Just thought I should sound the trumpet for two of the artists here this weekend who have had lovely news this week. Sarais Crawshaw has been busy the past two weekends working on a wildlife puffin-themed work featuring her fabulous paper cutting technique. She may have an extra wide smile this weekend as she learned during this week that she is a finalist in the David Shepherd Wildlife Artist of the Year awards.
Run with BBC Wildlife, this is an international contest which has been compared to the Academy Awards for wildlife artists. So come on down the Alex and see an 'Oscar nominee' at work. The work being judged for the award is not on show, but other work is ... including this stunning work showing a fox. Sarais has work on sale including a bargain box for those who like a rummage. 
Meanwhile in the Pavillion and garden another of the artists IJE has been showing some of her large scale abstract paintings and sculptures. IJE learned this week that her work will shortly be shown in a Mayfair gallery. So come and see work in the garden at the Alex that may end up somewhere grander later this year. IJE and Sarais are happy to talk about their work - which is part of the pleasure of visitng Art at the Alex during open studios weekends.*(*Its our last weekend for Warwickshire Open Studios (11-5 on Friday and Saturday and 11-4 on Sunday. Free entry. Parking at John Barford or Railway Terrace car parks is £1 for 3 hours or £1 all day if its Sunday. Plan to stay a while, most visitors do).