Saint Hill International Arts Festival 2017 Made a Big Impression

Saint Hill Arts Festival Opening Ceremony on 30th July 2017- l to r: Chris Dresser, Saint Hill Arts Festival President, Rhoda Zeffertt, East Grinstead dep. Town Mayor Cllr Rex Whittaker, Liz Ostermann from the L. Ron Hubbard Public Affairs Office

East Grinstead - Now in its 26th year, the Saint Hill International Arts Festival took place from Sunday 30th July to Sunday 6th August 2017 at Saint Hill Manor, East Grinstead.

This year, the Festival was hosted by Hollywood actor, comedian and master impressionist Jim Meskimen; his actress wife Tamra Meskimen; producer, writer, director, Cass Warner (granddaughter of Harry Warner, President and Founder of the Warner Bros. Studios), and a team of local artists.

The Festival was officially opened by East Grinstead dep. Town Mayor Cllr Rex Whittaker. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was immediately followed by a wonderful performance of Beethoven’s “Septet for Wind and Strings” and of Carl Nielsen’s “Serenata In Vano” by bassoonist Tom Hardy and The Blaze Ensemble.

Saint Hill Arts Festival Opening Classical Concert on 30th July 2017 - In the Great Hall, Saint Hill Manor

The Blaze Ensemble performing at the Saint Hill Arts Festival Opening Classical Concert on 30th July 2017 - In the Great Hall, Saint Hill Manor

On Monday night, Cass Warner introduced the UK premiere of her fascinating film, “The Brothers Warner” which she wrote, directed and produced. It is an intimate portrait of the four film pioneers who founded and ran Warner Brothers Studios for over 50 years. Cass also held an open forum the following morning where attendees met with her to ask her about her life in Hollywood. 

Throughout the week, Jim and Tamra Meskimen delivered a daily series of acting workshops, based on the techniques of The Acting Center, the renowned Los Angeles acting school which Tamra founded. The Acting Center school’s techniques have provided invaluable grounding for numerous actors now rising through the ranks of the movie industry. The classes were split each day between Acting and Improvisational Acting.

The Festival also included an art exhibition in the Great Hall Gallery; workshops on creativity, poetry and the spoken word, singing, selling your art, stage manners and drawing; the very popular Saint Hill Arts Festival Arts Quiz; and the grand finale concert in front of a very enthusiastic audience on Saturday 5th August, directed by Jo Stephens, which included performances by all the Festival attendees, giving them a chance to apply, for real, what they had learnt throughout the week, plus hilarious celebrity impressions by Jim Meskimen, an outstanding rendition of "Purple Rain" by X Factor USA and Celebrity Big Brother contestant Stacy Francis, local guitarist extraordinaire Dave Press, songs by singer songwriters Lemon & Paice, Shakespeare monologues by actor Tom Clark, and some hip-hop by Irish rapper Kristian Shortt.

The winning team of the Saint Hill Arts Festival Arts Quiz on 3rd August 2017 - In the Lower Hall, Saint Hill Manor l to r: Jim Meskimen, Tamra Meskimen, Gary Byrne, Chris Dresser (team captain), Saint Hill Arts Festival President. Team included John Wood and Gemma Harris (not pictured)

All participants of the Saint Hill Arts Festival Arts Quiz on 3rd August 2017 - In the Lower Hall, Saint Hill Manor

During the concert, Chris Dresser, Saint Hill Arts Festival President, presented Jim and Tamra Meskimen with a Lifetime of Creativity Award for their enormous contribution to the arts throughout their careers. Previous winners include artist Carl-W. Röhrig and bassoonist Tom Hardy.

Sheila Gaiman said about this year's Festival: "We're extremely lucky to have such talented artists attend our Festival from all over the world every year, artists who understand the importance of art and who are so willing to help others with their art. We are very grateful to international artists Jim Meskimen, Tamra Meskimen and Cass Warner and local artists Gill Bustamante, Mira Reichl, Jane Moore, Kevin Tyson, Evelyne Herbin and Brian King who are all so generously donating their time at this year's Festival. I would also especially like to thank the Festival Co-ordinators, Neil and Angie Lemon for all their hard work in making the week such a great success."

