery until Sunday 24th March.
Babylon Gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday, 12pm to 4pm with free entry.

Press release from Babylon ARTS

The post Local Artists and Community Come Together to Create a Multisensory Exhibition that Celebrates the Fenland Landscape. appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

On Wednesday 7th February Babylon ARTS held a prize giving ceremony, in which the winners were announced, with prizes awarded that were generously funded by Tindalls Ltd. Ely Hereward Rotary Club and Anglia Ruskin University.

Babylon ARTS is hosting the East Cambridgeshire Schools’ Exhibition for the fifteenth year running, featuring artwork by students from 20 local schools, showcasing the creative talent of children and young people (ages 4-19) in Cambridgeshire. There are 371 artworks on show, in a variety of mediums, including drawings, paintings, textiles, photography, ceramics
and multi-media work.

The schools participating are: Downham Feofees Primary Academy, Ely College, Fordham C. of E. Primary School, Isle of Ely Primary School, Kings Ely, Lantern Community Primary School, Vista Academy, Littleport Community Primary School, Mepal and Witcham Primary School, Millfield Primary School, Rackham C. of E. Primary School (Witchford), Shade Primary School (Soham), Soham Village College, Spring Meadow Infant & Nursery School,
Stretham Primary School, Weatheralls Primary School (Soham), Willburton Church of England Primary School, Witchford Village College, Robert Arkenstall Primary School
(Haddenham), St John’s Primary.

Michael Corley, chief executive of Babylon ARTS, announced the awards at a ceremony held in Babylon Galley. Prizes were awarded for First, Second and Third place in each Key Stage.

Alongside this, a new prize was awarded for the primary and secondary school with the
‘Widest Variety of Materials or Themes’. The winners received gift vouchers for Tindalls art supplies, generously funded by Tindalls Ltd., Ely Hereward Rotary Club and Anglia Ruskin University.

The schools with winners in each Key Stage were Soham Village College, Ely College, King’s Ely, Witchford Village College, Vista Academy, Littleport Community Primary School, Rackham C. of E. Primary School, Shade Primary School, Lantern Community Primary School, Spring Meadow Infant & Nursery School, Fordham C. of E. Primary School and Millfield Primary School.

The prizes for ‘Widest Variety of Materials or Themes’ went to Littleport Community Primary School and Witchford Village College.

“Babylon ARTS is delighted to celebrate the huge creative talent of the children and young people of East Cambridgeshire,” said Michael Corley, CEO of Babylon ARTS, “Choosing prize winners from the 371 entries was extremely difficult as the standards are so high. Well done to our winners, their teachers and families. Thanks to the sponsors and the members of the public who donate to us to make these events happen.”

East Cambridgeshire Schools’ Art Exhibition 2024 is on from Wednesday 7th February at
Babylon Gallery until Sunday 25th February. Babylon Gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday,
12pm to 4pm with free entry.

Press release from Babylon ARTS

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Led by artist Mina Heydari-Waite, people created their own ‘future artefact’. Over 350 of these artifacts will be displayed in Babylon Gallery alongside work from local artists inspired by the beauty and spirit of Wicken Fen.

Wicken Fen, one of Europe’s most important wetlands, supports an abundance of wildlife.
There are more than 9000 species, including a spectacular array of plants, birds and
dragonflies.

Taking inspiration from the site, a series of workshops led by artist Mina Heydari-Waite
explored what people might find around Wicken Fen in another 125 years, and what it
might tell them about our lives today. Participants at Burwell Carnival, Cavalry Primary School, Ely Markets, Ely Job Centre, Prospects Trust, Soham Village College and Wicken Fen sculpted their own ‘future artefacts’ using black grogged stoneware clay.

Throughout this, conversations arose about Wicken Fen, showing just how loved it is by
local people.

“I know it as a place to reconnect with my soul” said one participant,

“a place of wonderment and also of silence.”

To celebrate the work from these workshops, which took place in the summer of 2023, over
350 of these artefacts will be displayed in Babylon Gallery, alongside work from local artists inspired by the beauty and spirit of Wicken Fen.

‘Future Artefacts’ is on from 5th January 2024 at Babylon Gallery until 28th January 2024.
Babylon Gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday, 12pm to 4pm with free entry.

Press release from Babylon ARTS

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All the pieces are for sale, with prices ranging from £60 to £150, and would make the perfect festive gift.

Due to the success of their first Winter Open in January earlier this year, Babylon Arts is
committed to providing this opportunity for local artists to participate in the exhibition and to sell their work.

With the exhibition being held in December, the gallery hopes to promote the purchase of
artworks as Christmas presents. The exhibition will feature small, but perfectly formed artworks, with prices ranging from £60 to £150. Babylon Arts hopes that the residents and visitors to Ely will be excited by the opportunity to support local artists, and find festive gifts for loved ones.

Small, but perfect is on from Thursday 30th November 2023 at Babylon Gallery until
Saturday 23rd December 2023.

Babylon Gallery is open Tuesday to Friday, 12pm to 4pm, and Saturday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm for the course of the exhibition, with free entry.

Press release from Babylon ARTS

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There will also be an opportunity to create ‘Fen Textures’ of your own, with a family activity in the gallery.

Carol and Bob Banks have been exhibiting at Babylon Gallery for over 10 years. This year they are delighted to be joined by Violet Shaw, Carol’s daughter. Violet is a potter in Margate, but grew up in Soham, where her late father, Peter Prigg, was a potter. Violet works with clay to produce rustic stoneware pieces that can be used and loved.

This collection of work is a journey through her memories of the flat fenland of her childhood, incorporating textures of the earth and plants in her work. One of the glazes used is from a recipe from her late fathers glaze book.

This will also be on display in the gallery, where she is happy for people to make a copy and use it in their own work.

Carol Banks grew up in the Cambridgeshire fens, and spent her childhood outside. She has always collected natural objects and uses them to influence her work. Bog oak is included in some pieces of jewellery, in a celebration of this natural occurring phenomena to fenland areas.

Bob Banks has returned to traditional drawing and painting, after a career in animation. He enjoys working quickly, using oils, pastels and iPad sketches, to capture the local landscape.

Together, their work comes together in a harmonious celebration of the fen landscape.

Fen Textures is on from Tuesday 31st October 2023 at Babylon Gallery until Sunday 26th November 2023.

Babylon Gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday, 12pm to 4pm with free entry.

Press release from Babylon ARTS

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The Babylon Young Associates will select artworks to be exhibited in the Sensing Nature Exhibition, which will run from 28th February – 24th March 2024. All submissions will also be showcased in a virtual gallery for the duration of the exhibition. The deadline for submissions is Friday 1st December 2023.

The Babylon Young Associates are curating a multi-sensory exhibition inspired by how we
experience nature through our senses, as part of Inspired by Nature, a National Lottery
Heritage funded programme supporting more people across the Fens to get creative in
nature. Selected works will be exhibited in the Sensing Nature exhibition, which will be an immersive experience, engaging all the senses, to consider our relationship with the natural world.

The Sensing Nature Open Call invites people to participate in one (or all) of the three
challenges: Listen, Touch and Look. Submissions are encouraged in a range of styles and techniques, and from all ages and experience levels. To find out more about the challenges, please read the submission guidelines at: https://www.babylonarts.org.uk/news/view, sensing-nature-open-call_25168.htm

The exhibition theme has been conceived by the Babylon Young Associates – a group of
young creatives living locally, aged 18-25 years, who work with Babylon ARTS on projects, installations and community engagement via the arts.

Inspired by Nature is a Babylon ARTS project, in partnership with Ely Museum, RNIB and the National Trust’s Wicken Fen Nature Reserve, and has been made possible with the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, Babylon ARTS will deliver an 18-month programme developing creative approaches that facilitate connection and engagement with nature for people with low vision, children, young people and the wider public.

The deadline for entries for The Sensing Nature Challenges is Friday 1st December 2023.

Babylon ARTS will contact successful applicants by Monday 18th December if their work has been selected to be part of the Sensing Nature exhibition at Babylon Gallery next Spring.

Press release from Babylon ARTS

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Nancy has taken the universal topic of food, and translated it into a delicious exhibition, featuring a selection of artists who work in a variety of styles, exploring this theme. Along with the artists’ work, the exhibition will include submissions from the recent Sunday Lunch competition, where the public will be able to vote for their favourite. From still lives, to giant sculptures, she hopes that it will be engaging to all.

“Food can be used to unify, celebrate and entice, evoking memories, smells and tastes. Life’s great meals are unforgettable – delicious home-cooked food shared with those we love is an essential pleasure,” says Nancy.

“Food can be a reflection of self, family, memories and heritage. For me a table of amazing food shared with loved ones is one of life’s great pleasures!”

Nancy is an Ely resident and has a background in Fine Art Photography. She was selected as a Babylon Young Curator earlier this year. As a curator, she is passionate about attracting new audiences to an artistic environment that connects and inspires.

The Babylon Young Curator programme offers an opportunity for young people to develop their skills and experience in bringing together exciting and innovative exhibitions with support from arts professionals.

Babylon Arts are able to run the Young Curators project due to the generous support of Arts Council England’s National Lottery Project Grants. To help Babylon Arts to keep offering projects like this for our local community they are calling for the community to donate to their charitable work via the Babylon Arts website.

A Matter of Taste is on Thursday 5th October at Babylon Gallery Sunday 29th October. Babylon Gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday, 12pm to 4pm with free entry.

Press release from Babylon ARTS

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The exhibition which is held at the Babylon Arts Gallery in Ely, defines the philosophy of Ubuntu, derived from the Bantu languages of Africa, highlights the importance of showing compassion and humanity towards others.

Within the exhibition, Bethany Haysom included artwork from artists such as Madhu Manipatruni with a colourful piece penned “Arranged Marriage” which the artist says was “Drawn on inspiration from [my] roots in India.”

Other artists chosen by the young curator include Rosa Kelly and Alban Haysom. Describing the chosen works as “beautiful,” Bethany Haysom aims for her audience to “explore various interpretations of the title.”

The exhibition also hosts a walled drawing board where members of the public are given the opportunity to draw a pair of eyes, representing each individual in humanity. Weekend Duty Manager at Babylon Arts Theatre Susan Harrison said “The eyes are a clear way of getting people involved. They really sum up the exhibition. It’s a whole piece of artwork in itself. When asked how the exhibition educates newcomers to the notion of Ubuntu, Susan added “It speaks to people on different levels. It’s a beautiful concept.”

Encompassing the importance of celebrating the people around us, the exhibition brings with it a variety of different genres, which help to piece together the story of Ubuntu. 

The exhibition is held at The Babylon Arts Gallery until 23rd July.

More information can be found on the Babylon Arts official website: https://www.babylonarts.org.uk/gallery/view,i-am-because-we-are_24128.htm 

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The four artists who make up the Fierce Tales Collective have created a show that explores the female experience within the fenland landscape. The group covers multiple artistic disciplines including traditional oil painting, printmaking, mixed media and expressive intuitive painting. Each artist has a story to tell of art, faith, growth intertwined with their sense of mortality, all of which weave beautifully back into the seasons, whether personal or within nature herself.

