The artists. Photo: Photo courtesy of Rachel Matthews.
Eye - 20 June 2014
From 'Dancing for Peace' to displaying history
Dancing for Peace Paintbrushes have been wielded for peace in Pembrokeshire. ‘Muddied soldiers from the grim trenches; the bright flower of Hiroshima; drones being tested over the summer beaches of Aberporth…’ These are just some of the canvases that are appearing in the new ‘Dancing for Peace’ exhibition. Rachel Matthews, of South Wales Area Meeting, wrote to Eye to shed light on the display, which opened last weekend at Anne Gregson’s Little Wedlock Gallery, near Tenby.
Anne, also of South Wales Area Meeting, has partnered with Anna Cheetham from Leicester, and three other artists from Wales – Linda James, Annie Taber and Amy Scott – to explore ‘moral and ethical convictions through creativity and self-expression’. Other local artists have also contributed their work.
Rachel writes: ‘All the artists have been involved in peace activism in different ways… Although some of the work is directly related to war, conflict, and peacemaking, the exhibition also recognises those things that may be the “seeds of war” (Advices & queries 31), and the “emotions, attitudes and prejudices in yourself which lie at the root of destructive conflict” (Advices & queries 32). Different work reflects themes of peace in ourselves, peace in our relationships, peace in our communities, and peace on, and with, our planet.’
A number of events will take place alongside the exhibition, which closes on 6 July, including a poetry evening featuring Anne Cheetham and Stevie Krayer. Quaker Meetings will be held each Tuesday.
Anne Gregson said: ‘I campaign because I must. Sometimes I do it because I think I ought – but I’m not really one for duty. We should be approaching the important things through the things we enjoy, the things we are good at. We are very lucky if we have the opportunity to do those things – not everyone does. In my case, the less time you have to do it, the more important it becomes.’
Bringing history to life
Historical displays organised by Friends in Evesham graced the streets of their town last month.
Friends remembered ‘those who suffered due to their opposition to all forms of violence in world war one’ on 18 May.
Displays could be found at four sites around the town, from the Almonry Museum to the Riverside Shopping Centre. They included two replica world war one ambulances to highlight the work of Friends Ambulance Unit.
The Meeting house itself was home to a commemoration event featuring readings, songs and a special planting in the Peace Garden.
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