Jim Meskimen performing at the Grand Finale Concert of the Saint Hill Arts Festival on 5th August 2017 - In the Great Hall, Saint Hill Manor

Stacy Francis performing at the Grand Finale Concert of the Saint Hill Arts Festival on 5th August 2017 - In the Great Hall, Saint Hill Manor

Jim and Tamra Meskimen receiving the Lifetime of Creativity Award from Chris Dresser, Saint Hill Arts Festival President on 5th August 2017 - l to r: Chris Dresser, Jim Meskimen, Tamra Meskimen

The Festival closed with the extremely popular Summertime Swing 2017 in aid of The Not Forgotten Association, hosted by the world’s favourite swing band, East Grinstead’s very own The Jive Aces, in the grounds of Saint Hill Manor.

The Saint Hill International Arts Festival was inspired by Scientology's founder, L. Ron Hubbard, who strongly encouraged cultural revitalization through the arts.

About Saint Hill Manor
Saint Hill Manor, the former home of L. Ron Hubbard and host of the annual Saint Hill International Arts Festival, located just outside East Grinstead, is a fine 18th-century sandstone building. Concerts, plays, conferences and other events regularly take place here and it is also one of the few historical attractions to remain open to the public throughout the year. Saint Hill Manor is also the headquarters of the Church of Scientology in the UK. Saint Hill Manor, Saint Hill Green, East Grinstead, West Sussex RH19 4JY www.arts-festival.org

For more information, please contact John Wood on +44 (0)7771 520001 or jw@worldwidepr.net

Hollywood Comes To East Grinstead!

Saint Hill Manor, East Grinstead

Saint Hill International Arts Festival hosted by Hollywood celebrities, this year includes a UK premiere film screening

East Grinstead - Now in its 26^th year, the Saint Hill International Arts Festival takes place from Sunday 30^th July to Sunday 6^th August 2017 at Saint Hill Manor, East Grinstead.

This year, the Festival is hosted by Hollywood actor, comedian and master impressionist, Jim Meskimen; his actress wife, Tamra Meskimen; producer, writer, director, Cass Warner (granddaughter of Harry Warner, President and Founder of the Warner Bros. Studios); and a team of local artists.

Tom Hardy and The Blaze Ensemble

The Festival opens with performances of Beethoven’s “Septet for Wind and Strings” and Carl Nielsen’s “Serenata In Vano” by bassoonist Tom Hardy and the 25-piece The Blaze Ensemble. At some point during the concert, Sheila Gaiman, the Festival's Executive Producer, will continue her tradition of presenting one of the artists at the Festival with a Lifetime of Creativity Award. Previous winners include artist Carl-W. Röhrig and bassoonist Tom Hardy.

Highlights of the rest of the week include workshops on creativity, poetry, singing, selling your art, stage manners and drawing, with evening performances every day and even an arts quiz.

Jim and Tamra Meskimen

Jim and Tamra Meskimen will also deliver a daily series of acting workshops, based on the techniques of The Acting Center, a renowned Los Angeles acting school which Tamra founded. The Acting Center school’s techniques have provided invaluable grounding for numerous actors now rising through the ranks of the movie industry.  They are great fun and provide solid grounding for beginners and professionals alike, without the criticism and harsh evaluation of other schools. The classes will be split each day between Acting and Improvisational Acting. (These workshops are not appropriate for anyone under the age of 13.)

Cass Warner's "The Brothers Warner"

On Monday night, Cass Warner will introduce the UK premiere of her film, “The Brothers Warner” which she wrote, directed and produced. It is an intimate portrait of the four film pioneers who founded and ran Warner Bros. Studios for over 50 years. Cass will also hold an open forum the following morning where attendees can meet her and ask her about her life in Hollywood.