Lizzie Ault @talesfromthefen

Explores female folk narratives and histories within the fenland landscape with her intricate, illustrative lino cuts, drypoint etchings and collages. From swan maidens to pagan goddesses she has painstakingly researched the folklore of the region and found stories that reflect the feminine experience and a connection with the natural world that has long been lost.

Kristin VG Bailey @notestotreasure

Using mixed media, Kristin explores faith using colour through meditative intuitive painting. Not shy of colour, the layers of paint and mark making combine to collate expressive vibrant abstract paintings. Celebrating the founding of the city of Ely, her stylised, iconastasis interpretation of Etheldreda entitled St Audrey, cradling a pink cathedra, reminds us that this city is founded on the faith of a woman. While alongside this she seeks to connect back to our locality through landscape, using bold marks and colour which is synonymous throughout her work.

Laura Pearson-Clark @artintheburrow

Observes and exaggerates the decorative patterns and bold colours found in the details of nature to create unique mixed media compositions. There’s a distinct fusion of different cultural influences seen within her work from previous travels overseas and a playful conversation between Art and Science. Nature intertwining with the recurring theme of motherhood alongside her own creative narrative does not go unnoticed.

Ella Wolfnoth @ellawolfnoth

Works in oil paint on panel, primed with traditionally made gesso. Paintings are inspired by cthe fragility and beauty of nature, weaving stories and tales into her work, with painted words, and symbolic meanings from dark fairy tales. Working in veil like layers building up the transitions of paint, from grisaille to final colour layers.

The artists have all produced individual bodies of evocative, intricate and beautiful work which on one level are deeply personal but also resonate universally. The show promises to give a unique view of life in East Anglia exploring history, nature, folklore, magic and the feminine. It is certainly one not to be missed.

Fierce Tales, Group exhibition, Wednesday 7th – Sunday 25th June (closed Mondays)

Babylon Gallery, Waterside, Ely, CB7 4AU,

T: 01353 616991

Website: www.babylonarts.org.uk,

FREE ENTRY, Accompanying free events as part of the Ely Arts Festival, www.elyartsfestival,org for full listings.

Press release from Babylon Arts

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The exhibition’s curator Nancy J Clemance worked at Babylon Gallery from 2004 to 2008. She then moved to Dorset and met artist Harland Viney, quickly becoming friends and collaborators. After 12 years, she has returned to the riverside gallery to curate Harland’s new exhibition of paintings. 

Nancy explains what drew her to Harland’s work, “I’m a proud product of the straight, flat lines of East Anglia and fed my own children on the eternity of Holkam beach and the airy broad skies of Fenland. Yet I missed and was drawn to immersing my life into the muddy curves, the lush watery lows and the sandy cliff highs of the southwest. Harland Viney’s work allows me to continue to do so.”

The exhibition focuses on Harland’s landscape paintings, exploring how flora and fauna merge into our sense of ourselves and others. Nancy said “This exhibition is here as an opportunity for you to think about how and where you want to place yourself in relation to landscape. Are you where you feel comfortable? Do you want to feel comfortable? Do you try to balance between landscapes? Does the land grow out of you or do you merge into it? Is there an imagined landscape where you see yourself fulfilled?”

On Sunday 24th July, visitors will have an opportunity to meet Harland Viney and ask any questions from 12pm to 4pm as she hosts a ‘meet the artist’ event at the gallery. Visitors to the exhibition are encouraged to take part in the mark making postcard activity to add to the community wall. Simply collect a vintage postcard of landscape and portrait and customise how you see fit, using any medium including collage, sewing or paint.

You Live in a Paradise of Your Own Creation is on now at Babylon Gallery until 4pm on Sunday 24th July. Babylon Gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday, 12pm to 4pm with free entry. 

Press release from Babylon ARTS

The post Former Babylon Curator Returns to Riverside Gallery after 12 Years to present Harland Viney’s Dorset Inspired Exhibition appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

The exhibition explores the ‘Power of Stitch’, pursuing their own areas of interest, with a deliberate focus on stitch to interpret their creative journey.

Two years in the making, the group have been inspired by the English textile artist and embroiderer, Constance Howard who said, “You do not need to know hundreds of stitches, but you need to use the ones you know well.” The group has produced an exciting body of work that relies on the most fundamental of textile techniques – stitch.

EAST member Melinda Berkovitz said “EAST are delighted to showcase their exhibition in the beautiful setting of Babylon Arts Gallery.  Each artist pursues her own themes whilst celebrating the simplest of techniques, stitch! There is something for everyone to enjoy.”

Alongside the exhibition, members of the group are offering a series of talks and workshops, which encourage others to try stitch as a medium. The sessions are suitable for beginners, experts and anything in between. Stitch your own textile heart in memory of a loved one or as decoration, learn how to wrap and embellish a rock, or join qualified historical researcher, Janette Bright for a glass of wine and learn about ‘The Rise and Fall of the Tambour Hook’. To find out more, visit the Babylon ARTS website (www.babylonarts.org.uk). 

Claire Somerville said “Planning for this exhibition began just before the pandemic, and it’s been well worth the wait. The EAST members demonstrate the variety that stitch has to offer. I would highly encourage people to attend the workshops and talks on offer to give it a try for yourself!”

The ‘Power of Stitch’ exhibition is on until 4pm on Sunday 19th June. Babylon Gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday, 12pm to 4pm with free entry.

Press release from Babylon ARTS

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The exhibition brings together local Ely artist, Linda McCord with her two sisters, Helen Mangan from Dublin and Mary O’Mahony from London.

All three of the artists share a love of art and though they each enjoy different ways of creating in their home cities, their familial insh roots help them to produce works that are colourful and joyful.

Linda McCord said “This, our first exhibition, is a critical part of our art journey and the Babylon Gallery is a wonderful place to start showcasing our work. Preparing for this exhibition has helped us to focus on our creativity and has been really enjoyable. Our plan is that following this debut in Ely, we will put on an exhibition in Dublin.”

The Three Sisters Exhibition is on now at Babylon Gallery until Monday 2nd May (inclusive).

Babylon Gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday, 12pm to 4pm with free entry.

Press release from Babylon ARTS

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The whimsical, yet bold exhibition celebrates the freedom of character creation and invites visitors to embrace the joy of creating.

Kester Matine is a Cambridge based artist and illustrator, and was awarded an Arts Council England grant in order to fund his first solo exhibition, which features a mixture of fine art prints, sculpture and animation, as well as an interactive character creation station.

Kester took part in Babylon ARTS’ annual Summer Open exhibition in 2021. Chief Executive, Claire Somerville said “Kester’s work immediately caught my eye during our Summer Open exhibition 2021 – we rarely see character creation and digitally produced art, as a medium at Babylon Gallery. It’s such a fun, vibrant exhibition that is guaranteed to put a smile on your face. I’d highly recommend trying out Kester’s character creation station and add your character to our growing community wall!”

Kester uses a range of media and processes to create bold, colourful characters that capture different moods and emotions. His work often starts with random shapes and lines which become whimsical characters through free flowing drawing techniques. 

His work encourages people to interact with his characters in different ways and to experience the joy of creating characters themselves. As part of the exhibition, there is a free, craft activity for all ages to enjoy, where visitors can have a go at making their own colourful characters to go on the Babylon Gallery wall.

Throughout the duration of the exhibition, Kester has been working on a large-scale painting in the space, to give visitors the opportunity to understand his process. Kester said “I’m delighted to showcase my works at Babylon Gallery. The response from visitors so far has been wonderful. I think everyone, at any age, appreciates being given the freedom to explore and play creatively. I’m excited for what the future holds!”

The Joy of Play exhibition is on now at Babylon Gallery until Sunday 20 March. Babylon Gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday, 12pm to 4pm with free entry. 

Following this exhibition, the Babylon Gallery will host Ely Art Lovers Workshop and their exhibition called Cornucopia. Opening Tuesday 22nd March at midday.

Press release from Babylon ARTS

The post Cambridge Based Up-And-Coming Artist Celebrates First Solo Exhibition at Riverside Gallery appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

Babylon ARTS held an online awards ceremony on Monday 7th February, in which the prize winners were announced from each of the six Key Stages, with work from children aged 4 to 19 years. 

The exhibition includes artworks in a variety of media from over 250 children and young people from eighteen schools across East Cambridgeshire. This is believed to be the most schools to have taken part in this annual exhibition, since it began 13 years ago. The exhibition features drawings, paintings, textiles, photography, ceramics and multi-media work and is supported by Tindalls Ltd and Ely Hereward Rotary Club.

The schools involved are; Bottisham Village College, Downham Feoffees Primary Academy, Ely College, Isle of Ely Primary School, Kings Ely, Lantern Community Primary School, Littleport & East Cambs Academy, Littleport Community Primary School, Mepal and Witcham Primary School, Millfield Primary School, Rackham C. of E. Primary School, Witchford, Shade Primary School (Soham), Soham Village College, Spring Meadow Infant & Nursery School, Stretham Primary School, Weatheralls Primary School (Soham), Wilburton Church of England Primary School and Witchford Village College.

Ely Hereward Rotary Club President, Christine Gascoigne announced the awards in the online ceremony via YouTube alongside Babylon ARTS’ Chief Executive Claire Somerville.

This year’s winners received vouchers for art materials, donated by Tindalls Ltd and Ely Hereward Rotary Club. The winners were: Ethan T (Millfield Primary); Rose (Owl Class, Lantern Primary); Kiera McManus (Stretham Primary); Grace Hammatt (Weatheralls Primary); Grace Palmer (Littleport Community Primary); Ewan McKenzie (Rackham Primary); Poppy (Wilburton Primary); Felicity Berrill (Isle of Ely Primary School); Lexi Ess (Downham Feoffees); Madeline Case (Bottisham Village College); Poppy Baddeley (Ely College); Ollie Beck (Ely College); Josie Fletcher (Witchford Village College); Alice Wallace (Kings Ely); Marley Axon-Coates (Bottisham Village College); Inna Martinova (Ely College); Elodie Pratt (Kings Ely); Jessica Harding (Kings Ely). 

Claire Somerville, chief executive of Babylon ARTS said “Congratulations to all of the prize-winners and everyone who has artwork in the exhibition this year. We’re proud to host the East Cambridgeshire Schools’ Art Exhibition at Babylon Gallery and are always impressed by the level of creativity and talent shown by children and young people across the district.”

A recording of the awards ceremony is available to watch on the Babylon ARTS website (www.babylonarts.org.uk).

The East Cambridgeshire Schools’ Art Exhibition is on now at Babylon Gallery until Sunday 27th February, open Tuesday to Sunday, 12pm to 4pm with free entry. 

Press release from Babylon ARTS

The post East Cambridgeshire Schools’ Art Exhibition Award Winners Announced appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

The BFG in Pictures is a touring exhibition from House of Illustration, featuring reproductions of Quentin Blake’s illustrations for Roald Dahl’s much-loved story The BFG.

The exhibition, curated by Quentin Blake, contains 40 reproductions, including illustrations not used when the book was first published in 1982. They chart the development of one of the most iconic characters in children’s literature and provide a glimpse of a BFG that might have been.

These are exhibited alongside reproductions of the final illustrations for the book, providing a fascinating insight into the collaboration between author and illustrator.

