Press Release July 19 2010

A huge wooden carving of a cross-legged man will take centre stage in a unique exhibition at Clitheroe Castle from Friday, July 23.

The exhibition, called Art&Us, will celebrate 15 years of the Ribble Valley Sculpture Trail and feature the work of artists involved in the scheme from its inception, some of who have gone on to enjoy prestigious careers.

It will take a look at the history, art and community involvement of the trail, which snakes through Brungerley Park, Clitheroe, to Cross Hill Quarry, and features eye-catching sculptures, such as the Sika Deer and the Otter.

 

The exhibition, laid out in the form of a trail, includes a fascinating display of archive images of Brungerley Park, scale models of some of the sculptures, design work, photographic records of construction and installation, artist interviews and examples of other work created by the trail artists, among them Halima Cassell, Thompson Dagnall, Clare Bigger, Fiona Bowley and Matthew Roby.

 

The exhibits include a 6ft statue of the Clitheroe Cross-Legged Man carved from elm by Thompson Dagnall, who became the trail's first artist in 1993.

 

Robert Thompson, chairman of Ribble Valley Borough Council's community committee, said: "The Ribble Valley Sculpture Trail has been a huge success and this exhibition is a unique opportunity to see the work of artists, who used their own styles and ways of working to celebrate the people, character and identity of the borough.

 

"Several of the artists involved in the trail over the years have progressed to illustrious careers and we are delighted to welcome them back to Clitheroe."

 

The Steward's Gallery is open daily from 11am to 5pm. Art&Us runs until Sunday, October 10 and admission is free.

 

Ends.

 

Ref: PR3610.

 

Date: July 19 2010.