Unveiled: Space Art, Commissions, Saltings, The Encounter

We've had some tremendous Unveiled events at St Andrew's Wickford this Autumn and have more to come before the end of the year.

Next up is Jackie E. Burns in conversation. Jackie is a Fellow of the International Association of Astronomical Artists and will be talking to us this Friday (4 November), 7.00 pm, St Andrew’s Church, 11 London Road, Wickford SS12 0AN. Hear about her work in Space Art fostering the inquisitive joy of art and astronomy, involvement in the International Association of Astronomical Artists, and involvement in community art projects in Essex.

Then I’ll be talking on ‘Congruity and controversy: exploring issues for contemporary commissions’ on Friday 11 November, 7.00 pm. Modern art commissions have led to debates about the Church working with artists that have significant mainstream reputations versus those without, and between secular artists and artists who are Christians. In this illustrated presentation I’ll be showing work made for churches by all these groups of artists and examining the resulting debates.

On Friday 18 November, 7.00 pm, Rev Simpkins & the Phantom Folk perform Saltings. Rev Simpkins’ music mixes the colourful folk tradition of Appalachians Mountains with the melodiousness and carefully-observed lyrics of the Kinks. Close harmonies intertwine with banjo, French horn, and bass. At this concert the band will perform the Rev’s acclaimed fourth album and book, Saltings in its entirety. Created with the Illustrator, Tom Knight, Saltings is a loving portrait of the mystery and beauty of Essex's salt marsh wilderness, and a meditation on the real human cost of the wilderness time of the pandemic. Found within 50 miles of London, the saltings are one of England’s last natural wild spaces. Working as a parish priest a few miles away, Matt came to the saltings to retreat and compose these compelling and compassionate songs about his community’s real-life experiences during the pandemic. Saltings portrays hope found amid wilderness.

Finally, on Friday 2 December, 7.00 pm we have The Encounter, a show that explores the story of Christmas in a fresh way using dance and mime. Throughout the show you will experience a variety of Christmas stories in a contemporary and engaging way for the whole family. Performed by Steven Turner, who has performed across the UK and Europe including Switzerland, Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, and France. Tickets £6.50. To book your ticket go to www.nextstepcreative.co.uk/events.

I look forward to seeing you at some of these events.

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Rev Simpkins - Song of Songs.