Quentin Blake says: “Roald Dahl and I were brought together by our publisher in the 1970s. Roald was an extraordinarily interesting person and a man of action, which is why he was so good at telling stories. He liked to tell stories about things happening, rather than about what people are thinking or feeling, which was wonderful for me to draw. Roald’s The BFG was first published by Jonathan Cape in 1982 in a hardback edition for which I did black-and-white illustrations and a design in colour for the cover. Since then the BFG and Sophie have appeared in a variety of books and situations. For this exhibition I have selected images from different versions of the BFG, starting with my first illustrations which remained unpublished for thirty years.”

Claire Somerville, chief executive of Babylon Arts added: “The exhibition at the Baylon Gallery, includes a creative activity for visitors to add a dream they would like to share, to a collection of ‘dream jars’ inspired by the story of the BFG. Suitable for all ages, the Gallery hopes to fill their shelves with colourful dreams and aspirations. 

This exhibition is a really exciting one for us, as we get to bring the iconic work of Quentin Blake to Ely for the first time. The exhibition will be a great opportunity for people to get up close to these wonderful drawings and be inspired to read the book again. This is the first time we’ve worked with the House of Illustration and we’re delighted to be able to bring this important collection to rural Cambridgeshire.”

The BFG In Pictures exhibition is on at Babylon Gallery, Ely from Tuesday 23rd November until Thursday 23rd December and is open Tuesday to Sunday, 12pm to 4pm with free entry. 

Press release from Babylon ARTS

The post The BFG in Pictures Visits Ely Riverside Gallery appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

Carol, a jewellery maker and Bob a painter, are both heavily influenced by the unique Fenland landscape and the theme runs throughout the exhibition.  

On the gallery walls is a series of 34 retrospective works by Bob, including oil paintings and chalk pastel pieces of Wicken Fen, Anglesey Abbey and interiors from Ely Cathedral. On the plinths, Carol exhibits her handmade silver and gold plated jewellery inspired by nature. All jewellery and framed paintings are for sale, as well as a collection of 18 unframed prints and cards. 

Since moving from London in 2008, Carol and Bob have used the Fens as inspiration for their artwork. Carol was born in Soham and having always loved nature, uses the natural beauty of the area for inspiration for most of her jewellery. Her pieces are dictated by the shapes and textures of natural materials such as bark, leaves and seed heads. Carol now supplies for the National Trust, Anglesey Abbey and Sutton Hoo. 

Bob originally worked exclusively in pastels, but has recently switched to oil paints. Using the local landscape as a stimulus, he focuses on small details such as textures, colour and reflections in water.

Bob said “We both have our own studios and keep our practices separate, but we often bounce ideas off of one another over the dinner table, which is very helpful. I use painting as a way to decompress from my busy job in Animation and Carol now makes her jewellery full time. We moved to the Fens from London thinking we’d have a quieter way of life – we’re now busier than ever!”

During lockdown, Bob also illustrated a book for the first time, ‘What’s The Matter Mad Hatter’ by local author Rachel O’Leary is on view and available to purchase as part of the exhibition at the Babylon Gallery. 

Bob and Carol will be situated at the Gallery most days throughout the exhibition speaking to visitors as they work, to give an understanding of the process behind each piece. 

Chief Executive Claire Somerville said “It’s wonderful to have Bob and Carol back at the Babylon Gallery, and even better to have artists working in the space during an exhibition, so visitors can have a ‘behind the scenes’ view of work in progress.” 

‘Fenscapes’ is on now at Babylon Gallery until Sunday 24th October and the gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday, 12-4pm with free entry.

Press release from Babylon ARTS

The post The Fens Inspire Artist Couple in Riverside Exhibition appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

The BFG in Pictures is a touring exhibition from House of Illustration, featuring reproductions of Quentin Blake’s illustrations for Roald Dahl’s much-loved story The BFG.

The exhibition, curated by Quentin Blake, contains forty reproductions, including illustrations not used when the book was first published in 1982. They chart the development of one of the most iconic characters in children’s literature and provide a glimpse of a BFG that might have been.

These are exhibited alongside reproductions of the final illustrations for the book, providing a fascinating insight into the collaboration between author and illustrator.

Quentin Blake says: “Roald Dahl and I were brought together by our publisher in the 1970s. Roald was an extraordinarily interesting person and a man of action, which is why he was so good at telling stories. He liked to tell stories about things happening, rather than about what people are thinking or feeling, which was wonderful for me to draw. Roald’s The BFG was first published by Jonathan Cape in 1982 in a hardback edition for which I did black-and-white illustrations and a design in colour for the cover. Since then the BFG and Sophie have appeared in a variety of books and situations. For this exhibition I have selected images from different versions of the BFG, starting with my first illustrations which remained unpublished for thirty years.”

Claire Somerville, chief executive of Babylon Arts added: “This exhibition is a really exciting one for us, as we get to bring the iconic work of Quentin Blake to Ely for the first time. The exhibition will be a great opportunity for people to get up close to these wonderful drawings and be inspired to read the book again. This is the first time we’ve worked with the House of Illustration and we’re delighted to be able to bring this important collection to rural Cambridgeshire.”

The BFG In Pictures exhibition is on at Babylon Gallery, Ely from Tuesday 23rd November until Thursday 23rd December and is open Tuesday to Sunday, 12pm to 4pm with free entry. 

Press release from Babylon ARTS

The post The BFG in Pictures at The Babylon Gallery appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

The gallery walls are filled with 137 watercolour paintings, the combinations of water with pigment results in a range of compositions, techniques and styles. All framed paintings are for sale, as well as a large collection of unframed works. Artists cards are also available to purchase.

The SEAW was initially set up by Richard Sorrell NEAC RBA PPRWS, President of the Royal Watercolour Society (2006-9). Its Patron, Lillias August RI is a member of the Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours and a multi-award winning artist. “I am very happy to be the SEAW Patron; there are so few regional societies that promote water-based media,” she says. “Watercolour is such a varied and challenging medium that can be used in so many interesting ways – experimental and traditional; quick and slow; realistic and abstract; controlled and loose; translucent and opaque …”

Following their call for watercolour works, the SEAW had a record number of submissions from members, ‘friends’ of the Society and non-members. The SEAW are regular exhibitors at the Gallery, however due to Covid were unable to exhibit last year. 

Babylon ARTS’ Chief Executive Claire Somerville said “We’re committed to supporting local artists and groups by showcasing their works and we’re delighted to be able to host the Society of East Anglian Watercolourists for another year at the Babylon Gallery. The variety of works is astonishing, and shows what’s possible through the medium of watercolour.”

Alongside their exhibition, SEAW are offering a series of watercolour workshops with varying themes throughout September, to encourage beginners and professional artists to explore the possibilities of watercolour as a medium. There are spaces available, so people can visit the Babylon ARTS website: www.babylonarts.org.uk to book a place. 

The Society of East Anglian Watercolourists’ Exhibition WaterWays is on now at Babylon Gallery until Sunday 26th September and is open Tuesday to Sunday, 12pm to 4pm with free entry.

Press release from Babylon ARTS

The post WaterWays Exhibition Makes A Splash appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

The display forms part of the Gallery’s Summer Exhibition, which will run until 30th August.  

Now that life is happily returning to greater normality Hereward Rotary is getting back into a very interesting series of activities and events.

The Club now meets on a twice-monthly basis, one of which, with a guest speaker, is held in the restaurant at Ely Golf Club.

Please visit www.rotaryclubely-hereward.org for more information.

Press release from The Ely Hereward Rotary Club

The post Community Art Project on Display at the Babylon Gallery. appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

In it’s twelfth year, the exhibition includes artworks in a variety of mediums from over 200 children and young people from eleven schools across East Cambridgeshire, with drawings, paintings, textiles, photography, ceramics and multi-media work. The exhibition is supported by Tindalls Ltd and Ely Hereward Rotary Club, with funding from Postcode Neighbourhood Trust, a grant-giving charity funded entirely by players of People’s Postcode Lottery. 

The schools involved are; Downham Feoffees Primary Academy, Weatheralls Primary School in Soham, Littleport Community Primary School, Ely College, Kings Ely, Lantern Primary, Witchford Village College, Rackham C. of E. Primary School in Witchford, Littleport & East Cambs Academy, Bottisham Village College and Wilburton Primary School. 

Ely Hereward Rotary Club President, Christine Gascoigne announced the awards in the online ceremony via YouTube alongside Babylon ARTS’ Chief Executive Claire Somerville. This year’s winners received vouchers for art materials, donated by Tindalls Ltd and Ely Hereward Rotary Club.

The winners were:
Isaac H (Lantern Primary School);
Francesca R (Rackham C of E Primary School);
Bethany H (Littleport Community Primary School);
Esme S (Littleport Community Primary School);
Martha P (Rackham C of E Primary School);
Caitlyn V (Littleport Community Primary School);
Annabel H (Littleport Community Primary School);
Ajay C (Lantern Primary School);
Elodie B (Littleport Community Primary School);
Madeleine C (Bottisham Village College);
Tia H (Littleport and East Cambs Academy);
Lucy B (Witchford Village College);
Maria A (Ely College);
Haya H (Bottisham Village College);
Eleanor S (Witchford Village College);
Christina D (Kings Ely);
Katherine W (Kings Ely);
Molly W (Kings Ely).

The Curator’s Prize was awarded to Suzanna S (Bottisham Village College). 

Claire said “Congratulations to all of the prize-winners and everyone who has work exhibited this year. We’re so proud to host the East Cambridgeshire Schools’ Art Exhibition at Babylon Gallery and are always impressed by the level of creativity and talent by the young artists in the district.”

 A recording of the awards ceremony is available to watch on the Babylon ARTS website www.babylonarts.org.uk and available to watch below.

The East Cambridgeshire Schools’ Art Exhibition is on now at Babylon Gallery until 1st August, open Tuesday to Sunday, 12pm to 4pm with free entry.

Press release from Babylon Arts

The post East Cambridgeshire Schools’ Art Exhibition Award Winners Announced appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

The team at Babylon Gallery have asked for local support by casting your vote for the gallery, which is run by arts charity, Babylon ARTS. 

Chief Executive Claire Somerville said “We’re delighted to have made it to the final five in the ‘Best Art Gallery’ category. We’ve worked so hard in the last 18 months, to rise to the challenges presented by Covid and showcase really exciting exhibitions. Even when closed, we turned our windows into exhibition spaces and involved hundreds of people in creative projects. In the last month we’ve showcased national and international artists in our young curator’s exhibition: I Matter and I’m thrilled that we’re in the final along with other great galleries in the region.” 

Supporters can vote for the Babylon Gallery by visiting the Muddy Stilettos website by 5pm on Friday 23rd July: 

https://suffolkcambs.muddystilettos.co.uk/vote/

Babylon Gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday, 12pm to 4pm with free entry.

The current exhibition is East Cambridgeshire Schools’ Art Exhibition, featuring 12 local schools with work of over 200 local children and young people, ages 4 – 19yrs, running from Friday 16th July to Sunday 1st August.

Visit Babylon Gallery’s website for more information: www.babylonarts.org.uk.

