Monday 30 April 2007

Shropshire Open Studios

As an VAnet member I often feel out on a limb living on the borders and was hoping that open studios events could extend to all members. Hereford seem to have this really down to a fine art with their yearly open studios week.

This is a comment I recently got from a die hard VAN fan. I had to reply

At present you are correct –Anne McKay runs a Shrewsbury based open studios as part of the Shrewsbury Summer Season. Because we are a voluntary organisation it has been up to volunteers to come forward to organise and run events but since Steve Vicary did A Shropshire wide open studio some years ago open studios in Shropshire have been organised at a local level. Borderland Visual Arts do one around Oswestry and the Borders – I have heard of one around Broseley – If more people talked about it and could agree a format with enough people working with their local artists it could be made to happen. It’s not my thing though although I do visit some open studios - I do my best at keeping information flowing and try to provide ways for people to communicate. Others need to come to the fore to make a Shrops Open Studio happen.

A reply came -

Maybe after I have launched my new studio/workshops I will put on my thinking cap to get something started more locally.

Post your interest here - nothing is going to happen about this if people don't get involved by talking about it.

THIS IS WHERE IT CAN HAPPEN ACROSS SHROPSHIRE!!!! COMMENT

Liminality - Sheilagh Jevons


Friday 27 April 2007

Bloggin’ hell Shropshire Art Open is May 4th

Bloggin’ hell

OK Russ lets start a new thread
Where have you thundercats been – the closing date for the Shropshire Art Open is May 4th!
Entries wanted!
And we also would like 2 VAN members to join the selection commitee for Monday May 14th and potentially May 15th.
As we have secured this we would like a member or two to help; I did it last year and it was interesting and lively!!
Please contact me soon 07792665696 thanks
Oh and the application form for the exhibition is available on the web!
Casper Macindoe

ArtWorks

Shropshire County Council
Adult and Community Learning
The Gateway Arts and Education Centre,
Shrewsbury invites you to
ArtWorks

An Exhibition of Tutors’ Work
Paintings, Drawings, Embroidery, Sculpture
Artwork by Meg Arrol, Keith Ashford, Mick Gilmore,
Jane Gosling, Malcolm Hague, Angela Martin,
Heather Prescott, Rosie Read, Lorna Ward and many more

Artworks 30th April – May 25th 2007
Launch Monday 30th 5-7pm
For more details ring the Gateway 01743 355159,
Don’t miss the
Gateway Fashion Event Tues 12.15-4.00pm 22nd May
For details of adult and community learning
Workshops and courses
www.aceshropshire or www.shropshire.gov.uk

Sarah Lean Exhibition

Hello,

As an opportunity to meet me and/or to see what it is I do, I would very much like to invite you all to the opening night of my Exhibition this Tuesday evening, the 1st of May, at Frank Cafe/Bar, 7pm onwards.

If you are unable to make Tuesday, but would still like to see my work, it will remain up until the 2nd of June.

Many thanks and kind regards,

Sarah Lean

Tuesday 24 April 2007

A prehistoric dorment image forum needs life

Many years ago there was a bright idea and funding was gained to create an image forum and thus it was created. After some tests and grumbles the bright idea lost its shine and for years it slept till 2007 when the idea flickered again. Its a fun thing if a little wordy but anyone can join in share images and post messages - it does work I have just tried - give it a go artists

image forum

Clive Primary Art Week

Clive Primary School are having an Arts Week from 4th - 8th June with an Eco theme. They are looking for an artist to work with school children to make some art using junk. If you are interested and want to know more contact

Sue Taylor
Clive CE Primary School
The Hill
Grinshill
Shrewsbury
Shropshire
SY4 3LF
Telephone / Fax: 01939 220385

Monday 23 April 2007

SANDFORD from Steve Vicary

Hello All,
Sandfords 'May' exhibition this year will include Shropshire painter Judith Moy.
We are looking forward to yet another selection of wonderful paintings from her both old and new.
Judith has taken time out from a very busy exhibition schedule to exhibit with us for our second year season with a mixture of exciting new works.
I don't think Judith has every produced a mediocre picture. Her standards, expertise and skills increases year after year.
These new pieces reflect her fascination, inventiveness and exploration of the medium of paint.
This will compliment the regular Sandford Gallery artists who will also be displaying new works as always.

Judith Moys Exhibition runs from 3 May to 27 May with a Open Day Private View on Sunday 6 May 11am - 5pm all are invited (bring a friend)

'Judith Moy @ Sandford'
3 May - 27 May 2007
Sandford Gallery,
1,Sandford Place, Church Stretton, Shropshire, SY6 6DY
Open 11am -5pm
Thurs/Fri/Sat/Sun and all Bank Holidays

www.sandfordgallery.co.uk

ART WORKS AT THE GATEWAY

You are invited to the launch of ART WORKS Monday, 30 April 2007 5:00-7:00 p.m.

An exhibition by the Adult & Community Arts Tutors

Featuring the work of Meg Arrol, Sheila Sharpe, Mick Gilmore, Caris Jackson, Lorna Ward, Fiona Nisbet, Fiona Wade, Jane Gosling, Angela Martin, Malcolme Hague, Keith Ashford, Judy Willerton, Nick Williams, Heather Prescott and many more.

