The historic village of Shotesham, just six miles south of Norwich, is celebrating its idyllic beauty and the artistic skills of its residents on Sunday 4 September with an art concours. Based on a French idea, the competition is designed to encourage visitors to the village so people from across Norfolk can sit and enjoy this area of conservation, whilst being creative. "The concours has been inspired by Dr Wally Jackson and we're hoping it will become an annual event. We're doing it to encourage people to visit the village and to get them to simply sit in the countryside and paint," said event co-ordinator Ruth Winter. "All the works submitted for the competition must be painted in the village on the day. "Artist must bring their own materials, canvas, paints etc. but to take part in the competition they must make sure to their canvas is stamped at the registration desk," she added. Concours exhibition After the concours, all the works that are created will be displayed in a two week exhibition hosted at Grove Farm. Exhibitors will be able to sell the works they've created in Shotesham, plus any other works they may have - with a small commission going to village funds. "We have so many artists and craftsmen in Shotesham that we wanted to celebrate their skills and open up the village so the public can see their work," said Ruth Winter.  | | Registration takes place at The Trinity |
"But the competition is also about making people from outside the village come to visit, and to feel they can leave a legacy through their art, she added. Taking part Registration for the art concours will be from 9.30am on Sunday 4 September, 2005 when your blank paper will be stamped. The entry fee is £2.50 for adults, £1.00 for 18s and under. Work can be submitted as oils/acryics, watercolours, pencil, pen and ink or mixed media. Finished work must be returned by 4.30pm for display and judging. Light refreshments will be available throughout the day from Trinity Hall, but organisers advise visitors to bring a packed lunch. The concours exhibition will run at Grove Farm until Sunday 11 September, 2005 and is open daily from 2-5pm. | 
