Kingston Arts 'Arts Salon' (From Your Local Guardian)

Kingston Arts 'Arts Salon'

3:04pm Tuesday 29th May 2012 in Elmbridge

Arts Salon – May 25th 2012 the cornerHOUSE Arts Centre, Surbiton The ‘Arts Salons’ are now a well-established forum for the ‘creatives’ of Kingston to network and platform their talents, skills, initiatives & collaborations and Friday 25th May at the cornerHOUSE was no exception. As guests arrived, they were treated to the sublime tones of singer Billie Wackrill. Still only 16 years old and a member of NYJO, Billie’s elegance and beautiful voice enchanted the listeners as they enjoyed a glass of wine and light refreshments. Guests also had the chance to enjoy a wonderful art exhibition from Edna Dumas and had a chance to meet this Argentinian artist. Alex Halfin exhibited his latest collection of sculptures and Binham Al-Agzeer shared his arabesque paintings.

Inside the candle-lit auditorium the ‘creatives’ had an opportunity to present their work in ‘Just a Minute’ style presentations or through practical demonstrations. Keith Rowland from Hamilton Ringers played a range of hand-bells and gave an informative talk on the origin and development of the bells. Kingston Junior Drama Company presented a short extract from a new play, ‘Not Just a Number’, commemorating the lives of the children lost on board Titanic. Sophie Plummer of ITV’s ‘Born to Shine’ wowed audiences with her singing, leaving us in no doubt as to her position as headline act in the O2’s ‘Voice in a Million’. Presentations ranged from Michael McFadden’s invitation to experience yoga in a peaceful space adorned with beautiful works of art, Will Summer’s sharing of Loki Music’s upcoming calendar of events and Lyndsay Russell’s invitation to utilise her garden for outdoor performances.

Networking continued throughout the evening with people busily chatting and exchanging business cards, flyers and ideas. Guests were advised on how to promote themselves through local media and we were thrilled to be joined by founder of Time & Leisure, Tony Kane and Radio Jackie’s roving reporter, Simone Halfin. The Surrey Comet sent along some guidance for advertising in the SOURCE!

The Worshipful the Mayor of the Royal Borough of Kingston, Cllr Mary Heathcote OBE, was in attendance with her Consort Dr Roger Heathcote. The Mayor spoke very highly of the creative communities in Kingston and jokingly suggested that the lack of street parties for the Jubilee celebrations is because we are all so busy being creative. The Deputy Mayor, Cllr Barry O’Mahony was also in attendance.

All in all it was a wonderful evening and we look forward to new collaborations and continued growth of the arts in Kingston.

Based on information supplied by Aine Lark.