Exhibition runs from May 1 to May 25, 2007

Thursday 19 April 2007

Artist needed

I am looking for help in locating a local artist to share their work
and ideas with the children at Trefonen Primary School for a day
during our Art Week, week beginning Monday 21st May.




Cathy Dunleavy
Headteacher



email your interest to
The Head Trefonen CE Primary School

Tuesday 17 April 2007

VCS Assembly working lunch

VAN has been invited to attend a working lunch at Lord Hill Hotel, Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury, this thursday 19th April at 11.30am.

"You may be aware of plans to develop a Voluntary Sector Assembly for Shropshire. This is a joint project between all members of the voluntary & community sector and a wide range of partners represented on the Shropshire Partnership. The join aim for the VCS Assembly is to provide an effective forum to improve the representation and engagement of all parts of the third sector (VCS) and to give the sector a stronger voice in the development of key policies, strategies and public initiatives.

The VCS and Shropshire Partnership are currently appointing a Co-ordinator to help in the development of the Assembly and to work to improve relations between the sector and LSP partners. The working unch will give you the opportunity to meet the new co-ordinator.

There will be an opportunity for open discussion and questions"

Short notice but it would be useful for a VAN representative to get along to this meeting and report back.

Monday 16 April 2007

Pushing Boundaries

‘Pushing Boundaries’
Symposium

What is it?
A one-day symposium providing a forum for professional and aspiring makers to reflect on and discuss new ideas within national and international crafts practice.

The morning will consist of presentations by five speakers. Themes for discussion will include; approaches to practice, new markets for work, connecting to other modes and ideas of practice through exchange and collaboration. Particular emphasis will be placed on international working and perspectives.

The afternoon will consist of breakout sessions lead by one of the morning speakers in partnership with a guest critic. These are an informal opportunity for delegates to talk with the speakers. The discussion points from the sessions will be fed back for a wider panel discussion during the plenary at the end of the day. In addition, the Symposium will provide an ideal networking day for makers and other professionals within the Craft sector.

James Evans, jeweller, writer and critic, will chair the day.
The speakers are:

· Lin Cheung, jeweller
· Neil Brownsword, ceramicist.
· Maxine Bristow, textile practitioner.
· Schnuppe von Gwinner, curator and Director Craft 2eu, Germany.
· Niels van Eijk/Miriam van der Lubbe, Dutch design team.

The breakout sessions will be supported by: maker Helen Carnac, curator Lesley Millar and writer Kate McIntyre.

Where?
The Symposium will be held at Staffordshire University, Leek Road Campus, Stoke-on-Trent,
on Saturday 16th June 2007.

How do I become a delegate and what does it cost?
The fee for the day is £30 and includes lunch and delegate pack. There is a subsidised fee of £15 for 50 designer makers based in the West Midlands (subject to eligibility and availability). For a booking form please contact Lennie Ashwell 01782 294828 or Email l.ashwell@staffs.ac.uk or see www.staffs.ac.uk/pb

Who are the partners?
Staffordshire University, Faculty of Arts, Media and Design in partnership with Craftspace and Designer Maker West Midlands are organising the event to accompany the ‘Made in the Middle’ national touring exhibition. It also forms part of the Faculty of Arts, Media and Design’s continuing involvement in projects that stimulate design and creativity in the Staffordshire region.

Further Information
For more information in the first instance contact the Symposium organiser, John Grayson Tel: 01782 294815 Email: j.e.grayson@staffs.ac.uk or for a booking form, Lennie Ashwell Tel: 01782 294828 or Email: l.ashwell@staffs.ac.uk

Friday 13 April 2007


Following VAN development discussions this Website development drawing has been produced for discusion - comments welcome

Shropshire County Council Skill and Imagination?

Having got the brief for the Craftbox job being on the SCC arts mailing list I read this statement in the Introduction

Shropshire County Council provides services to its communities with skill and imagination. The Service delivers economic and social benefits by developing inspiring and high quality artistic projects, products and services. Through the work of the art service, Shropshire's built and cultural heritage and landscape is made accessible to and celebrated by local people and visitors through arts activities that reveal its historic and contemporary relevance to people.

Agree? or disagree? discuss

Craftbox Coordinator advertised £8000

The deadline for apps for the 50 day post of coordinator of Craftsbox is 27 April - max fee £8000 or £160 per day. For a brief contact Emma Daker, Contemporary Craft Curator, Bilston Craft Gallery, Mount Pleasant, Bilston, West Midlands. WV14 7LU - Tel 01902 552507 - emma.daker@dsl.pipex.com

Craftbox is a Shropshire County Council - Bilston Craft Gallery Partnership project

Monday 9 April 2007

Music Hall plans for new Museum and Art Gallery

Meetings have begun about the Music Hall development. A temporary exhibition gallery is planned but VAN needs an input to ensure local art and crafts is represented. The plans are been led by a consultant Alan Bond - give him a ring to find out what he has in mind 01544 327877.

Tuesday 3 April 2007

Sandford Gallery


SANDFORD GALLERY

‘The 2007 New Season Exhibition’

New Contemporary Paintings & Prints by


Ros Burns, Di Purser, David Mace
Tony Purser, & Steve Vicary.

1, Sandford Place,
Church Stretton,
Shropshire.

Easter Weekend Opening 6th April 2007
Good Friday/Saturday/Sunday/Easter Monday
11am – 5pm