The Olivia Parkes project, designed to pay tribute to the legendary Ventnor resident, is set to be unveiled at this year’s Ventnor Fringe Festival.
This highly anticipated showcase will be nestled away in the shelter at La Falaise car park (very close to where Olivia lived in a boathouse on stilts) from Tuesday 25th until Sunday 30th July, promising an enriching journey through Olivia Parkes’ remarkable life and her impact on the Ventnor community.
Projections
The installation is planned to breathe life into the shelter, with projections to be displayed thanks to the collaboration with accomplished artist, Thomas Buckley.
These vivid visual displays are sure to captivate visitors and impart a glimpse into the enchanting world of Olivia Parkes.
Don’t miss the zine
Another notable collaborator on the project, Tommy Brentnall, has been pouring his creativity into a special zine, which will be available for purchase at the souvenir shop within the shelter.
Alongside the zine, an array of commemorative items including postcards and prints, providing attendees with tangible keepsakes of their experience.
Challenging journey
Yet, the path to realising this unique tribute to Olivia Parkes has not been without its challenges.
Planning the assembly of the installation has required more than artistic vision; it called for the practical expertise and problem-solving skills of a dedicated team.
Artists Teresa Grimaldi and Sarah Vardy teamed up with Ventnor Community Shed to construct a structure robust enough to withstand the elements and secure the installation.
Community involvement
However, it isn’t just the physical structure that makes this project special. Grimaldi and Vardy, in their quest to truly capture the spirit of Olivia Parkes, interviewed several Ventnor locals who, as children, had known Parkes during her time living in the boat house on stilts on Ventnor Beach.
Visitors will have the opportunity to listen to their fond memories of the woman affectionately dubbed ‘Britannia – the lady of the sea’ by the locals.
Well-Being Cafe
This week the team have met with members of the Well Being Cafe, a group that meets four times a week and provides a safe space for people with anxiety or mental health issues.
This workshop talk was funded by The Common Space, Sandown Bay-based not-for-profit organisation.
A collective celebration of a cherished local figure
Overall, the Olivia Parkes project, despite its challenges, is a testament to the power of community, collaboration, and creativity.
As a collective celebration of a cherished local figure, it promises to be an engaging and memorable feature of this year’s Ventnor Fringe Festival.
Find out more about Teresa and Sarah’s collaboration on their Olivia Parkes Blog.
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