Every July, 400-plus artists, craftspeople, performers, musicians and lecturers come together in the beautiful house and grounds at Waterperry (right) to demonstrate their skills and their love of their chosen art form. The result is a hugely rich experience for the 25,000 visitors.

The event enables them to see the creation of sculpture, painting, jewellery, textiles, ceramics, woodwork, glass and much more. In addition they can enjoy live music and the performing arts, attend lectures or learn ‘how to’ in one of the classes. There is also fine food and drink.

In 2012, Art in Action is celebrating the Diamond Jubilee with a marquee showcasing artists from the Commonwealth. Some UK artists are taking the Jubilee and things royal as their theme. One is sculptor Tom Hiscocks with his depiction of the Queen’s Beasts. Hiscocks supports recycling and works in reclaimed metal. The result is an engaging series of mythical, actual and heraldic creatures, ranging from an alert Welsh dragon to very leonine lions, from racehorses in motion to a regal eagle.

Pictured right is the artist Brian Nyanhongo, from Chapungu Sculpture Park. He is one of a group of highly skilled sculptors who work in local stone, transforming it into powerful and evocative expressions of beauty — some in human or animal forms others as abstract pieces. In addition to the opportunity to watch the sculptors at work, there will also be tours of the sculpture trail, Embracing the Spirit, in Waterperry Gardens.

International artists in a different medium are the Tent Makers of Cairo. They use traditional and contemporary appliqué designs which they hand stitch to create linings for tents that take on the appearance of stained glass as sunlight plays though them. The finished articles are then used as part of rituals and ceremonies including weddings, funerals and religious feasts.

The UK artist Sarah Homfray will be demonstrating a textile technique of a different kind, as she creates delicate pieces of magnificent opulence, using gold embroidery and silk shading to do so. By contrast, artist Graham Muir will be pushing the boundaries of what glass can do as he creates glass waves at the point of crashing down and in doing so captures both the beauty and the power of nature.

Art in Action is at Waterperry House from July 19-22.