Press release from Babylon ARTS

The post Babylon Gallery Reaches Finals in the Awards for Best Arts Gallery in Suffolk and Cambridgeshire appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

Around 1000 people attended the final two days of Ely Arts Festival, which brought together locals and visitors at Jubilee Gardens for a weekend of fun, bringing the festival’s 2021 programme to a close. 

The weekend began with live music in the bandstand, with performances from local acts Paddy Bennett, Funksoul Brothers, John Holland Avery, Littleport Brass Band and East Cambs Wind Band. The music continued into Saturday afternoon with a Teddy Bears Tea Picnic Concert provided by Shake, Rattle and Roll for babies and toddlers. 

Local artist Louise Beale provided craft activities for all ages, and exhibited the final result of her project with Babylon ARTS ‘Fen Stitch Together’, a quilt created from patches handmade and sent in by local residents. 

Attendees were also treated to an amazing steampunk inspired artwork by artist Mike Hartley called ‘The Yesterday & Tomorrow Machine‘. It’s first visit to Ely, as part of the Somewhere in Ely project, where local people voted for the pop-up artworks they would like to see in Ely. Local artist Ted Coney also showcased his collection of paintings in his Artist in Residence tour at his studio based along the riverside and the Babylon Gallery welcomed visitors to its Edge of the Fens exhibition. 

On Sunday there were two open-air theatre performances by Lamphouse Theatre, organised by Babylon ARTS. With just two actors, their production ‘Suitcase Shakespeare’ brought to life an entire Shakespeare play using only what was in their suitcases. 

Ely Arts Festival Chair, Chris Parsons said “It was fantastic to see so many smiling faces down at Jubilee Gardens across the weekend for our Jubilee Jamboree and Suitcase Shakespeare performances! After such a challenging 15 months for us all we really wanted to bring some cheer to Ely and we hope everyone had a really enjoyable time.” 

Chris continued “All this would not have been possible without the fantastic work of the voluntary committee and our collaboration with Babylon Arts. We’re incredibly grateful for the local companies who have supported the festival ‘Poets House, Silver Oak Coffee, Busy Bee Recruitment and Lovewell Blake. We’re excited about what the future holds for the Ely Arts Festival as part of the exciting cultural offerings throughout the year in this great city!” 

To keep up-to-date about Ely Arts Festival visit their website to sign up to their newsletter. www.elyartsfestival.org.

Press release from Babylon ARTS

 Photo Credit: Andrew Wilkinson

The post Ely Arts Festival 2021’s Finale Weekend Ends with a Flourish appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

Annie Brown: “I relocated to the edge of the Cambridgeshire Fens in 2003 and taught myself to needle-felt, developing blending techniques, and using unconventional materials. After an inspirational visit to Woolfest, Cumbria, hand-dyeing the wool became part of my practice. With my stockman husband, I’ve started a wool only flock of rare breed sheep, giving me a constant supply of different textures and natural colours.” Annie continues; “I’ve always been inspired by the landscape and the nature within it, its transience, and the beauty of its imperfections. Through this, I provide her audience with a moment of stillness and tranquility.” 

Ruth E Blundell: “I’ve lived most of my life in the Fens. I believe passionately in the importance of creativity for each and every one of us – in whatever form this may take – as a means of self-expression and exploration of our inner worlds and the outer world. Landscape and wildlife have been a constant source of inspiration for my art. Regular visits to art galleries and museums in the U.K. and further afield has also informed my artwork, as has my participation in various art-making groups.” 

Di Cope: “I live and work in the Fen-edge village of Burwell, in rural Cambridgeshire. I paint in a realistic style and take inspiration from the landscape of my daily surroundings; painting things that make me happy. I hope the viewer of my paintings can find themselves briefly transported to a peaceful land of eternal summer.” Di continues; “The East Anglia of my work is fresh, fertile and verdant; often depicting the big skies the area is famous for, and still, tranquil but living waterways. I’m always drawn to nature’s form seen in trees, and wildflowers growing as and where they will, I hope that my paintings lift the spirits.” 

Annie Neild: “I grew up in rural Cumbria, creating art inspired by nature from an early age. I now live with my family in Cambridgeshire and have grown to love the Fens, which offer a stark contrast to the countryside of my childhood and inspired me to begin making art again several years ago. I enjoy experimenting with a variety of textile media; most recently wet felting and hand embroidery. I also draw with archival ink pens and acrylic inks on calico. The light and lines of the Fenland landscape inform my work – the ever-changing skies, layers and blocks of colour, and the imprint made on the land by man continue to fascinate and provoke a creative response.” 

Running until 11th July, visitors will see paintings on canvas and paper, felted works and drawings on fabric. Edge of the Fens offers a variety of perspectives on the unique landscape of the local area. For more information visit www.babylonarts.org.uk.

Press release from Babylon ARTS

The post Living on the Edge – Babylon Gallery hosts the work of four artists inspired by the Fens appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

The team at Babylon Gallery have asked for local support by casting your vote for the gallery, which is run by arts charity, Babylon ARTS.

Chief Executive Claire Somerville said “We’re delighted to have been nominated for this award. As a small team, we strive to showcase a diverse and exciting range of work by local, regional and national artists, including those from traditionally under-represented groups. We would be elated to have our hard work recognised by winning the Award, especially after the challenges
over lockdown.”

Supporters can vote for the Babylon Gallery by visiting the Muddy Stilettos website: https://cambs.muddystilettos.co.uk/nominate/art-gallery.

Babylon Gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday, 12pm to 4pm with free entry. The current exhibition is Edge of the Fens, which features textile and painted works by four local artists, inspired by the fen landscape and is on from Thursday 17th June to Sunday 11th July.

Visit Babylon Gallery’s website for more information: www.babylonarts.org.uk.

Press release from Babylon ARTS

The post Babylon Gallery Nominated for Best Arts Gallery in Suffolk and Cambridgeshire Award appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

In 2020 the open call attracted over 120 artists, with more than 300 artworks submitted for consideration.

This year, thanks to the Covid relief funding that Babylon ARTS has received through the Culture Recovery Fund, there will be no submission fee for artists. All visual arts are welcome, including (and not limited to): photography, painting, illustration, digital media, mixed media, textiles, ceramics, glassware and more. The Gallery hopes to once again fill its walls and plinths with art works.

Claire Somerville, chief executive of Babylon ARTS stated: “We’re really looking forward to receiving submissions for this years’ Summer Open. It’s open to all artists over 16 and we
particularly want to encourage people from Cambridgeshire, West Suffolk and West Norfolk to apply and those from traditionally under-represented backgrounds, such as D/deaf, disabled and neurodiverse artists and artists from minority ethnic backgrounds.”

Claire continues: “This year we’ve formed a new selection panel to review all the submissions, comprising: Olu Taiwo, a Babylon Young Curator and Black artist from Boston, Lincs; Sid White-Jones, also a Babylon Young Curator and photographic artist; Iwona Smyk, Ely-based synesthetic abstract painter; Liz Falconbridge, curator, mentor and arts professional; and Stuart Green, experienced artist, arts educator and exhibition installer.”

The deadline for submissions is midday Monday 12th July.

The exhibition will run from Thursday 5th to Sunday 30th August. More information can be found on: http://www.babylonarts.org.uk

Press release from Babylon ARTS

The post Babylon ARTS Launches an Open Call for Artists to Submit Work for Their Annual Summer Open Exhibition appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

Formed of new and existing works created by artists from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds and communities, the exhibition responds to the powerful declaration, ‘I. Matter’ and its recent complex iterations.

The exhibition will feature work by painters, printmakers, sculptors, digital artists and photographers including; Anthony Shintai, Eddie Saint-Jean, Jaffar Aly, James Chen-Wishart, Jay Morally, Kinnari Saraiya, Manuel Hechavarria, Parham Ghalamdar, Rayhan Miah, Roy Joseph Butler, Hana Sadrai, Suchi Chidambaram, Suman Gujral, Teakster and Thomas Soyemi.

Back in September 2020, Young Curator Olu Taiwo proposed the idea of offering artists, who have felt excluded in any way, a platform to share their art works and stories. He explains: “The ‘I Matter’ exhibition provides a platform to tell their stories of why they matter.

We had a fantastic response to the call-out with over 100 artists getting in touch, however it emphasised the need for more opportunities for artists from ethnic minority backgrounds to have their voices heard. I’m looking to continue to help to facilitate these opportunities after my residency at Babylon ARTS has ended.”

Olu continues: “This exhibition and my time as a Young Curator, has helped to build the beginnings of a community of talented artists, and I’ve made friendships that I know will continue well into the future.”

Due to the large number of artist submissions, Olu has also decided to host an online exhibition of a wider selection of work by the artists who applied. This online exhibition will be featured on the Babylon ARTS’ website which will run alongside the I Matter exhibition from Friday 28th May.

I Matter will launch on Friday 28th May and end on Sunday 13th June. The Babylon Gallery’s opening times have been extended to Monday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm for the duration of the I Matter exhibition. Entry to the Babylon Gallery is free.

I Matter is funded by Arts Council England, in partnership with Wysing Arts Centre, Kettles Yard, G’s Fresh and The East of England Co-Op.

Press release from Babylon ARTS

The post Lincolnshire Based Artist and Young Curator Launches ‘I Matter’ a New Exhibition Featuring Work by Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Artists appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

Five new artworks have been created in response to a historical weather diary written in 1963 by Betty Mann, a lifelong resident of Soham in Cambridgeshire. Some of these artworks have taken their inspiration from The Big Freeze, a particularly treacherous weather event which occurred in 1963. Visitors to the exhibition can expect to see variations on the winter landscape with abstract depictions of mist, frost, ice and snow. 

The five artists presenting their work are: Amber Lawrence a sculptor, printmaker and installation artist, who has created a sculptural representation of the temperature data recorded by Betty Mann, from each day of the year in 1963; Eleanor Wood an artist, who has produced a series of contemporary works on paper that respond abstractly to the age and feel of Betty Mann’s weather diary; Mari French an abstract painter, who has created a series of nine mixed-media artworks responding to observations of winter through windows; Mark Tamer who is an experimental photographer, working with both analogue and digital mediums, is presenting a visual interpretation of 30 days in January 2021 from his own diary as he records his vestibular migraine attacks that impact his everyday life; and Simon Nunn a filmmaker who has contributed a video using archival footage of Soham and its surrounding fens landscape, combining past time festivities in the village with weather patterns shot digitally. 

The exhibition has been curated by Sid White-Jones, as part of the Babylon Young Curators’ programme, in which young, aspiring creatives stage an exhibition with guidance from experienced mentors. Young Curator, Sid White-Jones explains – “I wouldn’t have believed back at the start of lockdown last year, that I’d later be given the chance to curate my own exhibition with the support of the Babylon ARTS’ team. I’ve really enjoyed the process and I can’t wait to see what people think of the exhibition.” 

In addition to being able to visit the exhibition at the Babylon Gallery in person, people can also explore No Frost at Night via a virtual tour. 

Claire Somerville, chief executive Babylon ARTS added; “We wanted to make sure that even if we had further lockdowns due to Covid, our Young Curators would have the opportunity to install their exhibitions at the Babylon Gallery and that people would still be able to see them, even if only online. Happily, we can open the exhibition with our Covid secure measures in place from 23rd April, so people will have two ways to see the work.” 

