insideKENT Magazine Issue 62 - May 2017 | Page 88

ARTS+ENTERTAINMENT
Unexpected ART cont.
Kings Wood
Rosie Leventon, B52
Anthony Heywood and Uwe Derksen, Tabula3
Jem Finer, Score For a Hole in the Ground
Richard Harris, Living Arch
With 1,500 acres to call its own, Kings Wood in Challock is one of Kent’s
largest woodland spaces, and is used for both recreation and timber
production. Within its canopy of Corsican pine, Douglas fir, foxgloves,
bluebells, conifers, beech, and sweet chestnut, there are deer, nightjars,
adders, woodpeckers, and much more. Much more that includes some
rather surprising and utterly wonderful pieces of outdoor art.
Stour Valley Creative Partnership commission artists on a periodic basis
to create beautiful pieces that sit within the forest to entrance and
astonish those who come to visit. The art is made using found materials
in the wood if possible, and if not then certainly all-natural materials
are used; this is key to the idea behind the art itself. Once placed, the
forest and nature in general complete the work, changing the piece
over seasons and years, weathering it, recreating it, and ultimately
taking it back as it decays. The works are spread throughout Kings
Wood, and some, such as the play area art, is designed specifically for
children to enjoy and interact with.
Photos © Stour Valley Creative Partnership
Shoreham Garden Sculpture Trail // 17-18 Jun
This is a completely new and ambitious
departure for The London Group and Friends.
Susan Haire, president of The London Group,
is curating a sculpture trail in the village of
Shoreham, near Sevenoaks. The London
Group and Friends, plus an equally diverse
group of artists from the South East, are
exhibiting numerous works in over 30 gardens
of the village.
There is an impressive variety of exhibits with
an extensive range of works which will include
works in and on water, interactive work and
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a chance for children to be involved. Over 60
artists are taking part and visitors can expect
an array of imaginative sculptures. Shoreham
village in the idyllic Darenth Valley is a beautiful
spot and in June, the gardens will be at their
best and form an attractive surrounding for
the exhibits.
The trail will start at the church and take the
form of two circular walks around the village.
The majority of artists will be present to meet
visitors during the trail and many will be giving
talks. The monies raised will be in aid of the
Shoreham Church Extension Fund to enable
the medieval church to improve on facilities,
such as toilets, disabled access and a kitchen.
Curated by Susan Haire, president of The
London Group. Kent sculptors taking part
include Michael Glass, Angela Bishop and
Fiona MacDonald.
From 11am. Price: £10 (£15 for both days).
www.facebook.com/Shorehamsculpturetrail