Vessel: an art trail in the hidden churches of the Black Mountains
Vessel is a curated art trail in small rural churches in the Black Mountains around Monmouthshire, Herefordshire and Powys. Seven artworks by seven artists will be shown in seven churches, each of which is maintained by the Friends of Friendless Churches who keep them open all year round. The theme of ‘vessel’ references bodies, boats, secretions and receptacles; each of the artworks will be sited in a particular relationship to the church and its materials.
The exhibition will be open from early August 2024 to late October, ensuring the optimum season for visitors to the churches. It will create a memorable and unique placement of art within a conjunction of landscape and architecture that is often overlooked. It will bring artists of international reputation to an area of outstanding natural beauty.
Exhibition dates: 6 August – 31 October 2024
Venues:
St Michael and All Angels', Gwernesney
St Cadoc, Llangattock Vibon Avel, Monmouthshire
St Mary the Virgin, Llanfair Kilgeddin, Monmouthshire
St Jerome, Llangwm Uchaf, Monmouthshire
St David, Llangeview, Monmouthshire
St Ellyw, Llanelieu, Powys
Castle Chapel, Urishay, Herefordshire
Artists:
Lou Baker
Barbara Beyer
Andrew Bick
Lucy Glendinning
Robert George
Jane Sheppard
Steinnun Thorarinsdottir
An weekend event based in Abergavenny will include a guided tour to all of the churches. Visit our Events page to find out more.
Vessel is curated by Jacquiline Creswell for A+C.
Since 2009 Jacquiline has been central to the development of visual arts programmes at Salisbury, Ely and Chichester Cathedrals and is now engaged with further commissions and an expanding range of locations.
During this time Jacquiline has delivered 48 exhibitions, working with a diverse group of artists, galleries, foundations and estates. These include Antony Gormley, Mark Wallinger, David Mach and Ana Maria Pacheco, galleries such as Lisson, Hauser&Wirth and the estates of Henry Moore, Lynn Chadwick, Barbara Hepworth and others. She has developed lasting relationships with many of the leading figures in the contemporary art world whose dedication and support has been crucial to the success of the many projects delivered.
Our Community Coordinator for Vessel is Julia Porter Pryce.
Julia a freelance curator based in Hay-on-Wye with 25 years’ experience of working with art in sacred spaces. After 15 years in museum management, she worked as an Anglican priest in Hackney where she ran a programme of residencies and community arts projects. For 10 years she co-ordinated creative arts engagement in the Diocese of London. She has been a member of the St Paul’s Cathedral Visual Arts Committee and an Advisor to Art and Christianity. Julia has been based in the Black Mountains for three years.
Julia is passionate about connecting artists with places of worship as a means of interpreting faith traditions and at the same time making art accessible to new audiences.
Vessel is kindly supported by the Gibbs Trust.