Marvellous March
Set your spirit and senses soaring at Ilminster Arts Centre.
There's another fantastic line-up of concerts, art exhibitions and workshops to look forward to at Ilminster Arts Centre in March. Be sure to pop in and set your spirit and senses soaring as you feed your soul with all the cultural delights on offer from the local charity.
There's a feast for the eyes, music to your ears, crafts to touch and create, as well as tasty food and drink from the café, all under the roof of an historic former church.
Upcoming performances include:
On 3 March, in a performance presented by Concerts in the West, Rosalind Ventris on viola combines with Richard Uttley on piano to play classical music of the highest quality, including pieces composed by Robert Schumann, Rebecca Clarke, Clara Schumann and Rachmaninoff. Rosalind enjoys an international career as a soloist and chamber musician. Richard is a former graduate of the Royal Northern College of Music and Cambridge University who has played at several prestigious venues including the Royal Festival Hall, the Southbank Centre and Wigmore Hall in London.
The following Friday, on 10 March, the Arts Centre welcomes back John Etheridge, one of the UK's most celebrated and accomplished guitarists, and Chris Garrick, one of the world's top violinists in almost every genre. It promises to be an evening of sublime musicianship and good banter. Last year, Chris Jagger, brother of Mick Jagger, joined the duo for a couple of blues numbers.
A fortnight later, the Ilminster Ukulele Club takes to the stage on 24 March with a rip-roaring, foot-stopping evening of stringed joy and plenty of audience participation. Not to be missed.
And on 31 March, there's an evening of vibrant and funky rocking blues to look forward to, with Zoe Schwarz and Blue Commotion. Expect an exciting performance of virtuosic playing and vocal prowess, with catchy riffs and exciting grooves as they mix old school tradition with contemporary verve and sophistication. Joining Zoe will be Peter Wilkinson on Hammond organ, Paul Robinson on drums and Rob Koval on guitar.
All performances start at 7.30pm. Doors open from 6.30pm and there's a cash bar.
In the Gallery, it's not too late to enjoy an exhibition of the best art from local schools, which is on display until 4 March.
From 7 March to 1 April, the Brunel Broderers, a group of South West-based textile artists, return to the arts centre with a new exhibition entitled 'Inhabit'. It will feature each artists' interpretation of that theme.
To some, the word 'Inhabit' suggests the physical occupation of space. For others, it evokes ideas around reflection or memory relating to place. On display will be work from Linda Babb, Liz Harding, Carla Mines, Margaret Robbie and Carolyn Sibbard.
As with all exhibitions at the Arts Centre, it is free to enter.
In the main hall, there's a wide choice of creative workshops to enjoy. These run five days a week (Tuesdays to Saturdays) and are led by a team of talented tutors. All abilities are welcome. Crafts range from watercolours, pastels and acrylics to felting, glass bead jewellery making and art journaling.
There are also a number of special one-off workshops available. For example, from 10am to 1pm on 24 March you can learn the craft of making Macramé Easter Nests. Or, the following Friday, on 31 March there's the opportunity to create and sew beautiful hand-made decorations and bunting to celebrate Easter, the Coronation, summer parties or other special occasions.
And on the morning of 6 May, when Charles III is crowned, there's even a Coronation Crafts workshop for children and parents/adults, when you can learn to make a mosaic or paper crown, royal jewellery or regal wrapping paper.
Visitors and new volunteers are always welcome!