Some of us were there at the first Art in Action 40 years ago! It was quite a small event then, just a few tents, artists and sculptors, pancakes and pimms, books and oh yes, doughnuts!! Do you remember or did you come along later as a visitor, a helper, a volunteer? Were you there in your pushchair? Did you go to the story telling? were you in the crèche? Did you bring your dog? Are you coming this year?
This is an update of what it will give you, you can read what is in store.

For friends, supporters & creators of Art in Action

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Only 2 more sleeps!

The weather is still hot and sticky here at 11:22pm, as I write this; or maybe it's just me.

I have just got in from helping Ian, our transport guru, unload glass-topped desks for Metalwork and Jewellery, maps for the Welcome Tent, books for the Bookshop and twelve little benches for Storytelling.

I'm still humming the Magic Flute from Saturday's very successful performance by Opera Anywhere in the Amphitheatre.

I tromp around the site, occasionally jumping on breeze-block plinths in the sculpture area and striking a pose like the Queen of the Night.

The tents are all up and most of the entrances are in the right place; apart from in Staff Refreshments where, due to 'marquee misalignment', the ever-patient Frosts and their team cannot move between the kitchen and the dining area!

It's all coming together nicely, otherwise and, as I walk through the tents, I now see fresh, white, volunteer-painted screens waiting, full of potential - like a blank canvas, for the artists to arrive.

Candice, our garden nursery manager has just consented to allow Subhada and her Odissi dancers to use her office in the potting shed as a changing room.

Two more days and all the artists will be here!

We have had two events on the Sunday before the show starts: a drinks reception for the village, where we give out complimentary tickets to help make up for the chaos and squashed verges, and a dedication service in the little church of St Mary the Virgin.

The prayer of dedication goes like this:-

"Look down, good Lord, on this village of Waterperry, its church, its people, its house and especially at this time the forthcoming festival of Art in Action. Guard, guide and keep its many participants, visitors and staff. May the event reflect the glory of your creation, remind everyone of your supreme benevolence and reveal your peace at all times. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."

Ok I'm off to bed; first appointment tomorrow is 6am meditation in the ballroom with volunteers staying in the house.

I guess there is no other art show like ours.

Yours ever,

Simon Buchanan
Organiser

P.S You can see the map of the festival on the website here

Looking forward to seeing you from this Thursday

The whole team are excited to be welcoming you to our 40th and final Art in Action.
There will be plenty of special activities on and we hope you can come and share a very special celebration of arts and creativity.

Thursday 14th – Sunday 17th July, 10am – 5.30pm each day.
Gates open from 9am, refreshments available.

View the daily programme for all events and activites here

How to get here...

By Car

Parking is FREE. Arrive early to avoid congestion. Sat Nav: OX33 1LG

(Route from M40 for cars and other vehicles below 3 tonnes)
Get off at Jcn 8A and take A418 to Thame. After 3.5 miles turn left at Mill Rd (to Shabbington). After 3 miles turn left onto Clifden Road (towards Waterperry). Continue to Art in Action.

By Bus

From Central London
- Oxford Tube, 01865 772 250, oxfordtube.com. Coaches run every 10-20 minutes from Victoria, Marble Arch, Notting Hill Gate, Shepherds Bush and Hillingdon.
- Oxford Bus Company, 01865 785 400, oxfordbus.co.uk
The X90 coach service runs every 10-20 minutes from Victoria, Marble Arch, Baker Street and Hillingdon.

By Train

From London (Marylebone) head to Haddenham & Thame Parkway Station.
From the station forecourt, take the 280 Arriva Bus (every 30 min) to Wheatley alighting at The Triangle bus stop near The King’s Arms where a free courtesy car service will be provided.

From other destinations head to Oxford Station
From stop R7 in Frideswide Square (about 100 yards from the station), take the 280 Arriva Bus (every 30 min) to Wheatley, alighting at the Triangle bus stop near The King’s Arms where a free Art in Action courtesy car will be provided. For information on the 280 Arriva bus service, phone 0871 200 22 33 or visit their website arrivabus.co.uk

For full travel details click here >

Practical Class Tickets

Tickets are available on each day of the show and can be purchased from the Practical Class Ticket Tent which opens from 9.30am.

Practical Classes available this year range from Clay & Pottery, Jewellery & Enamelling, Printmaking, Sculpture, Textiles, Papermaking, through to a wide selection of Painting & Drawing classes from some of the most respected artists in the country.

Tickets range from £8.50 to £15. Most classes have three daily sessions (but some vary so check when booking):

10:30am - 12 noon / 1:00 - 2:30pm / 3:30 - 5:00pm

Junior Practical Classes are available for children aged 4 – 10 years (£6.00 each) with three daily sessions:

11.00am – 12.00noon / 1.30 – 2.30pm / 3.00 – 4.00pm

The Practical Classes Teachers are all artists or art teachers. They also have a joint display in the Teachers Exhibition Tent and most of the works are for sale. It’s a wonderful opportunity to see a wide variety of art created to a very high standard.

(Online tickets are now closed)

View the Practical Class timetable here >

Online Tickets

If you want to beat the crowds then we suggest you purchase your e-ticket now via the website.

Tickets are valid for any day of the festival.

Remember if you have any queries about the 2016 festival, please call Rachel, Patricia, Lauren, Seren or Dominic here at HQ on 020 7381 3192.

Click through to ticket purchase >

Don't forget to bring

Kit in case of adverse weather: Waterproof Jacket, Golf Umbrella and Wellies.

Also bring sun cream and sunglasses and a hat. Water is available but bringing a bottle is useful.

Bring some cash - cash points are very popular and queues can be extensive. You can use cards for most art purchases, though.

Dogs - Well-behaved dogs are allowed on a short lead. Please remove any dog litter.

Food - Throughout the day at Art in Action, there is a wonderful choice of delicious food and beverages. Available from 9am each day.

Watch behind the scenes on our social media channels

All of our social media channels for you to follow the latest news:

Facebook: @artinactionfestival
Instagram: @artinactionfestival
Snapchat: artinaction
Twitter: @artinaction1
YouTube: @ArtinActionUK

Our latest film

Watch the last few days of preparations in our latest YouTube clip here.

And you can keep an eye out for lots of snippets throughout the Festival on our YouTube, Facebook & Snapchat channels.