Arts Alive Wales, led by artist Bettina Reeves, has once again been working all out to create its traditional Market Hall art installation for this Abergavenny Food Festival which takes place this weekend.

Bettina, who retired this summer from her position as senior tutor for theatre design at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, has chosen chickens for this year’s art project, a theme last visited in 2008.

“We have been crafting chickens from withy and willow, paper and fabric and fluttering amongst these beauties will be native butterflies of silk,” she said.

Over the past two weeks Bettina has been supervising a team of over 40 volunteers in an intense 15 days of activity at Arts Alive Wales Crickhowell studio, and the charity reports a warm response to the chosen theme from regular participants.

Chief executive Justine Wheatley commented, “The project is really hard work but everyone who takes part gets such a sense of pride and achievement when the sculptures are installed and the camaraderie, fun and great lunches bring people back year after year.”

The unveiling of the annual art project is an eagerly awaited moment in the local calendar whilst the sculptures are a hugely popular feature of the Market Hall, drawing residents and visitors all year round.

“In recognition of its iconic status, this year’s project has been generously supported with funding from Abergavenny Town Council.

Aine Morris, Abergavenny Food Festival’s Chief Executive explains; “We are bowled over by the support for the artwork and for the festival from the local community and we are so grateful for the town council’s investment to help create another outstanding event. It promises to be a visual feast!”