Work by some of East Anglia’s finest artists on show in Ipswich

Bee eaters, by Stephen Henderson, exhibiting at Art at the Altar's 'Costa' show. Picture: We Create Projects Ltd. (Image: Archant)

A series of exhibitions showcasing the work of some of East Anglia’s finest artists gets under way this month.

Art at the Altar takes place at St Stephen’s Church, St Stephen’s Lane, Ipswich, and is the brainchild of Iona Hodgson, who hopes it will bring a new dimension to the cultural and artistic life of the town.

Running from August 13 to September 8, Art at the Altar comprises four shows titled Flora, Sermo, Costa and Terra; the Latin words for flower, word, coast and land.

Each will host a selection of local and national artists working within the relevant theme to produce a “fresh and cohesive” series of exhibitions aimed at a broad audience.

The show represents an exciting development for Iona’s We Create Projects Ltd, which ordinarily works with artists and creative businesses in a mentoring, marketing and consultancy capacity.

“It’s the first in a series of exhibitions I am organising in temporary locations and I hope it will encourage visitors to the town to see and buy high-calibre work by a broad selection of artists, potters, sculptors and jewellery makers. There will be something for everyone,” she says. “I’m passionate about giving artists more exposure and selling opportunities and will continue to produce and curate pop-up exhibitions across East Anglia and beyond.”

The venue space will be furnished with professional exhibition panels, creating an elegant professional gallery-like space with “a view to increasing the calibre and provision of visual arts in the town”. Alongside the growing cultural and artistic scene in Suffolk, Art at the Altar hopes to help artists promote and sell their work as well as enliven the interest and demonstrate a commitment to the arts in the area.

There will be a range of artwork available from large, original oil paintings to limited-edition unframed prints and the exhibitions will cater for everyone, from those looking for a statement piece for an interior to people after a gift for a special occasion.

Alongside paintings, there will also be ceramics, sculpture, and stained glass works on sale.

A launch evening will be held each Tuesday from 5.30-7.30pm, on August 14, 21, 28 September 4. Everyone is welcome to come along and have a chance to meet the artists and be the first to see the work on display, says Iona.

Art at the Altar, St Stephen’s Church, Ipswich, IP1 1DP, is open Monday to Saturday, 9.30am to 5pm from August 13 - September 8.

The four shows

Flora Exhibition: August 13 to 18, private view Tuesday August 14, 5.30pm-7.30pm

This show launches the series of summer exhibitions with a celebration of colour. Artists include Angella Horner, Arabella Shand, Bev Howe, Karen Cooley, Hannah Stageman, Ruth McCabe, Usch Spettigue, Emma Green, Laura Beardsell-Moore and Kate Felton.

Sermo Exhibition: August 20 to 25, private view Tuesday August 21, 5.30pm-7.30pm

“Word” in Latin, this show brings together a stunning selection of contemporary work featuring type and text. Artists include Alex Vick, Alison Stockmarr, Daisy Courtauld, Rosie Copeland, Steve Joyce, Tom Knight, Valerie Armstrong, and Lois Cordelia.

Costa Exhibition: Aug 27 to Sept 1, private view Tuesday August 28, 5.30pm-7.30pm

A unique selection of coastal and estuarine art from East Angla and beyond. Artists include Angella Horner, Anne-Marie Jacobs, Christopher Humphries, Henri Villiers, Kate Felton, Rodney Freeman, Ruth McCabe, Stephen Henderson, Sheena Clover, Lorna Kirin, Tom Cringle and Michaela Latham

Terra Exhibition: September 3 to 8, private view Tuesday Sept 4, 5.30pm-7.30pm

Dedicated to the natural environment, this exhibition showcases atmospheric, evocative and abstract work. Artists include Laura Beardsell-Moore, Michaela Latham, Naomi Brangwyn, Paul Zawadzki, Ruth McCabe, Sheena Clover, Suzanne Seed and Rodney Freeman.