The exhibition at the Babylon Gallery runs from midday 23rd April to 23rd May. The virtual tour will be available for the coming year. Visit babylonarts.org.uk for more information. 

Press release from Babylon ARTS

The post Babylon Gallery reopens with Exhibition of Five Brand New Works Inspired by Diary Kept by Soham Resident appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

To celebrate The Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race coming back to Ely, we commissioned artist Clare Barry, to design three new window displays for the Babylon Gallery depicting The Boat Race, past and present.

The display is created using card and coloured tissue paper and is illumated from the inside in the evenings, for people to enjoy on their socially distanced walks along the riverside.

Clare Barry, who produces a range of products featuring her designs, under the name Sea Teasel, is one of the artists featured in the Babylon Gallery’s gift shop. Clare also created the wonderful ‘Alphabet of Ely‘ over the November lockdown, which brought a lot of pleasure to passersby. 

The display will be in place until at least the end of April, whilst we prepare to re-open the Babylon Gallery on Monday 17th May.

Press release from Babylon ARTS

The post Babylon’s Brilliant Boat Race appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

Sadly none of us will be able to support the event directly as no spectators will be allowed.

Let’s show our support for the event and our pride in our city by doing something creative instead.

Calling all the talented artists and photographers we know are out there!

Produce a photograph or an artwork (in any medium) which:

• Celebrates the history of the event
• Celebrates our pride in the city of Ely
• Celebrates The River Ouse
• Celebrates rowing in Ely
• Celebrates women’s rowing
• Celebrates sport in Lockdown
• Or….supports one or other side of the competition! (Oxford or Cambridge)

To enter

 We will be open for entries from Monday March 22nd to Sunday April 25th. 

Go to our website:   Community Art Project – Ely Rotary (rotaryclubely-hereward.org) and submit a photograph of your work.

All entries will be put together into a slide show which the club will put on our website and on social media and will give to the race organisers and press outlets.

When restrictions allow, it will be screened at the Babylon Gallery.

Ely Boat Race

Things you probably didn’t know!

Boat Race History

The race was started by Charles Merivale and Charles Wordsworth in 1829.  The two had rowed together at Harrow and were close friends but Merivale went to St John’s college Cambridge and Wordsworth to Christ Church college Oxford.   Rowing together on the Cam during the university vacation they decided that Cambridge would challenge Oxford to a race “at or near London each in an eight-oared boat during the ensuing Easter Vacation”.  The challenge was promptly accepted, though the race took place at Henley, and Oxford won convincingly.  The winning boat is on show at the rowing museum in Henley.

Races took place erratically and at a number of sites over the first 25 years but since 1845 it has always been run over the Putney to Mortlake stretch of the River Thames except for 1944 when it took place between Queen Adelaide and Littleport on the Great Ouse –  as it will again in 2021!  Since 1856 it has been an annual event except during war and, last year, Covid.  The race of 2021 will be the 166th.

The current “score” is  Cambridge 84 to Oxford 80 and one “dead heat” in 1877.  The Thames can get rough in strong winds and there have been six sinkings.  

Light Blue v Dark Blue

The now familiar university “colours” originated with the boat race.  In the first race half of the Oxford crew were from Harrow and rowed in their school colours of dark blue.   The following year the largest contingent in the Cambridge boat were from Caius college and they adopted the college colours of light blue – though in 2011 the light blue became somewhat more green!    These colours became linked to competitions between the two univesities and eventually to all university sport.  To “get a blue” – indicating that you have represented your university in sport – is still a great honour. 

Links between the boat race and Ely

Charles Merivale became a prominent historian and then Dean of Ely cathedral, a post he held for 24 years until his death in 1893.  There is a plaque in his memory in the South transept of the cathedral.

In 2008 the Cathedral marked the 200th anniversary of his birth with a gathering of his descendants and those of Charles Wordsworth and a race using replicas of the 1829 boats.

In 1944 the race was switched to Ely because of the risk of V1 flying bombs, large numbers of which hit London in the final year of the war.   

In 2004 The “Diamond 44” group re-enacted this event, with locals in period costume, a spitfire flypast and veteran rowers from Oxford and Cambridge in the audience.   They didn’t re-enact the result though – Oxford won in 1944, Cambridge in 2004!

Rowing in Ely 

The 5km stretch of the Great Ouse between Queen Adelaide and Littleport is ideal for rowing, dead straight, carrying little river traffic and wide enough for two full sized “eights” side by side.  It has been used for many years as a training ground for elite rowers including University and Olympic crews.

In Victorian times rowing was a popular leisure activity and in the1890s there were no fewer than five rowing clubs in Ely.

The current Ely Rowing Club was formed in 2004 as part of the “Diamond 44” project and their logo reflects this with four diamonds in both Oxford and Cambridge blue.

Their inaugural president was Martin Whitworh who had rowed at 4 for Cambridge in 1944.

They now have about 150 members and host a national competition annually – the Great Ouse Marathon  – which finishes down the Queen Adelaide “straight”.

Isle of Ely Rowing Club website: Ely rowing club

Womens rowing

The womens boat race was founded in 1927 but raced only intermittently until the 1960s.  It was subject to considerable hostility from the men – and hampered by very impractical clothing!     

From 1935 it was raced over a half mile course on either the Cam or the Isis and in 1977 the length was doubled to a mile and the race became part of Henley regatta.

Since 2015 it has been raced over the same course and on the same day as the men’s race.

2021 will be the 75th women’s race.

The early crews were formed entirely of students from Newnham College,  later joined by Girton – at that time the only Cambridge colleges to admit women.

Newnham is now the only remaining all womens college but remains prominent in rowing and currently holds the women’s “Head of the River” position.  The college celebrates its 150th anniversary this year.

The crews

All crew members have to be full time degree students at the respective universities and they train six days a week on top of their normal academic work. 

Both men and women now have reserve crews.  So there are now four races on race day.  Lightweight teams compete separately at Henley.

Press release from Ely Hereward Rotary Club

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As the country warms up following the recent cold snap, Babylon ARTS announces the five East-Anglian artists who have each been awarded a commission to produce a brand-new artwork for presentation at the Babylon Gallery later this spring.

The new artworks will be created in response to a historical weather diary written in 1963 by Betty Mann, a lifelong resident of Soham in Cambridgeshire. Some of these artworks will take their inspiration from The Big Freeze, a particularly treacherous weather event which occurred in 1963. Visitors to the exhibition can expect to see variations on the winter landscape with abstract depictions of mist, frost, ice and snow.

Following a successful open-call in December 2020, the five selected artists are:

Amber Lawrence a sculptor, printmaker and installation artist, who will be creating a sculptural representation of the temperature data recorded by Betty Mann, from each day of the year in 1963.

Eleanor Wood an artist, who is producing a series of contemporary works on paper that respond abstractly to the age and feel of Betty Mann’s weather diary.

Mari French an abstract painter, who will create a series of mixed-media artworks on panel responding to observations of winter through windows.

Mark Tamer who is an experimental photographer, working with both analogue and digital mediums and will be presenting a visual interpretation of 30 days in January 2021 from his own diary as he records his vestibular migraine attacks that impact his everyday life.

Simon Nunn a filmmaker will be contributing a video using archival footage of Soham and its surrounding fens landscape, combining past time festivities in the village with weather patterns shot digitally.

Selected artist Simon Nunn said “The call-out for the No Frost at Night exhibition spoke to me as an artist, but also as a resident living in this extraordinary part of the country. Betty’s diaries capture her unique weather reports, as well as offer us a viewpoint from which we can look to explore the societal changes in customs, our relationship with each other, and with the landscape.”

The exhibition will be curated by Sid White-Jones, as part of the Babylon Young Curators’ programme, in which young, aspiring creatives stage an exhibition with guidance from experienced mentors. Young Curator, Sid White-Jones explains – “On the surface, Betty Mann’s meticulous weather diary presents its readers with an uninterrupted insight into the weather patterns that were experienced by those living in The Fens in 1963. However, there is far more to be found hidden within its pages and artists Amber, Eleanor, Mari, Mark and Simon will each use their respective mediums to draw out these unique elements from within the historical record.”

Alongside, revealing the five artists for ‘No Frost at Night’ exhibition, Babylon ARTS also announced that Central England Co-operative, who are opening a new store in Sutton shortly, have come onboard as new partner for the Babylon Young Curators project. 

Claire Somerville, chief executive Babylon ARTS added; “It’s great to have the support of local businesses and we’re delighted that Central England Co-operative have made a donation towards the two exhibitions that our young curators, Olu Taiwo and Sid White-Jones, are currently organising. We hope this may be the start of a positive relationship between our charity and this new local Co-operative store.”

Find updates on the exhibition by visiting the Babylon ARTS website. You can also stay up to date with their latest news and opportunities by signing up to their mailing list or by visiting Babylon ARTS Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

Press release from Babylon ARTS

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Babylon ARTS is seeking to grow its volunteer team, to help brighten Ely’s cultural offer by supporting its cinema, gallery and events through 2021.

Claire Somerville, chief executive of Babylon ARTS explains: “After the challenges of 2020, we’re reaching out to our community, in the hope of finding new volunteers to steward at the cinema and gallery and support the events that we run, once it is safe to do so. We’ve got lots of exciting activities in the pipeline for later this year, and we can’t do it without extra help!”

Babylon Arts, a 26 year old charity, manages the part-time independent cinema at The Maltings, which is preparing to reopen when Covid restrictions allow. It also runs a varied programme of exhibitions at the Babylon Gallery on the riverside in Ely and has plans for a range of outdoor performances and events this year.

Claire continues “Volunteers have always played a big part of our work at Babylon Arts, however the challenges of Covid have had an impact on the number of people who can still regularly help and so we’d love to welcome more people to our volunteer team. We will provide training for the duties that people get involved with and we also provide Time Credits for the hours that volunteers give.”

Budding volunteers need to be aged 18 or over and the charity is committed to supporting those with access needs or who have never volunteered before to get involved. To offer your help or find out more please visit the Babylon ARTS website: www.babylonarts.org.uk .

Press release from Babylon ARTS

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Suffolk-based artist Helen Murray has produced a new exhibition inspired by the idea of ‘home’ using a delicate and detailed process that has to be seen in-person to fully appreciate.

The exhibition is entitled ‘Settlement – In Search of Home’ and runs from 3rd December to 24th January.

Claire Somerville, chief executive of Babylon ARTS explains: “The work brings together tiny fragments of found objects and natural materials, that Helen refers to as her ‘treasures’. These are carefully assembled onto board, often in a grid format and the result is an astonishingly detailed and mesmerising collection of art works that have to be seen up close to be enjoyed fully.”

Helen won the ‘Best in Show’ Award at the Babylon Gallery’s Summer Open in 2019, and has had to wait until now to have her solo exhibition, due to the challenges of the Covid-19 restrictions.

Helen Murray completed a Foundation course, but is otherwise self-taught. She has a background in children’s and editorial illustration. Helen explains “My aim is always to suggest rather than define, to nudge the imagination in the manner of poetry or music.”

‘Settlement – In Search of Home’ will be on at the Babylon Gallery until 24th January and further information and insight videos can be found on the Babylon Arts website: http://www.babylonarts.org.uk.

