Art / Abigail McDougall
Preview: Affordable Art Fair Bristol
This weekend sees the return of this autumn art highlight, with over 50 galleries from Bristol and beyond present showcasing paintings, prints, sculpture and photography by both emerging talent and established names, at price points between £50 and £5,000.
At Bristol’s fourteenth Affordable Art Fair, held at Brunel’s Old Station, you’ll find work by more than 500 artists including local favourites Andrew Hood (Portway with Blue Tree, pictured below), Max Naylor (Avonmouth, pictured top) and Abigail McDougall.
Elsewhere, the Royal West of England Academy promise an exciting programme of workshops at this year’s Fair – which also includes a Friday Late session, where visitors can swing by until 8pm to kick-start the weekend with a spot of art and a complimentary drink.
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This year is also the first time the Bristol Fair will exhibit work from outside the UK, with Ireland’s Sol Art and Green Gallery making their debut at the event.
“What’s so fantastic about the fair is the experience, we try to create this welcome and friendly environment that’s full of fun. It’s all about exploring, learning and experimenting yourself,” explains Fair director Luci Noel.
Proceedings kick off on Thursday September 17, with the Royal West of England Academy taking over the fair’s charity private view from 5.30pm to 9.30pm and promising a host of special activities for those looking to get in on the action early. Elsewhere, this year’s Fair will also be introducing a Friday Late with doors open until 8pm for those looking for a browse before the weekend.
Anyone looking to hone their creative flair will be able to take part in one of this year’s sketch workshops run by Bristol Drawing School. The school is home to a number of talented tutors including Jamaica Street Studios resident and Jerwood Drawing Prize nominee Anouk Mercier.
With over 500 artists exhibiting at this year event, both upcoming and established, the event might seem daunting: but Luci stresses that expert and friendly advice is on hand. “The idea is to have a bit of fun with it. Don’t be afraid to talk to the galleries and artists: it’s what they love about the Fair,” she adds. “They get to meet so many art lovers in such a short space of time.”
The Affordable Art Fair Bristol is at Brunel’s Old Station from Thursday, September 17 (evening only) to Sunday, September 20. For more info and to book tickets, visit www.affordableartfair.com/bristol