The Festival closes with the Summertime Swing 2017 hosted by the world’s favourite swing band, East Grinstead’s very own The Jive Aces in the grounds of Saint Hill Manor.

Sheila Gaiman said about this year's Festival: "We're extremely lucky to have such talented artists attend our Festival from all over the world every year, artists who understand the importance of art and who are so willing to help others with their art. We are very grateful to international artists Jim Meskimen, Tamra Meskimen and Cass Warner and local artists Gill Bustamante, Mira Reichl, Jane Moore, Kevin Tyson, Evelyne Herbin and Brian King who are all so generously donating their time at this year's Festival."

The Saint Hill International Arts Festival was inspired by Scientology's founder, L. Ron Hubbard, who strongly encouraged cultural revitalisation through the arts.

Prices:  Ticket for the week £80, per day including workshops and evening concerts etc £20, or £10 per workshop only.

About Saint Hill Manor

Saint Hill Manor, the former home of L. Ron Hubbard and host of the annual Saint Hill International Arts Festival, located just outside East Grinstead, is a fine 18th-century sandstone building. Concerts, plays, conferences and other events regularly take place here and it is also one of the few historical attractions to remain open to the public throughout the year. Saint Hill Manor is also the headquarters of the Church of Scientology in the UK.

Address: Saint Hill Manor, Saint Hill Green, East Grinstead, West Sussex RH19 4JY www.arts-festival.org

For more information and a full program, please contact sthillartsfestival@gmail.com

Media Enquiries: John Wood on +44 (0)7771 520001 or jw@worldwidepr.net

Saint Hill International Arts Festival 2016 Highlights

By Sheila Gaiman, Executive Producer

There were many smiling faces all week at this year's Saint Hill International Arts Festival!

According to what attendees said in their success stories, their lives were changed for the better and they were totally thrilled with what they learned throughout the week. They now cannot wait to apply all the new skills and techniques they acquired from the Festival which they now feel will make them into better artists than they ever dreamed of. They were so thankful for what they learned!

The Festival has even helped established artists like Judy Norton; it has been a favourite event of hers since she first attended in 2003. Along with running workshops and participating in evening performances, Judy credits the Arts Festival with inspiring her to reach out as a writer, director and singer leading to much of her subsequent success in these fields.

The highlights of the week included:

• Cllr Mrs Julie Mockford, Deputy Mayor of East Grinstead, helped to officially open the Arts Festival. She said in her speech, "I think it's very important to support the arts in our town."


• The Blaze Ensemble opened the Saint Hill Arts Festival once again, this time with the orchestra comprising 30 musicians - the largest orchestra ever to perform at Saint Hill. They performed Elgar's Serenade for Strings, Mozart's Bassoon Concerto with soloist Tom Hardy, and Mozart's Symphony 40 in G minor to a packed house.


• Evening showcases which gave many young artists a chance to perform in front of an appreciative audience.


• A South African song performed by the Arts Festival Choir, conducted by double Grammy Award-winning artist, Robin Hogarth.


• Stan Gerson's magic workshops teaching attendees how to publicly perform magic tricks and he also performed himself at various times throughout the week.


• Hollywood actress, Lee Purcell's drama workshops which greatly inspired many.


• Hollywood actress and singer, Judy Norton's singing performance workshops.
   
• Angie Lemon, Festival Co-ordinator, said, "The Arts Festival provides a great opportunity to learn from other artists and for talents to be shared. Very importantly, it also allows artists to express themselves in a safe environment with no criticism, only support."
   
• Adrian Pownall, Festival Co-ordinator, said, "I was delighted to be part of this great Festival and to see so many people get so much from it. The celebrities were generous in the extreme with their time and delighted us all with their performances. I'm already looking forward to next year."
   
• Vast Age Range - Artists from 6 to 94 years of age attended and benefited from the Festival!

