This was surely waiting to happen? The first Art and Crafts Open House ever in Lagos, at the end of January, proved to be a run-away success. The right ingredients were there: a spacious house with a stunning view over Lagos, brilliant sunshine, a variety of artists keen to show-case their wares , food and soap making demonstrations and lots of people wanting to enjoy a pleasant day out. A concept that is well known in other countries but quite new around here.
Lakshmi Villa, build and owned by Architect Bernadete Bishop on the highest point of Falfeira, was buzzing with activities throughout the day. The artists had barely managed to set out their stalls in the morning when the first visitors arrived… and they kept coming! It was estimated that almost a hundred people had come through the door by the end of the day.
Plenty to see, artisans at work, chats with artists in a relaxed atmosphere and original handcrafted pieces for sale. The intricately produced historical costumes by Corinne Ferreira proved to be one of the highlights of the day. The stalls displayed a variety of crafts, from creative jewellery by Susan Puttick, contemporary felt craft by Joana Rodrigues, to lovely water colours by Gill Goode. And who could possibly resist Joana Rodrigues’s home-made Brazilian ‘brigadeiros’ sweets on offer?
One visitor was fulsome in her praise,” I particularly enjoyed the quality and diversity of the crafts on display. There were so many things I hadn’t seen before.”
Stone sculptor, Joel Correira demonstrated his craftsmanship by carving pre- historic patterns on pebbles from Burgau beach while some of his larger, stunning sculptures were on display. Tina Gonçalves, “Zonart”, demonstrate and displayed her colourful stained glass windows, and what a surprise Bernadete Bishop’s style of Abstract on Canvas was!
The demonstrations done by Sandie Croft, “The Soapbox”, were particular ‘hits’ with visitors. The Raw Food Cookery demonstration proved how healthy and delicious raw food can be. In the afternoon Sandie’s demonstration on soap making using wholly natural products. Quite a revelation!
General consensus was that the Open House had been an unqualified success and Lagos needs more than ever to have regular opportunities like this.
“I think this Open House is an excellent idea, an opportunity for people to get together and for artists to present their work. It is wonderful to see Portuguese and foreigners working together and to have a public of various nationalities,” Gwen Franco, owner and director of the first ballet school in Lagos” said. Her sentiments were shared by everyone present.
So what now? Organisers of the Open House, Bernadete Bishop and Sandie Croft were adamant that the momentum should be maintained. “We believe everyone who came today was inspired. They said definitely come again when we organize the next one.”
It looks as if Lagos is in for a few more treats in the future!
More information on the Open House blog: https://artandcraftopenday.wordpress.com/
Article by Lena Strang
Video of Open House:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fc646Ltdsuc&feature=colike
Links:
http://www.myspace.com/joelcorreia
artandcraftopenday 