At 700 m above sea-level, the Aldeia do Xisto of Cerdeira   holds the artistic events Elementos à solta - Art meets nature. Artists are invited to reside, exhibit, work, talk, eat and socialise in a stunning natural setting.

In an intimate environment, which leads to an open dialogue between artists and guests, for experimentation in various workshops, with contemplation and inspiration for all.

Inspired by the book "Bichos", by Miguel Torga, the Aldeia do Xisto of Cerdeira will host the 12th edition of "Elementos à Solta - Art Meets Nature", from 1st to 4th June. The book serves as a source of inspiration by talking about us, our stories and our world. It is Noah's ark, it is diversity and uniqueness, it is beauty and survival. We will talk about living beings and being alive.

An arts gathering, a space for conversation and learning, with 14 guest artists, workshops, performance and film, exhibits, concerts and talks, nature dives and food from the chef.
 

JAZZ AND EXPERIMENTATION – highlights of the programme

The launch concert for the 2017 edition of XJazz - Jazz Encounters in the Aldeias do Xisto, takes place in Cerdeira, on Friday, June 2, at 10pm: Mû Mbana is a singer/songwriter and interpreter of various chords, bringing tones and flavours of Africa generated by the world.

Throughout Saturday, June 3, at various points in the village, workshops with the artists who are part of the "Cerdeira School of Arts and Crafts" and the "Craft Council of the Aldeias do Xisto" will be held. With this group of artists of diverse knowledge and experience you can practice and learn: pottery, ceramics, textiles, drawing and sculpture. Feel like an artist for a day in Cerdeira!

"Elementos à Solta - Art meets Nature" is one of the events that best demonstrates the experimental nature of the Aldeias do Xisto's approach to the territory, regarding it as a living laboratory and creating the conditions to host artists and knowledge.

BICHOS – 14 stories 14 artists

The 14 invited artists who accepted the challenge to work around the theme of "Bichos" are: Alberto Azevedo (ceramics), Ana Rita Albuquerque (textiles), António Fernandes (wood sculpture), Carlos Lima (ceramics), Cristina Vilarinho (ceramic painting), Helena Zália (illustration), Kerstin Thomas (wood sculpture), Luís Antero (sound sculpture), Paula Violante (ceramics), Renato Costa e Silva (ceramics), Ricardo Casimiro (ceramics), Sérgio Eliseu (virtual art), Vânia Kosta (textile), Xana Monteiro (ceramics).
 

PROGRAMME

Friday, day 2
7.30pm
Dinner at the Village (registration till 30/05)
9.30pm
"Morgado" - A staged reading of a short story by Miguel Torga, by The Theatre Group "Barraca Preta"
10pm
“Mû Mbana” is a singer/songwriter and interpreter of various styles. Tones and flavours of Africa generated by the world. Open concert XJazz - Jazz Sessions in the Aldeias do Xisto.

Saturday, day 3
10.30am | 1pm | 3pm | 6pm
Summerschool day Cerdeira Village - Experimentation and demonstration workshops (prior registration required)
5pm
“A história do pássaro e do peixe” - shadow puppetry, by Activar/Lousã
8.30pm
“Desalinhados” - Unique show in Portugal, an amazing project that brings together ten potters, one musician and a ton of clay in a fantastic performance.
9.30pm
" A Presença, serene and tender" is a piano and voice concerto, by Hélder Bruno, who plays all the compositions. On the piano Hélder Bruno, accompanied by soprano Carla Bernardino.
12pm -10pm
Taberna das Artes -   delicious snacks prepared by Chef Luís Andrezinho.

Sunday, day 4
7am - 11am
Wildlife Photography Workshop, a walk with António Castelo  (€20 per person. Registration open till  1st June, by contacting: elementosasolta@gmail.com)
11am -1pm
Pottery wheel workshop.
Conversation with resident artists: Julia Kukkonen (Finland) and Shelby Prindaville (USA).
12pm
"Xistro Sonoro" Concert is a project by sound sculptor and collector Luís Antero, which is based on some of the soundscapes and landmarks of the 27 Aldeias do Xisto, collected on site in 2009 and 2016.

From 1st to 4th of June
Collective exhibition “Bichos”– 14 stories 14 artists
Solo exhibitions of invited artists
Interactive exhibitions
CineRuina
Café da Videira (11am-7pm)
Shop (11am-7pm)
Tea tasting  (Planta do Xisto) (subject to availability)