Sheila Gaiman, the Arts Festival's Executive Producer with Cllr Mrs Julie Mockford, Deputy Mayor of East Grinstead (Photo by Scott Mathieson, 31/7/16)

The Saint Hill International Arts Festival 2016 (Photo by Jane Billing, 31/7/16)

The Blaze Ensemble performing Mozart's Bassoon Concerto with soloist Tom Hardy (Photo by Becky Danese, 31/7/16)

Judy Norton in concert (Photo by Jane Billing, 6/8/16)

Katy Norman, Judy Norton, Robin Hogarth, Lee Purcell, Stan Gerson, Chris Dresser, Sheila Gaiman, Krystyna Louw, Adrian Pownall (Photo by Jane Billing, 6/8/16)

A young Festival attendee wearing The Way To Happiness logo! (Photo by Katy Norman, 6/8/16)

Stan Gerson delivering one of his magic workshops (Photo by Jane Billing, 1/8/16)

Judy Norton in song (Photo by Jane Billing, 4/8/16)

An evening showcase for young performers (Photo by Jane Billing, 2/8/16)

Belly dancing class with Serena Ramzy (Photo by Jane Billing, 3/8/16)

The Master Chef Competition (Photo by Jane Billing, 6/8/16)

Master Chef dishes (Photo by Jane Billing, 6/8/16)

More Master Chef dishes (Photo by Jane Billing, 6/8/16)

Wednesday night was Arts Quiz Night (Photo by Jane Billing, 3/8/16)

Three of the younger attendees (Photo by Jane Billing, 3/8/16)

One of the many workshops (Photo by Jane Billing, 5/8/16)

Lee Purcell (Photo taken in 2015)

Hollywood Celebrities Join East Grinstead's International Saint Hill Arts Festival in its 25th Year

A wide range of exciting workshops, masterclasses, concerts and more are in store for those attending this year's Arts Festival, hosted by a star-studded line up of artists including Hollywood Actresses Judy Norton and Lee Purcell

East Grinstead, 20 July 2016 - The 25th annual Saint Hill International Arts Festival takes place from 31 July to 7 August 2016 at Saint Hill Manor, East Grinstead and both local and international artists, including internationally renowned Hollywood actresses Judy Norton and Lee Purcell, will be taking part.

This year, proceedings begin with an opening ceremony on the terrace of Saint Hill Manor at 3pm on Sunday 31st July, immediately followed by a Classical Concert in the Great Hall by Bassoonist Tom Hardy and the 25-piece Blaze Ensemble, who will be performing pieces by Elgar and Mozart.

During the opening concert, Sheila Gaiman, the Festival's Executive Producer, will continue her tradition of presenting one of the artists at the Festival with a Lifetime of Creativity Award. Previous winners include artist Carl-W. Röhrig and bassoonist Tom Hardy.

The rest of the week is packed to the brim with artistic events and activities of all sorts, including: workshops on Music & Song by Grammy-award winner Robin Hogarth; the Basics of Magic by Hollywood Magician Stan Gerson; Acting Drama by Emmy-nominated Hollywood actress Lee Purcell; Scottish Dancing by Highland Dance Specialist Tara Gibson; Rehabilitating Your Drawing by Professional Textile Designer Kirsteen Lyons; Art & Purposes by Bassoonist Tom Hardy; Art History by local Art Historian Susanne Lawrence; How to Sell your Art Online by local artist Gill Bustamante; Song Performance by internationally renowned Judy Norton; Screenplay Writing by award-winning filmmaker Chris Dresser; and Poetry by Published Poet Steve Langley.

The week also includes movies, an improv show, an arts quiz, a cooking masterclass workshop and competition by a Gordon Ramsay-trained chef, the much-loved Art Garden where artists can be seen creating their craft, a children's drawing workshop, face painting for children, acoustic music and renditions from international singer Judy Bachar.

The Festival ends on Sunday 7th August with the magnificent Summertime Swing concert hosted by East Grinstead's very own The Jive Aces, in the grounds of Saint Hill Manor.

