Surrey Artists’ Open Studios Exhibition – Artventure
I had a very enjoyable BBQ lunch with the Artventure Trust on June 7th to kick off their involvement with Surrey Artists’ Open Studios Exhibition.
Artventure is a Guildford-based charity that supports adults with learning disabilities, physical impairments, or autism to be creative, have fun, and make new friends in a safe and sociable environment. They have been operating for 41 years and have an amazing group of volunteers and trustees who provide an opportunity for nearly 50 adults, with their carers, to express themselves every week. They operate out of a studio funded by the National Lottery in the grounds of St Peters School and have recently also opened up two days a week at Gosden school in Bramley to cope with the demand for their services.
The barbeque had a tremendous turnout, with past beneficiaries returning to see the wonderful artwork on display. Some people have been coming to Artventure for 25 years, demonstrating the joy and freedom they offer.
As with many charities I have visited, the role of the volunteer is crucial and I was delighted to meet Steve James who has been volunteering with Artventure for an amazing 35 years.
If you would like to visit during the Surrey Artists’ Open Studios Exhibition, the Exhibition is open from 7th to 22th June, on Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 5pm and on Thursday from 11am to 8pm at their studio at St Peters School.
I am pictured here with the Manager, Mariann Kehrling, Chairman, Robert Muir and Trustee, Philip Trumble.
Artventure’s website can be found HERE
You can also watch a documentary about the charity at – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zc_94lS9DaU
