Bosses at Shrewsbury Market Hall say they are delighted to be welcoming elements of this year’s Cartoon Festival to the venue for the very first time.
Shrewsbury International Cartoon Festival takes place throughout April and May culminating with ‘Cartoonists Live’ – a weekend of free cartoon drawing events and activities, workshops and caricaturing, on April 19-22.
The first exhibition this year opens at Shrewsbury Market Hall, at the Visual Art Network (VAN) Gallery, on April 6 and follows the Festival theme of ‘Flying.’
Flights of Fancy features original cartoons and quality prints specially drawn and selected for the Festival by over 30 of the UK’s best cartoonists.
The exhibition runs until April 30.
The Market Hall will also see plenty of cartoon drawing activity during ‘Cartoonists Live’ – the central weekend of the Festival which sees around 40 cartoonists come to Shrewsbury.
Artists will be drawing cartoons on the spot to create an instant exhibition at the Market Gallery, over two days, from 11am – 3pm, on April 20 and 21.
Kate Gittins, Site Facilities Manager at the market said: “We are delighted to be hosting elements of this year’s Cartoon Festival here at the market. The event is so unique and provides such a rare opportunity to see a huge range of cartoon styles. The market is at the heart of the town so it makes sense to extend the festival to include us as a venue. We’re looking forward to the launch of the first exhibition.”
Festival chairman and Shropshire cartoonist Roger Penwill added “We are really pleased to be working with VAN and the Market Hall this year. The bustling atmosphere of the market provides a great setting for this most appealing art form.”
Shrewsbury International Cartoon Festival is organised by Shropshire Council, The Professional Cartoonists’ Organisation, with support from Cath Tate Cards, Agate Design, Readers Digest and many other volunteers and private sector sponsors.
Highlights include the creation of giant cartoons in The Square during the Cartoonists Live weekend, exhibitions of new work by top UK and overseas cartoonists and the Shrewsbury Smile Trail featuring cartoons in shops and restaurants around the town.
For a full programme of Cartoonists Live weekend and Shrewsbury Cartoon Festival exhibitions visit www.shrewsburycartoonfestival.com
For more information on the Market Hall log on to www.markethallshrewsbury.co.uk
For further information contact Suzi Wilkinson, Marketing & Promotions Officer on: 01743 257654 or email suzi.wilkinson-stc@shropshire.gov.uk