Press release from Babylon Arts

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Babylon ARTS has been awarded £60,000 as part of the Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund (CRF) to help face the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic and to ensure they have a sustainable future; the Culture Secretary has announced today.

Babylon ARTS is one of 1,385 cultural and creative organisations across the country receiving urgently needed support. £257 million of investment has been announced today as part of the very first round of the Culture Recovery Fund grants programme being administered by Arts Council England. Further rounds of funding in the cultural and heritage sector are due to be announced over the coming weeks.

Babylon ARTS (operated by ADEC – Arts Development in East Cambridgeshire) has been
initiating, supporting and delivering a huge range of arts and cultural opportunities in Ely, East Cambridgeshire and beyond for over 25 years. The organisation has overcome many challenges, including the total loss of local authority funding in 2014, but has risen to the challenges each time.

Prior to Covid-19, Babylon ARTS had seen growth in audience numbers at its independent cinema; a new large-scale creative skills development programme with schools across East Cambs and Fenland; a varied exhibition programme at the Babylon Gallery with over 20,000 visitors a year and strong partnership developments to increase arts opportunities in the area.

The temporary closure of the Babylon Gallery and Ely Cinema, coupled with the uncertainty of future income in-light of Covid, threatened the charity’s future. The Culture Recovery Fund places Babylon ARTS firmly back on an even footing, ready to continue developing creativity and connecting people with arts and culture.

Claire Somerville, Babylon ARTS, Chief Executive said:
“Despite huge challenges, our team have worked hard during this period, to adapt and deliver creative opportunities, that have seen us trying new things and reaching new people. This work has been against a backdrop of uncertainty for our future and so it is with much relief that we can announce receipt of this funding which will boost our resilience, help us make improvements to our accessibility and diversity, provide artist opportunities and engage further with our community.”

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said:
“This funding is a vital boost for the theatres, music venues, museums and cultural organisations that form the soul of our nation. It will protect these special places, save jobs and help the culture sector’s recovery.

“These places and projects are cultural beacons the length and breadth of the country. This unprecedented investment in the arts is proof this government is here for culture, with further support to come in the days and weeks ahead so that the culture sector can bounce back strongly.”

Chair, Arts Council England, Sir Nicholas Serota, said:
“Theatres, museums, galleries, dance companies and music venues bring joy to people and life to our cities, towns and villages. This life-changing funding will save thousands of cultural spaces loved by local communities and international audiences. Further funding is still to be announced and we are working hard to support our sector during these challenging times.”

Press release from Babylon ARTS

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The Babylon Gallery, based in Ely celebrates the community’s creativity in an exhibition that brings together five projects that began in lockdown and have, over the period of five months, involved hundreds of people in creative activities and discussions.

During the course of lockdown, Babylon ARTS invited the community to get involved in various projects that enabled people of all ages to get creative in their homes and take part in activities that led to exhibitions both online and in the windows of Babylon Gallery.

The projects and the exhibition are supported by funding from Arts Council England and include: Comic Book Windows with local Manga Artist Irina Richards, Together In Isolation postcard project, portraits of key workers in photographer Regina Ray’s Chapter In Our Lives, clay models made by local residents as part of  Somewhere in Ely and The Library Presents’ Digital Quarantine Quilt. 

With postcards made by people from 6 months old, alongside work by professional artists; poetry that has been transformed into comic illustrations, photography that captures key workers who have supported us all through this time, pottery inspired by Ely and connection through quilting. 

Babylon ARTS’ Young Curators Olu Taiwo and Sid White-Jones have worked with Stuart Green to curate the exhibition and install all the artworks.

Artist, Irina Richards said “I feel fortunate to have been part of the Comic Book Windows project. It felt good to be able to work with Babylon Arts and the public – the response was fantastic. I especially enjoyed the poetry component of the project – the poems were full of sincerity and raw emotion. The project showed that despite the challenges and restrictions that the lockdown has brought about, the need for the arts and creativity is greater than ever.”

The poetry submitted by the public, for the Comic Book Windows project, has been incorporated into a booklet that will be available to take away for a donation to Babylon ARTS, throughout the duration of the exhibition (whilst stocks last!). The funds raised will go towards projects such as the ones showcased as part of the exhibition.

Chief Executive, Claire Somerville said “It’s our mission at Babylon ARTS to develop creativity and connect communities with arts and culture, and whilst this period of time has been, and continues to be, challenging, it’s also provided a wonderful opportunity for people to connect with or re-connect with their creative abilities.”

Claire continues “From craft to poetry writing; from pottery to photography – people have been expressing their thoughts, ideas, worries and joyful moments in creative ways and sharing them with us and the artists we’re working with and we hope that it inspires you, as it has us.”

All Together Now starts Friday 16th October and runs until Sunday 15th November. The Babylon Gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday, 12pm to 4pm with free entry. 

Press release from Babylon ARTS

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Contemporary artist Amy Wormald is to present a new exhibition of paintings inspired by urban and rural landscapes within 20 miles of Ely. 

The exhibition entitled “20-mile radius” will take place at the Babylon Gallery from 29th September – 11th October.

Amy Wormald is a contemporary painter living in Ely whose colourful work is inspired by the Fens, construction and growth. The exhibition brings together a range of work including small studies of colour in nature, large canvases of building sites and roadworks, and a series of paintings showing fen skies and vibrant sunsets. Original framed works in oil and acrylic will be available to browse or buy. 

The exhibition was originally scheduled to take place in April but was postponed.

“I’m excited about finally showing my paintings in Ely!”  Says Amy Wormald,  “The exhibition was originally planned to take place in April but was postponed for obvious reasons. The work has been stacked up around my house just waiting for an audience.  I really hope people will pop into the gallery to take a peak. Babylon Gallery is in a location next to the river in Ely and everyone is welcome.”

Amy’s exhibition catalogue can be viewed on the Babylon Arts website. 

The ‘20 Mile Radius’ exhibition launches on 29th September until 11th October at the Babylon Gallery, open Tuesday to Sunday, 12pm to 4pm with free entry.

Press release from Babylon ARTS

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On 1st August the Babylon Gallery reopened its doors to the public after being closed for 137 days and to help mark this special occasion the residents of Cardinals Way and Cardinals Terrace, came to present a cheque for £403 to the charity.

The donation was the proceeds of a virtual garage sale, which saw 20 local households sell items from ‘lockdown clear-outs’ online.

Organiser, Heather Howard, explained that, “We had set-up a WhatsApp Group for residents to share tips during the Lockdown, and through this, we came up with the idea of supporting our local arts centre with a virtual garage sale”. She went on to add, “I hoped we’d raise at least £100 and so it’s been great to raise just over £400
for Babylon ARTS”.

Chief executive, Claire Somerville said, “It was a lovely surprise when Heather contacted us to say they were going to give their virtual garage sale proceeds to us; it’s a testament to the generosity of our community and how much they value what we do – we’re really grateful for their support.”

The Babylon Gallery is now open Tuesday to Sunday 12pm to 4pm; with its annual selected Summer Open Exhibition, which includes 100 artworks from over 60 artists.

Press release from Babylon Arts

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Ely-based ceramicist Louise Beale and sculptor Mike Hartley have been announced as the two artists winning a £1800 commission for the “Somewhere in Ely” project.

The outdoor arts project called “Somewhere in Ely” was launched in the city earlier this year with the support of Babylon Arts, Ely Markets and Ely College.  Artists, makers and creators from across the country were invited to propose ideas for fun and unexpected things to happen in the city.  There were over 70 proposals offering performances, sculpture, installations, activities and events.  It was the job of Ely residents to vote on the final five shortlisted artists.  

“We are delighted to announce the two artists voted by the public to receive commissions as part of the Somewhere in Ely project,” Says project manager Amy Wormald

“Louise Beale is a ceramic artist based in Ely.  Her vision is to bring an installation of hundreds of ceramic sculptures to our city.  Louise is inviting local people to get involved in and will be giving away free making kits to anyone who is interested.”

“Mike Hartley makes kinetic sculptures using recycled materials.  He is developing a fantastical contraption called the ‘The Yesterday and Tomorrow Machine.’  We’ll share photos of him working in a forge on our social media channels over the coming weeks.”

The two artists will be developing their work to share in Ely during October half term.  Local residents are invited to get involved from August to September.  If you would like to try your hand at making a model out of air-dry clay please get in touch.  Louise will be giving away ‘making packs’ to Ely residents, families, businesses, schools and care homes.  The packs include clay, paint and materials, and all the instructions you will need to make your own mini artwork.

You can collect a FREE making pack from Babylon Gallery or from Ely Market on selected days.  You can also contact Louise directly if you would prefer a pack to be delivered to you.

For more details visit www.babylonarts.org.uk/projects/somewhere-in-ely or contact Louise on louise_ceramics@hotmail.co.uk 

Press release from Babylon ARTS

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In May 2020, Babylon ARTS launched their Comic Book Windows project, commissioning local Manga Artist, Irina Richards to create a total of 60 new illustrations, one for each of the Babylon Gallery riverside window panes.

This exhibition comprised three separate comic ‘strips’, two based on Irina’s own stories and one using poems submitted by the public. Babylon ARTS received 34 poems, from which to select one poem to be re-imagined as Comic Book illustrations.

Claire Somerville, chief executive of Babylon ARTS said “We want to say a big thank you to everyone that took part in the project and sent in their poetry submissions. We received some fantastic poems, which made the decision to pick just one, too difficult – so we chose two!”

The two poems chosen were by Ely residents, Sophie Bell and Hebe Young. Their poems have been illustrated into comic book form and can be seen on the Babylon ARTS website now. Sophie said “I was thrilled to be part of this project. Irina’s comic strip really captures the fears and joys so many of us have experienced during this challenging time.”

The second chosen poem was by Hebe Young, age 13 who said “I met Irina when I went to a The Library Presents event. When I saw this competition, I had to enter! I am really pleased I won! I love the result so much.”

Artist, Irina Richards said “I feel fortunate to have been part of the Comic Book Windows project. It felt good to be able to work with Babylon Arts and the public – the response was fantastic. I especially enjoyed the poetry component of the project – the poems were full of sincerity and raw emotion, turning them into poetry comics was an amazing experience. The project showed that despite the challenges and restrictions that the lockdown has brought about, the need for the arts and creativity is greater than ever.”

The winning poems will be on display in the windows of the Babylon Gallery from 8th to 30th July and will feature in a planned exhibition at the Babylon Gallery later this year.

Press release from Babylon ARTS

 ‘Maybe I Will’ by Hebe Young can be found here

 ‘The Hole’ by Sophie Bell can be found here

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Babylon ARTs, has announced the re-opening of the Babylon Gallery on Ely’s riverside, following its temporary closure due to Covid-19.

The first exhibition will be their annual selected Summer Open exhibition, which over the past five years, has showcased hundreds of artists’ works and this year, the charity hopes will be one of their biggest and best yet.

As Claire Somerville, chief executive explained: “We’ll be hoping to fill our walls and plinths with a diverse range of art works from professional and amateur artists over the age of 16. This exhibition has previously included paintings, photography, ceramics, textiles, mixed media and more. We’re a contemporary space, supported by volunteers, with the ambition of being the creative heart of Ely and West Anglia.”