Sheila Gaiman said about this year's Festival: "We are extremely lucky to have so many highly talented and accomplished artists attend the Festival in our 25th anniversary year. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn from the best and to explore our creativity with them."

The Saint Hill International Arts Festival was inspired by Scientology's founder, L. Ron Hubbard who strongly encouraged cultural revitalisation through the arts. The purpose of the festival is to inspire artists into greater productivity, as well as to help them unlock their ability to earn a living from their art.

About Judy Norton

A diverse performer, Judy’s talents have taken her from stage to screen, from drama to comedy to musical theatre to the recording studio. She has worked in front of the camera as well as behind the scenes as a writer and director. As a singer, she has delighted audiences from North America to Europe, Iceland to Malaysia.

Born in Los Angeles, California, Judy began acting on stage and television from the age of 6. After early work on such TV shows as OZZIE & HARRIET, THE TAMMY GRIMES SHOW and FELONY SQUAD, in 1971, she landed the role of Mary Ellen in the TV movie THE HOMECOMING. This highly successful Christmas special served as the pilot for THE WALTONS TV series and launched Judy to international fame for her role as Mary Ellen. The Waltons, ran for 9 years, garnering numerous Emmy, Golden Globe and People’s Choice awards.

About Lee Purcell

Lee is the recipient of two Primetime Emmy nominations, her first being for LONG ROAD HOME starring opposite Mark Harmon, the second for SECRET SINS OF THE FATHERS starring opposite Beau Bridges.

This acclaimed actress has numerous film, television and stage credits, including her role as Louise St. Laurent on the TV series “DUE SOUTH”, and her generation-defining performance as the sultry step-mom in the iconic film “VALLEY GIRL” with Nicholas Cage. Fans around the world frequently reach out to her for her role as "Peggy" in the cult favourite film BIG WEDNESDAY. Lee has also starred opposite many other Hollywood’s popular leading men, and has the distinction of starring opposite two of Hollywood dynastic father-son duos, Michael Douglas and Kirk Douglas and Beau Bridges and Lloyd Bridges.

As a young girl, Lee’s film career began when she was personally selected and mentored by film icon Steve McQueen to star in McQueen’s Solar Productions’ film “ADAM AT 6 A.M.” opposite Michael Douglas. She will always be grateful to McQueen for his mentoring her and cherishes the time spent with him.

Both Judy Norton and Lee Purcell will be available for press interviews from 30th July to 8th August. Contact John Wood on +44 (0)7771 520001 or johnalexwood@gmail.com to arrange an interview.

About Saint Hill Manor

Saint Hill Manor, the former home of L. Ron Hubbard and host of the annual Saint Hill International Arts Festival, located just outside East Grinstead, is a fine 18th century sandstone building. Concerts, plays, conferences and other events regularly take place here and it is also one of the few historical attractions to remain open to the public throughout the year. Saint Hill Manor is also the head quarters of the Church of Scientology in the UK.

Address: Saint Hill Manor, Saint Hill Green, East Grinstead, West Sussex RH19 4JY

General information: www.arts-festival.org

Ticket information and prices: http://www.arts-festival.org/booking.htm

Festival Organisers: Adrian Pownall on +44 (0)7551 242991 or Angie Lemon on +44 (0)7500 253 051 or comm@arts-festival.org

Media Enquiries: John Wood on +44 (0)7771 520001 or johnalexwood@gmail.com

Saint Hill International Arts Festival 2012 to Help Artists Earn a Living from their Art

Saint Hill International Arts Festival 2012

The Festival, now in its 21st year, will start with Mozart's masterpiece, Gran Partita for 13 Wind Instruments which was featured in the film "Amadeus", and end with a rock concert called “Smoke on the Water” by the Saint Hill Lake

East Grinstead, West Sussex – The 21st Saint Hill International Arts Festival takes place 18-25 August 2012. The theme this year is to help artists unlock their ability to earn a living from their art. A week packed with concerts and workshops is planned. Humanitarian L Ron Hubbard who lived at Saint Hill Manor from 1959-67 and was also a professional artist in many fields, considered art an extremely important part of life. This inspired the Saint Hill International Arts Festival.

