What people say…Please Note
The next Art in Action will be 14th to 17th July 2005 (details will be published as soon as they become available)
In the meantime, we have left information relating to Art in Action 2003 on these pages, so that those who have not yet attended may get a ‘feel’ for the extent and scope of the event.
Quotes from letters from the General Public attending Art in Action 2002
“My husband and I together with two friends attended the Friday of this year’s ‘Art in Action’ at Waterperry. We were all most impressed with the very high standard of the artists and craftsmen who exhibited, the talks and demonstrations linked to their work, the tremendous amount of thought and care which must have been put into the planning and then the execution of this event. The organization was superb.
We were particularly grateful for all those chairs so carefully placed everywhere just waiting for us to collapse into!” Mrs. M.H., Epping
“Last Thursday was a most remarkable day and the display of arts and crafts and talent, as well as the dedication behind the whole undertaking, has truly enriched our year. We shall certainly want to go back to Waterperry House every year and we are telling everyone else also about this unique event (I know there are lots of things happening all around England during the summer, but this one is super special!)”
“Once again Art in Action is one of the highlights of my year. The range of work on display is breathtaking, the exhibitors are so friendly and approachable, the organization – from parking to loos, signs, layout, to provision of food and drink – is spectacularly good. (Perhaps you could take over running the railways, or the NHS, or education . . . .) Seeing so much beauty and skill is a very joyful experience, even if it makes me aware of my own lack of ability. Thank you for your superb creation.” Ms L.F.
“I recently had the pleasure of attending a day at Waterperry House for Art in Action, and I had to write to say thank you to all who were involved. It was my friends and my first visit and we didn’t know what to expect, but, from the moment we arrived we experienced only polite, pleasant and helpful assistance wherever we were. Your ‘host’ of volunteers obviously take great pride and enjoy their role in making this event truly stress free and enjoyable for us the ‘punter.’ From the people who drive the ‘courtesy’ cars, the ladies who cleaned the loos so cheerfully, the ‘helpers’ at the ‘courtesy’ car tent to the rubbish picker-uppers we couldn’t fault any of them. It was a really memorable day for us made possible by all your hard work so cheerfully done – so thank you all again. Mrs. A.M.H., Southsea, Hants
“Just a note to say my first trip to Art in Action was absolutely mind blowing. It was just the most fantastic event I’ve ever been to, with wonderful, wonderful craftspeople, good stewarding and fine music and food. Can’t wait for next year when it must be at least 2 days for me. (So much to see). Thank you. Thank you so much.” Mrs. D.H.M, Canvey Island, Essex
“I am writing to say how much I enjoyed my 3rd or 4th visit to Art in Action.
So much wonderful work and creation going on and also the Performing Arts – too much to pack into one day.
I was especially fascinated by the Fresco painters in the School and the Philosophy behind the beautiful new building. Quite stunning!
And then to visit the lovely little church nearby with its ancient history and stained glass – more craftsmanship.
And finally, for the wonderful organization of the whole event. One member of our party, who hadn’t been before, couldn’t believe how well everything was planned. And the staff of the School of Economic Science who were all splendid – notably the ladies in charge of the loos – of which there were plenty!
I particularly liked the statement that “The art at Art in Action aims to celebrate the magnificence of creation rather than the ego of the artist.” Such a joy after all the horrors of “modern” art!” Ms. J.L.C. Burnham, Bucks
“We attended the event and I must say I have never come across such a collection of artisans in one place anywhere in the world before – awesome work. Once again, my thanks and appreciation for a staggeringly impressive event in every sense”. Mr. K.B. Wheldrake, York
“I want to write to let you know how very, very much I enjoyed the Art in Action event at Waterperry last weekend. A friend took me up, last Sunday.
What a joy it was. What a beautiful celebration. As an artist myself, it was a joy to swim in the creative sea.
And what an organisation it required. And how seamlessly and faultlessly it was carried out. That is most impressive. It’s also deeply moving since so many volunteers contributed so very much so that attendees such as my friends and I could partake so well in it all, because of you and your team’s spirited efforts.
Bravo!” Mr. Z.F. London
“We thoroughly enjoyed Art in Action this year – the best to date and fitting for the auspicious Anniversary. We were much impressed by all the new ‘hands on’ opportunities – my 8 yr. old grand-daughter found pottery throwing and lace making very exciting!” Dr. M.J.B., Didcot, Oxon
“This is a ‘first’ for me – writing a letter to say how much I enjoyed an event, but I simply HAD to! Art in Action at Waterperry Gardens was the most wonderful event. It was only our third visit, but each year we have been, we return home at the end of the day feeling ten times better than we did when we set off! It is great – so thank you to all, very much indeed.
Not only is the actual event totally unmissable – each marquee being filled with marvellous art in every form, but the organization is faultless throughout.
Everyone involved from the car park directors and the youngsters who clear the tables, to the lovely ladies who attend the loos and those who serve the delicious food, playing their part so well.