“We welcome submissions from all artists” Claire continues, “and we are particularly interested to exhibit work by those living in Cambridgeshire, West Norfolk and West Suffolk; disabled artists and artists who are from minority ethnic backgrounds.”

The exhibition will run from Saturday 1st August to Sunday 6th September and the gallery will be open Tuesday to Sunday, 12pm to 4pm.

The deadline for submitting works is 10am Monday 13th July and more information can be found on the organiser’s website: www.babylonarts.org.uk

The organisers went on to say that: “Thanks to funding we have received from Arts Council England, to support us through the Covid-19 crisis, we are able to offer this opportunity without charging artists to submit their artworks. So instead of the £10 per art work we have previously charged, we ask that artists consider making a donation, or putting their waived fee towards purchasing an art work at the exhibition, so everyone gets to benefit.”

Press release from Babylon ARTS

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Babylon ARTS is collaborating with local Manga Artist, Irina Richards, to create 60 new illustrations, one for each of the Babylon Gallery window panes that face onto Pegasus Walk, Ely Riverside.

The exhibition will comprise three separate comic ‘strips’, two based on
Irina’s own stories and one using a poem and this is where the public come in.

There are two ways for people to get involved. The first is by adding the colour to a black and white illustration produced by Irina. Babylon ARTS is looking for 36 people/households to adopt and co-design an individual illustration. They welcome families, individuals and groups, to adopt an illustration and add the colour. It could be using pens, paints, collage, pencils or crayons, as long as it remains flat.

The second way to get involved is by submitting a poem by 14th June 2020 via email to: office@babylonarts.org.uk. One poem will be selected and turned into a 24-illustration comic strip by Irina Richard, for display in the Gallery windows.

Irina said about the project: “Comic Book Windows is a great creative opportunity open to everyone. The resulting artwork will hopefully create a bit of a talking point for those who may see it on their daily walks! I hope that it encourages participation from members of the local community.”

All poetry submissions and the finished comic strips will be made into a limited-edition booklet. These will then be given away to the first 200 visitors to the Babylon Gallery when it re-opens and everyone who has got involved will also receive a copy.

The project is part of Babylon ARTS’s Creative Communities work, which includes the Together in Isolation Postcard Project. This has already seen over 30 submissions from the
public – including professional and amateur artists, as well as those trying their hand at creative design for the first time.

As Claire Somerville, chief executive of Babylon ARTS said: “We’re always keen to involve the community in creative ways and this doesn’t stop just because our doors are currently
closed. In fact, the situation makes us look for new ways to use our Gallery and to reach out to people, who may be feeling isolated. We hope that by getting involved in these projects
people will feel more connected with each other and pleased that they’re creatively contributing to something positive in their community.”

These projects are supported by Arts Council England through their Emergency Response Fund, made possible by players of the National Lottery. Babylon ARTS, has secured a grant to support its resilience during this period and to enable the organisation to maintain and build its connections with the community whilst the gallery and cinema remain closed.

Find out more about the project and how to get involved by visiting the Babylon ARTS’
website: www.babylonarts.org.uk

Press release from Babylon ARTS

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Babylon ARTS is inviting everyone to get creative during this lockdown period, by adding their designs and written responses to an exhibition of postcards, which will go online now and will in the future become part of a physical exhibition at the Babylon Gallery. 

Florence Rose, Head of Project Delivery explains: “We are looking for postcard-sized entries from everyone; we hope to get entries from those new to art, as well as established artists. 

“The postcard could be inspired by your time in isolation, how you feel, the thoughts, memories or ideas that you would like to capture, or what you’re looking forward to on the other side. 

“We welcome drawing, printing, painting, photography, textiles, digital art, collage and mixed media, as long as it’s 2 dimensional. We are looking for a range of styles and techniques, as well as work from all ages and experience levels.” 

For those who see themselves as more of a writer than a visual artist, the Babylon ARTS team are also welcoming written submissions on the postcards, asking “What might you want to say to yourself in a years’ time, about your life now?” 

The written responses will also become part the exhibition and will be posted back to the writer in a years’ time. 

Claire Somerville, chief executive added; “The future exhibition will form part of Babylon ARTS fundraising activity, and will celebrate the creative ideas and talents of people across the community. The Covid-19 crisis is affecting everyone in different ways and we hope this opportunity might provide a moment of respite, creativity and reflection during this difficult period.”

Further details are available on www.babylonarts.org.uk 

Press release from Babylon ARTS

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To mark the start of the National Careers Week 2020, Babylon ARTS’s has launched the Culture Catalogue: an online hub of cultural enrichment and creative careers opportunities, for young people, available in Cambridgeshire.

The Culture Catalogue will be an essential tool for young people looking for a career in a creative industry, available on the Babylon ARTS’ website.

Head of Project Delivery, Florence Rose said “Creativity can take many forms and is highly prized in many different industries and professions, as it leads to innovation and new ways of solving problems” says Florence. “Yet finding advice and opportunities in creative sectors can often be a challenge. We want to bridge that gap that is so often the case for young people. 

The Culture Catalogue is a great tool for students and teachers to find experiences in the arts, culture and heritage, but also for organisations and industries seeking to recruit creative people by providing opportunities for pathways into creative careers.”

These creative opportunities are designed to improve young people’s transferable skills as well as boost confidence. Digital Badges are provided for each skill in line with The Universal Skills Builder Framework; which includes problem solving, leadership and presenting skills. The Creative & Cultural Futures programme is being piloted during 2019/20 academic year with primary and secondary schools and students living and learning in Fenland and East Cambridgeshire.

Current examples on the Culture Catalogue include workshops and talks by Ely’s The Stained Glass Museum, University of Cambridge Museums and Eastern Angles, and training days as well as creative careers evenings by Cambridge Junction. 

To find out more visit : babylonarts.org.uk/Culture-Catalogue

The Culture Catalogue is supported by Festival Bridge, Cambridgeshire Culture, Take Your Place and The Fenland and East Cambridgeshire Opportunity Area (OA).

Press release from Babylon ARTS

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On Saturday 1st February, Babylon Gallery opened their new environmental exhibition, ‘Submerged’ and invited visitors to create their own creatures to add to the underwater scene.

The gallery had over 130 visitors in the first weekend and, with submissions from local schools, including the art club at Ely St. Mary’s Junior School, the shoal of river creatures swimming through the gallery has already started to grow.

The environmental exhibition invites visitors to imagine that the gallery has been submerged, including an underwater installation made using recycled materials such as plastic drinks bottles (that will be recycled afterwards), information from the ‘Fen Project’ provided by the Environment Agency and poetry from one of the Fenland Poet Laureate Award winners, Kim Allen. 

Claire Somerville, chief executive commented: “There is growing awareness of the water management systems and structures that are in place to drain the Fens and manage the waterways. This exhibition is a creative exploration of what it could mean if the water levels rose.”

Claire added “This is very much a community exhibition, we’re so pleased to have already had lots of visitors getting involved. We would like to invite everyone to visit the exhibition and to add your own creature to the underwater scene”.

The exhibition is supported by City of Ely Council, D S Smith and Ellgia Recycling. 

The Submerged exhibition is on until Sunday 23rd February.

The Babylon Gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday, 12pm to 4pm. 

Press release from Babylon ARTS

Related Article: Make your own Fish

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For the 11^th year running, Babylon Gallery is hosting the East Cambridgeshire Schools’ Art Exhibition from Friday 10^th to Sunday 26^th January. 

The exhibition was opened at a special launch party on 9^th January, attended by the Mayor of Ely and over 120 children and their family members who came to see the work exhibited. 

The exhibition is supported by Ely Hereward Rotary Club and its President, Christine Gascoigne, was there to announce the prize winners, from six key stages, ranging from children aged 4 to 18. Each prize winner received vouchers for art materials, donated by Tindalls Ltd and Ely Hereward Rotary Club. The winners were:

Foundation Stage: 1^st Prize – Martha W, Mepal & Witcham Primary 2^nd Prize – Freya H, Lantern Community Primary 3^rd Prize – Jack, Littleport Community Primary 

Key Stage 1: 1^st Prize – Alice S, Littleport Community Primary 2^nd Prize – Ella GR, Mepal and Witcham Primary 3^rd Prize – Eli F, Lantern Community Primary 

Key Stage 2: 1^st Prize – Charles SP, Littleport Community Primary 2^nd Prize – Zeynep D, Weatheralls Primary School 3^rd Prize – Dainton Littleport Community Primary 

Key Stage 3: 1^st Prize – Eleana SQ, Soham Village College 2^nd Prize – Freya A, Soham Village College 3^rd Prize – Erin V, Ely College 

Key Stage 4: 1^st Prize – Meagen A, Ely College 2^nd Prize – Milena J, Kings Ely 3^rd Prize – Freya R, Bottisham Village College 

Key Stage 5: 1^st Prize – Justyna G, Ely college 2^nd Prize – Mia Wang, Kings Ely 3^rd Prize – Stella Wang, Kings Ely

The exhibition showcases the work of children from ten schools across East Cambridgeshire and includes drawings, paintings, textiles, photography, ceramics and multi-media work. 

The schools are: 
Bottisham Village College, Ely College, Kings Ely, The Lantern Community Primary School, Littleport Community Primary School, Littleport & East Cambs Academy, Mepal & Witcham Primary School, Soham Village College, The Weatheralls Primary School and Witchford Village College.

Press release from Babylon ARTS

The post Prizes awarded to young people across East Cambridgeshire for their creative art works appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

For the eleventh year running, Babylon Arts and Ely-Hereward Rotary Club are hosting the East Cambridgeshire Schools’ Art Exhibition at the Babylon Gallery in Ely.

The exhibition features 10 schools, including the work of over 200 local children and young people, ages 4 – 19yrs. Three prizes of art materials will be awarded in each age category, generously funded by Tindalls Ltd. and Ely Hereward Rotary Club.

The schools involved in 2020 are:

• Bottisham Village College
• Ely College
• King’s Ely
• The Lantern Community Primary School
• Littleport Community Primary School
• Littleport and East Cambs Academy
• Mepal and Witcham Primary School
• Soham Village College
• The Weatheralls Primary School
• Witchford Village College.

There will be a Launch Party for the exhibition on Thursday 9th January, 5pm to 7pm, where prizes will be awarded to the children and young people.

The gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday, 12pm to 4pm with free entry. More event information here.

Press release from Babylon ARTS

The post East Cambridgeshire Schools’ Art Exhibition appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

Paolozzi, is one half of our Christmas Exhibition, which also includes Pictarama, Lego ‘still-life’ scenes from artist Sara Amond. 

Sculptor and printmaker, Edwardo Paolozzi (1924 – 2005) is widely considered to be one of the pioneers of pop art and this exhibition, curated by Goldmark Gallery, will feature the full range of his print work, including many signed pieces.

All work on display will be available to buy and entry is free.

Image credit: ‘Similar remarks apply to Uranium’ by Eduado Paolozzi

Pictarama by Sara Amond 

Pictarama, is one half of our Christmas Exhibition, which also includes prints from Goldmark by Edwardo Paolozzi.

