The art of happiness

There are some exciting new changes afoot at The Burton at Bideford, as the gallery and museum leaps into a brave new world. Jo Rees got the lowdown on what’s worth a visit this season

It’s well known that creativity and the arts makes people happy. Whether that’s getting into a flow state while creating a piece of art, taking time to visit a gallery to enjoy quiet contemplation of the work, or being entertained by musicians and performers. So are you feeding your creative self? If you think that you could do with a little more nourishment, take a trip to Bideford where the Burton Art Gallery has been relaunched as The Burton At Bideford. This hub of creativity celebrates its 65th birthday this year and has just left the umbrella of Torridge District Council and launched out on its own as a charitable trust. So the Burton team now has the opportunity to inject even more creativity and oomph to its programme of high-end arts events and exhibitions.

Here are a few of this season’s must-sees:

Burton’s 65th Anniversary 17 Sept–2 Nov

Visit this vibrant exhibition celebrating 65 years of The Burton which tells its story through a fascinating collection of artefacts. From humble beginnings the Burton has grown to be the only purpose-built venue in the area on the north coast, between Bristol and St Ives, hosting exhibitions of national and international standing.

Westward Ho! and Bideford Art Society - 94th Annual Open Exhibition

Clearing Later, by Judith Westcott, woodcut

23 July–3 Sept

For an eclectic and exciting mix of painting, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics and 3D art don’t miss this exhibition. An institution on the north Devon art scene, the respected society has a knack of delivering the unexpected while fostering and nurturing the region’s finest artists.

5 Nov–22 Jan 2017

Want a trip down memory lane? Meet Bagpuss, see the Soup Dragon and behold Noggin the Nog in this touring exhibition organised by the V&A Museum of Childhood. Oliver Postgate’s voice and Peter Firmin’s puppets shaped the childhood memories of millions when they started collaborating in the 1950s. As well as telling the story of Bagpuss and the Clangers, this exhibition goes behind the scenes of some of their other creations: Pogles’ Wood, Noggin the Nog and Ivor the Engine.

Bagpuss, Smallfilms/V&A

Snow Day by Merlyn Chesterman, woodcut

The Annual Open Christmas Exhibition

19 Nov–22 Dec

Want to find a unique, handcrafted Christmas gift? This fundraising open exhibition is a great way to support The Burton and experience the best of north Devon’s artistic talent. One Day This Glass Will Break by Cornelia Parker, photogravure Courtesy the artist and Alan Cristea Gallery, London

Cornelia Parker: One Day This Glass Will Break

24 Sept–7 Nov

Cornelia Parker is a renowned British artist who has been shortlisted for the Turner Prize. Best known for her large-scale installations including Cold Dark Matter: An Exploded View (1991), her new body of work is inspired by Fox Talbots’ first photographic images. This exhibition is on tour from London’s prestigious Alan Cristea Gallery.

SELF

Learning to love life

Learning something new can boost our wellbeing in so many exciting and positive ways. Mastering a new skill exposes us to fresh ideas, helps us stay curious, builds our self confidence, gives us a sense of accomplishment and is a chance to make new friends

There’s no need to go back to school or to get a formal qualification to get the buzz of learning. Why not join a club, choir or class? Here are some ideas for engaging body, mind and soul in fabulously enriching new pursuits

Body

We all know that physical exercise is great for our health, but did you know it also releases endorphins which increase positive feelings and help to relieve pain?

The effect of a good workout on your brain is similar to morphine, yet the resulting high is completely natural.

Learn to be a road cyclist

A two-wheeled jaunt with Propello Women’s Cycling Group, which meets at CarbCycles bike shop in Barnstaple, is exhilarating fun. Rides are led by coach Rob Wakefield who aims to create a fun environment ‘not fuelled by testosterone’ where women can ride, train, chat and eat cake together. www.propello.bike/womens-cycling

And stretch ...

Said to be the secret behind Pippa Middleton’s shapely derrière, pilates is the body system of choice for those seeking a flat stomach, toned arms and firm thighs. Check out Kendra Pilates in Braunton and Debbie West Pilates in Barnstaple. www.kendrapilates.co.uk www.northdevonpilates.co.uk

Get fit and feel fabulous

There are no mirrors, no pumping music and no men at Barnstaple’s award-winning state-ofthe-art women-only gym. Go30 offers personally tailored fitness programmes in a fun, friendly and supportive environment. www.go30.co.uk Mind

Studies have shown that people who continue to stimulate the old grey matter and develop beyond school years are happier and more confident as a result.

Dance yourself dizzy

According to research, you get a bigger release of endorphins when you dance compared to any other form of exercise. But that’s not all. There are cognitive benefits too: dancing not only boosts happiness it also improves creative-thinking patterns. From ballet and ballroom to belly dance and African, there’s a great choice of fun local classes to choose from. www.unlimiteddance.co.uk www.britishfusionbellydance.co.uk www.ballroomlatindance.wix.com/ballroom-and-latin www.andigwadance.co.uk

Skill-up

From learning a new language and mastering your computer to taking up a musical instrument and getting the most out of your camera, new skills bring a new lease of life. Petroc college’s adult education courses are worth checking out if you’re keen to embark on a new hobby. www.petroc.ac.uk

Exercise your inner wordsmith

Writing can be therapeutic fun and a great way to express yourself. If you’ve ever fancied plotting a bestselling novel, penning a play or experimenting with poetry, Arvon runs a programme of residential creative writing courses at its 16th century manor house in Totleigh Barton. www.arvon.org

Spirit

Unleashing your creativity can be absorbing fun which brings a sense of satisfaction and in-the-moment spiritual bliss

According to some psychologists, immersing yourself in something you really enjoy can induce a ‘flow state’ – that feeling when you are so involved in what you are doing, that you forget everything around you.

Get crafty

Activities like painting, drawing, pottery and sculpture are relaxing and rewarding hobbies that can lower your stress levels and leave you feeling mentally clear and emotionally calm. Making and creating gives your brain a break from your everyday thoughts. It also trains your mind to concentrate on details – a bit like meditation. The Plough Arts Centre regularly runs art and craft workshops. www.theploughartscentre.org.uk

Creative cookery

Want to be a creative hostess and home cook à la Nigella? The Two Tarts Cookery School at Bratton Fleming will get you rustling up delicious dishes in a fun, friendly and encouraging environment. www.twotartscookeryschool.co.uk

Sweet harmony

Swedish research has shown that singing in a choir not only increases oxygen levels in the blood but triggers the release of happy hormones like oxytocin which is thought to lower stress and blood pressure. You don’t need any experience to join the La La Voices, a thriving fun community choir that meets at the Landmark Theatre in Ilfracombe. www.northdevontheatres.org.uk

Time to switch off

Need to turn off your busy thoughts for a few moments? Try meditation, mindfulness or yoga. At North Devon School of Yoga there are classes to calm the spirit, still the mind and relax the body, all the while toning and strengthening your core. www.northdevonyoga.co.uk