(photograph © Kiwidutch)
It’s not often that I post to advertise an upcoming very local event, but this one is very special so I will.
Two things make this special:
Firstly, it’s that this is an Art Exhibition of the like of which you will probably never heard of before.
Why? Becuase the Artworks on show to the public are actually in private homes… (but none of them happen to be mine, more’s the pity). Yes that’s right, these members of the public will let you come into their living rooms, hallways and bedrooms to take a peek at Artworks on show there.
It’s called “Kunst Route“ (Art Route) Statenkwartier /Den Haag (The Statenkwartier is one of the most expensive neighbourhoods in The Hague)
“Uitnodiging” means “Invitation” by the way…
Not only is the Statenkwartier eye-wateringly expensive (with many home valued at over Euro 1.000.000,–) but it’s also one of the oldest and most established neighbourhoods of the city.
Buildings here tend to date from the late 19th century and the turn of the 20th, so high ceilings, larger rooms, stained glass, and elaborate decorations in stone and tiles are the norm rather than the exception.
The affluence of the area attracts many ex-pats, many embassies are close by and so this exhibition gives people not only a chance to see new Artworks in situ, but also to take a peek at some amazing homes too.
Brochures are available both beforehand on the day so all you need to do is a) visit them all or b) choose the bits you like most, look up their addresses on the list wit the numbers and just visit those.
Secondly, and understandably, these people don’t open their home to the public regularly, it happens for two days only, every two years.
Both the brochure and website http://www.kunstenaarsinhetstatenkwartier.nl/index.html (scroll down a little for your English translation) tell me that:
(photograph © Kiwidutch)
“Almost sixty artists, all of whom live or work in the Statenkwartier, will open their studios and homes to the public to show their work in the weekend of 2-3 April 2011.
The second Art Route in the Statenkwartier showcases a colorful mix of professional and skilled amateur artists who specialize in various techniques such as painting, drawing, sculpting, photography, mixed media, ceramics, glass, jewellery, metals, etc.
A selection of the work will also be on view in Art Gallery De Fietsenstalling during the weekend. In the online folder you will find the names and addresses of the participating artists, a map indicating where they can be found and a description of their work.”
Personally I think this is a brilliant idea, and I’m more than a little frustrated that this year it’s not going to happen for me, as I have to resign myself to the fact that “walking tour + crutches = no chance”.
BUT, ….if you care to hang around my blog for another two years when this event returns, I will definitely have my walking shoes on, camera ready and you may join me if you are near and I’ll take you on a virtual tour if you are not. Sound like a plan?
So, if you live in Den Haag (The Hague) or elsewhere within commuting distance right now and would like to go on your own Art Walking tour in the Statenkwartier this weekend, then the following details are for you.
What: “Kunst Route“ (Art Route)
Where: Statenkwartier / Den Haag (The Hague) / When: Saturday 2nd April and Sunday 3rd April 2011 / Times: From 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.
… and mark your calendar for this to come around again in 2013!
(photograph © Kiwidutch)
(photograph © Kiwidutch)