The festival opens on Saturday 18 August with a world-class classical concert, presented by conductor Andrew Skirrow and bassoonist Tom Hardy, who have collected together some of the finest wind players in London for a spectacular evening of Mozart and Schumann. The Blaze Ensemble are joined by actress Georgina Roberts to bring another dimension to the music with some readings of Mozart's letters.

The first half will begin with an arrangement by Andrew Skirrow of Robert Schumann's early Overture, Scherzo and Finale Op. 52 for the same combination of wind instruments as the famous Serenade No. 10 for winds in B flat major, K. 361/370a, (also known as Gran Partita) that makes up the second half of the concert.

For those unfamiliar with the sound of wind instruments in this combination, prepare to be enchanted. After all, "Harmoniemusik" (German for Harmony Music) was the choice entertainment for kings and queens throughout Europe in the 18th Century. But many will already know this particular sound as it is featured in the film Amadeus. The concert is free of charge.

Saint Hill Castle, East Grinstead

On Sunday 19 August, it’s Summertime Swing 2012 hosted by the UK's number one jive band The Jive Aces who recently made the semi final of Britain’s Got Talent. On the same day, Hollywood actress Lee Purcell who was personally chosen for her first feature film by Steve McQueen in his company's production of Adam at Six A.M., co-starring Michael Douglas, will deliver a three-day intensive professional course on How to Work on Camera: TV and Film Techniques. On Tuesday 21 August, there will be an evening performance based on Lee’s workshops and this is already proving very popular.

On Wednesday 22 August, professional event and portrait photographer Samantha Wordie will give away the secrets of pro photography.

On Thursday 23 August, there will be an all-day professional workshop for writers in any genre such as novels, poems or lyrics or even newsletters. This is a first at this arts festival and many budding writers are expected to attend.

A unique one-day seminar will be delivered by Kitty Atkinson MA (Hons) and Kirsteen Benson BA (Hons) on Friday 24 August entitled Unlock your ability to make a living from your art which will personally and individually give attendees the tools they need to succeed in their chosen field, including a step-by-step program to follow throughout the coming year.

Smoke on the Water

The grand finale of the festival is the rock concert extravaganza down by the Saint Hill Lake entitled “Smoke on the Water” featuring rock bands Iron Tyger, Fel Fish Parsley, Press Gang and Meatloaf at Mary’s. This will be put on by the East Grinstead International Arts Festival who also put on a Smoke on the Water concert last year. Both of these concerts were sponsored by Barratt Homes.

In addition, throughout the week, there will be an extensive art exhibition throughout Saint Hill Castle and grounds.

Sheila Gaiman, Executive Producer of the Arts Festival, said: “This is very much an international festival and there will be attendees from many parts of the world. Last year, 20 different countries were represented and we are hoping to beat that this year, especially as the theme is how to earn a living from your art.”

There will be a grand opening of the festival on the terrace of Saint Hill Manor on Saturday August 18 August that includes the ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by the opening classical concert.

Click here to buy tickets: 

http://www.arts-festival.org/booking.htm

For opening classical concert tickets (Free of Charge), contact Marion Shuster on 01342 312824 or email shustermarion@hotmail.com

For Festival tickets (£40 per day or £150 all-inclusive for the week), contact Siobhan on 07737 805191 or email siobhan.mirdita@yahoo.co.uk

For Smoke on the Water tickets (£10), contact Hello@SmokeOnTheWaterFest.co.uk

For more information, please contact:

Kirsteen Benson
Executive Director
Saint Hill International Arts Festival
07799 201417
kirsteenbenson@yahoo.co.uk
http://www.arts-festival.org