Wells Art Contemporary, an exhibition which celebrates contemporary art in all its forms from 5 August to 2 September at Wells Cathedral, is delighted to announce free drawing sessions showcasing the magnificent West Front of Wells Cathedral.

This exciting addition to the WAC programme will take place on Sunday and Wednesday afternoons in August 2023 on Cathedral Green during the upcoming exhibition in the Cathedral (5 August to 2 September 2023). Places are limited and registration is via Eventbrite/DRAW!.

Sessions will be mentored by professional local artists and the best entries selected by a panel chaired by Professor Anita Taylor, President of WAC, artist, Dean of Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design at the University of Dundee and founding Director of the Trinity Buoy Wharf Drawing Prize and Drawing Projects UK, with Paul Newman, artist and Somerset Art Weeks Co-ordinator, and Heather Wallace and Rebecca Barnard, artists and co-founders of Heritage Courtyard Gallery & Studios in Wells.

DRAW! is one of the WAC Community Projects co-ordinated by June MacFarlane, in collaboration with Heritage Courtyard Gallery & Studios, and Wells Cathedral Chapter.

She said "Wells Art Contemporary has always aimed to create a platform that not only showcases exceptional artistic talent but also engages the local community and encourages participation in the arts. The addition of free drawing sessions of the West Front of Wells Cathedral aligns perfectly with this vision. What could be better than to spend a summer afternoon immersed in the splendour of a masterpiece, with help on hand from local artists?"

The West Front, dating from the 13th Century, is a Gothic treasure. Nearly 300 statues, carved by medieval masons, grace the façade in an astonishing collection of 800-year-old sculpture. A contemporary sculpture by Antony Gormley occupies a niche at one end.

The venue will be Wells Cathedral Green, 15.00 – 17.00, Sundays and Wednesdays throughout WAC, starting on 6 August 2023. The session on Wednesday 16 August will be reserved for children accompanied by an adult. All other sessions will be for Over-16s. Participants should bring their own sketching materials and seating.

Register to join a group at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/draw-tickets-648036172637 There is no charge, but places are limited. To be part of the final competition you can take a photo of your drawing and upload it for consideration by the selection panel.