All the visitors seem to be happy and interested. Nobody appears to drop litter. Whether friends or strangers, people are pleasant to each other, and it all adds up to the sort of day I remember enjoying, with nostalgia, from the 1950’s.
The final topping on the cake are those who sing for us all, and the brass band who play their hearts out.
Well done – it was a wonderful day. We look forward to next year enormously.” Mrs. M.C.M. Old Amersham, Bucks
“Congratulations to all concerned on another wonderful Art in Action. The standard of craftsmanship and performing arts was as wonderful as ever. It was a great privilege also to meet artists form abroad, especially Central Asia. Especially enjoyed too was the fantastic exhibition of African sculpture set in the beautiful Waterperry Gardens.” Ms A.R.P. Croydon, Surrey
Letters from Demonstrators:
“A heartfelt thank you for inviting me to the Younger Generation tent and giving me such a fantastic, inspiring and uplifting time. Last year was my first year, which changed my attitude to my work and this year had just reinforced those positive feelings.
Thank you for being so good to us all, we really appreciate it!
P.S. It really makes a difference!”
“As a first time exhibitor in the Market I didn’t really know what to expect, but it was certainly a terrific experience and a wonderful show. Even the brief torrent didn’t seem to dampen the experience for, I hope, exhibitors, demonstrators, staff and visitors alike.
My silver sales were good. I have a few leads to follow up for small and larger pieces – some of which I hope will lead to additional work. The level of knowledge and real interest from the visitors was amazing and very rewarding.
You seemed to be everywhere at once, attending to matters large and small, yet still had the time to have a few words with first-timers like myself. I’m impressed. I trust you will spend the next couple of days in recuperation somewhere quiet . . . I will certainly be applying to exhibit again next year, if you will have me.”
“Many thanks to you and the hundreds of volunteers who made our attendance at Art in Action such a stress free and memorable occasion.
Over the years we must have been to many events, but we can safely say that we have never encountered the atmosphere of Waterperry before. It was so refreshing to meet visitors who took a genuine interest in what we do, and were happy to discuss the history and principles of our business and way of life. In addition to lovely sales we made many new friends and even some invitations to pass on our techniques to interested groups.
It was wonderful to meet and talk to the demonstrators in their own disciplines. Some of the work was unknown to us with the result that we made several exciting purchases, thereby making Art in Action the most expensive event we have ever attended!
Despite arriving home in the early hours of Monday morning after a long journey, we felt very positive and confident about our lives. We felt that travelling to Waterperry was almost a weekend break, rather that four days of hard work.”
“Thank you enormously for letting us take part in another wonderful exhibition at Waterperry.
It was only our second opportunity to be part of the Metalwork and Jewellery demonstration and so we had some idea of what to expect from the organisation, and we had been looking forward to Waterperry for two years. What we were unprepared for was the warmth, courtesy, grace, patience and good humour of everyone, from the lads in the car park, to the serious very young hostesses in their black and white outfits at the Saturday buffet, from the gentlemen directing the visitors, to the “former-debutante” ladies caring for the artists in the marquees. It was almost intoxicating to come across such a concentration of friendship, goodwill, and peace in a modern world where single examples of altruism generally stand out because of their rarity. We realize that you must be exhausted by all the effort that goes into organising such a multi-dimensional event but we like to think that your reward is an immense feeling of satisfaction and justifiable pride at achieving such a success (again).”
“The dust has settled and my feet are nearly touching the ground! – it was a hectic four days but I did receive a wonderful response to my work and had a great time in the process. As mentioned by several artists, much of our work is solitary making the opportunity of meeting the public and other artists at events such as Art in Action vital. (I say ‘such as’ but I do not believe that there is another similar event in the UK).”
“Thank you once again for such a splendidly happy Art in Action. It is such a celebration of Life.
It was particularly interesting for me to have the time to examine the “principles into action” infrastructure of the show, and I have to say I was impressed. On the day, which is what matters, the organisation is faultless.
One of the Tubalaté musicians suggested that perhaps we did not know what we had in Art in Action. Oh yes we do! Those of us on the same path of ‘knowing’ – that the finest expression of life (consciousness) is with and through unconditional love, are fully awake to what we have, and we cherish it, as much as it cherishes us . . .
I feel privileged to be associated with Art in Action, and peripherally, S.E.S. because it shows me clearly that that which is believed can be made manifest.”
“I would like to say a very big thank you to you and everyone at Art in Action for making exhibiting with you such a pleasurable and inspirational experience. The ethos and philosophy behind Art in Action touched everybody who took part. I am sure we all left feeling we had made new friends and participated in a unique event.”
“We found also this year there was an exceptional response and positive atmosphere throughout the show, which really did give it an edge, and as you said a real sense of unity which gave a feeling of warmth and compassion between everyone. It was a joy and privilege to be part of.”