Sara started making framed Lego dioramas in 2013 as birthday presents for family and friends. The more she made, the more ideas kept coming. Sara hoped that other people would like these quirky scenes as much as she did, so decided to share them with the world.

Sara creates little still-life scenes using Lego then glues the scene into box frames making unique framed Lego pictures and dioramas. Lego is such a brilliant toy, sparking imaginations around the world – and so when inspiration strikes, she likes to capture it forever. An idea is born and the required Lego pieces are diligently sourced to create scenes that are then carefully bonded and encased in a frame. Like snowflakes, you’ll never see the same one twice.

Each diorama is unique: Occasionally there may be variations on a popular theme, but each one is different. Both new and played with Lego pieces are used, depending on what can be sourced; some pieces are even custom printed, rare, vintage or collectable!

All work on display will be available to buy and entry is free.

Image: ‘All About Eve’ by Sara Amond

How can we build a better world?
The Babylon Gallery

LEGO® Serious Play® workshop with Tim Casson 

Sunday 1st December, 10.30am 

£5 per ticket including refreshments. Book your place via our website (www.babylonarts.org.uk).

Join artist, Tim Casson to explore “How to build a better world with LEGO”.

Working collaboratively and using the LEGO Serious Play methology and materials; we will harness the power of creative play to create new ideas with the ambition to ‘build a better world’. This playful and imaginative session offers a fun introduction to Serious Play, and offers an insight into how the world’s favourite construction toy can be used as a thinking, communication and problem solving tool. 

LEGO will be provided. Suitable for ages 12+. (Booking Recommended)
The session will be followed by drop-in LEGO fun from 2pm until 4pm (no booking required).

Image credit: Vlad Hilitanu

Babylon ARTS is at Waterside, Ely, Cambs CB7 4AU and the gallery is open from Tuesday-Sunday, 12 noon to 4pm.

Exhibition running until the 22^nd December.

Press release from Babylon ARTS

The post Christmas Exhibition at The Babylon Gallery appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

On Wednesday 30^th October, Babylon Gallery will open a short, special exhibition of work created by some of its staff and volunteers. 

The gallery will host the work of 12 artists; showcasing glassware, photography and paintings, most of them for sale, with a percentage of the proceeds going to support the charity’s work. 

Claire Somerville, chief executive commented: “Babylon Arts has a small staff team and works with many volunteers in the gallery, at Ely Cinema and across our projects. Their support is vital to the success and reach of our work and we’re always keen to hear from others who would like to get involved.”

Claire added: “We’re so grateful to everyone who helps us provide more arts and cultural opportunities for the community; this exhibition is a chance to see their own creative talents.”

The Home Grown exhibition is on until Sunday 10th November. The Babylon Gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday 12pm to 4pm. 

Press release from Babylon ARTS

The post Celebrating our home-grown talent at Babylon Arts appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

The Festival enters its second week with an abundance of arts and culture on offer locally.

Catch The Festival Players in ‘Groping for Words’ by Sue Townsend at two village venues this week. First performed in 1983 when Margaret Thatcher was in power, the problems of adult literacy the play explores are still here a generation later. The story is simple, both funny and sad and sometimes both at the same time.

Enjoy this excellent production from a talented cast of four on Friday 21st June at Little Downham Village Hall, and on Saturday 22nd June at the Arkenstall Centre in Haddenham. Both performances start at 7.30pm, tickets cost just £7 and are available on the door or via door or via www.wegottickets.com/artsfestivalplayers 

Exhibitions at The Babylon Gallery ‘John Piper Selling Exhibition’ and Haddenham Arts Centre ‘Summer Landscapes and Inspirations’ continue this week. Whilst you’re down at Haddenham enjoy a drink in their cafe and a stroll around their delightful sculpture garden. FREE entry to both venues.

Music, prose and poetry feature strongly this week as Folk Musicians meets Latin America with some of the finest local musicians as they kick off Haddenham Thursdays on 20th June. Jeremy Harmer, Steve Bingham and performers from across the region perform bring Fire and Ice to the Centre on the 27th. Check out the website www.haddenhamgallery.co.uk for details. 

Beth Hartley brings her own blend of ‘High Street Poetry’ to Caffè Nero in Ely on Wednesday 26th June. Entry is free, with donations to partner projects in Nicaragua. Open mic slots by advance booking. Details at Eventbrite – search ‘High Street Poetry’.

Tickets for future events include Eboracum Baroque who present ‘A Grand Tour of Europe’ at St Mary’s Church Ely on the 27th, with a programme from across Europe with music by Bach, Vivaldi and Handel (Tickets: www.eboracumbaroque.co.uk.)

Booking is recommended for a picnic concert from Sing! Choirs in the Bishop’s Garden and ‘A Night at the Movies’ concert presented by the Festival Orchestra & Community Choir at Ely Cathedral. For full details of what’s coming up pick up a brochure locally or download one online from www.isleofelyartsfestival.org.uk

Images: High Street Poetry, John Piper and the Festival Players in rehearsal.

Press release from Babylon ARTS

The post Isle of Ely Arts Festival enters its second week with performances, poetry, music and art…all on your doorstep appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

Press release in the words of Mack Mathod:

My work, whether performed or constructed, is in the tradition of the Surrealists, Dadaists, the Theatre of the Absurd and post Russian Revolutionary writers and performers.  I strive to reintroduce humour and stupidity into an over serious contemporary art format, an aspect which I see as an important generic omission since the sixties.

My present work is printed on handmade paper and presented in antique frames with printed texts to suggest an absurd curated world that we can only view from a distance of time and sobriety.

My constructed and performed work has a similarly meaningless perspective .

I have been an absurdist all of my life. In the seventies, after leaving Leeds College of Art I worked in absurd performances all over the country. I have been a comedy scriptwriter, performer, director, and educator and, over the past ten years have been manipulating ideas through photographic found images. I have a strong belief that humour needs to be redefined in its role in Contemporary Art. I am actively, and continually, reassessing the absurd, the meaningless and ridiculousness, once a staple diet of sixties creativity, in an attempt to reintroduce that mindset into twenty first century artforms.

“Mack Mathod’s work presents a humorous way of repurposing objects and materials that have had a previous life. They have been brought into the contemporary by re-presenting them in response to current daily life. He is also playing on historical and museum contexts and display by presenting them in such a way as to make them appear truthful remnants of history. While performing as serious and factual, this work is imbued with comical wit and absurdity. Its playful grave humour is reflective and pokes fun at the way we take art and art practice so seriously.”

  (Citation for Best Newcomer Award at the Peterborough Open Biennial 2016)

More information about the exhibition can be found here

The post The Absurd World of Mack Mathod : Cereal Absurdist appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

Awards were made in five categories for young people aged 4—18yrs who are all studying within East Cambridgeshire Schools. The prizes are sponsored by Tindalls and other local shops and businesses. More information can be found on www.babylonarts.org.uk

The exhibition which is supported by the Ely-Hereward Rotary is showcasing over 120 selected artworks from the talented young artists including painting, photography, ceramics and textiles. President Sarah Lindsell presented the prizes to the following students: 

Foundation

Finn S. – 1st Lantern Primary School
Florence Y. – 2^nd Mepal & Witcham Primary School 
Ella-Grace G-W. – 3rd  Littleport Community Primary

Key Stage 1

Hannah B. – 1st Littleport Community Primary 
Daisy K. – 2nd Lantern Primary School
Sapphire – 3rd Littleport Community Primary

Key Stage 2

Lizzy F. – 1st The Weatheralls Primary School 
Gryte – 2nd The Weatheralls Primary School
James W. – 3^rd Shade Primary School

Key Stage 3

Annabel T. – 1^st Ely College 
Alex B. – 2^nd Ely College 
Ayla W. – 3^rd Soham Village College

Key Stage 4

Ella P. – 1^st Ely College 
Elli-Rai – 2^nd Soham Village College 
Emille P. – 3^rd Soham Village College

Key Stage 5

Archie H. – 1^st King’s School, Ely
Charlie W. – 2^nd King’s School, Ely
Lauryn S. – 3^rd King’s School, Ely

Press release from Babylon ARTS

The post East Cambridgeshire Schools Art Competition Winners Announced appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

Florence Tong, Head of Project Delivery at Babylon ARTS who is organising the exhibition said ‘Our theme is Album Art and we’re inviting you to create an image of 30cm x 30cm to display in the Babylon Gallery. You could be inspired by a particular band or track, a homage to an existing album cover, or a new creation that you think would be great on a vinyl sleeve. It could be a drawing, print, painting, photograph, digital art, collage or mixed media, as long as it’s 2 dimensional. We are looking for a range of styles and techniques, as well as work from all ages and experience levels!’

To inspire your creation you could listen to some music, look at the artwork of your favourite musicians or come and visit the Storm Thorgerson exhibition which is on display at Babylon Gallery on Ely’s Waterside from 17 November – 22 December 2018.

For a downloadable form visit the website www.babylonarts.org.uk or pop into the gallery and pick one up.

Press release from Babylon ARTS

The post Album Art Fundraising Exhibition at Babylon ARTS appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

You can pick up your free brochure at local shops and galleries or download a version online from the website http://www.isleofelyartsfestival.org.uk/brochure/

Join us on Saturday 6^th July for piano recital by Clare Hammond in Ely Cathedral. This colourful and inspired musical journey is inspired by our festival theme of Flora & Fauna and includes works from Schubert, Mendelssohn and Rimsky Korsakov. Enjoy an evening of incredible music from this acclaimed pianist. She is also generously giving her time for a Master Class and a Children’s concert the following morning.

Other exciting musical events include a special American Independence Day concert commemorating the centenary of the ending of the World War 1 by a choir of 300 Americans in Ely Cathedral on 4^th July. The talented Eboracum Baroque group are introducing some of our local children to the music of Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons” in school workshops and will be playing it as part of their evening concert in St. Mary’s Church, Ely on Thursday 28^thJune.

Chapterhouse Theatre Company are bringing The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes to the Maltings, Ely on Thursday 14^th June, picnic beforehand in Jubilee Gardens before you enjoy this stunning new tale of romance and suspense.

There’s plenty on offer outside the city as our own Isle of Ely Festival Players perform ‘Snake in the Grass’ by Alan Ayckbourn in Wicken and Little Downham. Haddenham Galleries are hosting a series of workshops creating ceramic flowers which will become a permanent feature in the village. Other arts events include a high profile Miro exhibition opening on 7^th July at the Babylon Gallery, Ely Museum and Ely Maltings with pop-up art by local artists in Wicken Fen.

The Ely Youth Choir will be giving a concert in Littleport on Sunday 1^st July and local musicians will be giving a Folk concert in Isleham on Friday 15^th June.

Other Ely events include The Running Hare, a new ballet created by the Lantern Dance Company, the Sing! Choirs’ concert in the Bishop of Ely’s garden and the grand finale concert by Ely Choral Society in the Hayward Theatre on Saturday 7th July.

Full details of the festival are online www.isleofelyartsfestival.org.uk

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For full festival listings and tickets visit www.isleofelyartsfestival.org.uk or www.babylonarts.org.uk  or call the festival box office on 01353 616991.

You can still pick up a brochure locally or download one online from the festival website.

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