Back in Abingdon after a few days away, and Art Weeks has arrived. There are the usual exhibitions around the town centre, and this year there’s a new venue across the road (from us) in West St Helen Street.

Illustrator and public artist Tom McLean has decorated his front room walls with colourful shapes made into birds, animals, fruit, and other concepts.

Tom was involved in the community art projects in South Abingdon last year. The playground previously known as Cotman Close Playground was given the name ‘Thameside Whizzer Park’ after children from nearby Thameside School were asked.

Artists in Residence at Abingdon Library brings local artists into the library where they can demonstrate their art and chat with visitors of all ages.

On Saturday 25 April, Studio Beckrah led a creative art session. Becka Comley and Sarah Frodsham Spooner run regular sessions on the last Tuesday of each month (7–9pm) at Paws & Play at Willows.

Today, Monday 27 April, Livio Lobo an active member of Abingdon Artists was painting a view of Trendell’s Folly from a photo. Livio is often out sketching around the town on Friday mornings with the Quick on the Draw group.

Coming up:

Tuesday 28 April (10:00–12:30)
Connie Addison – watercolour, sketching, landscapes

Friday 1 May (10:00–13:00)
Eleanor Howard – charcoals, pastels, landscapes

There are regularly changing displays in the library, ensuring there is always something new to see. Alongside recommended books selected by library staff, Abingdon Artists also feature a different artist each month.

This month’s featured artist is Valerie Dearlove, who describes herself as a self-taught “primitive” or “outsider” artist working in oil on canvas. Her style is direct and colurful, unconcerned with formal conventions. The painting currently on display in the library shows a woman breastfeeding.

The Abbey Fields housing development is much closer to the A34 than previous estates, and a long and, in places, high fence has been installed to reduce noise from the 70 mph dual carriageway.

The Town Council is currently exploring ways to use developer money to enhance the town through public art. One suggestion being looked at is improved town entry signs.

It made me wonder whether this long stretch of fencing could be used more imaginatively.

Rather than leaving it as a canvas for tags and self-promotion for graffiti artists, could it  become a space for celebrating Abingdon itself with history, landmarks, and riverside views.