Gateshead Inspired exhibition drawing to a close

Yesterday saw the last of all our workshops related to the Gateshead Inspired exhibition at St. Mary's Heritage Centre. There are still 3 more days for viewing the exhibition itself before we take it down on Friday. The Heritage Centre is closed today so viewing is available from Tues. through Thurs. only.

The venue is one of my personal favourites. It is very light and airy with a wonderful view along the River Tyne. Seats are provided so you can sit and drink in the atmosphere as well as study, in comfort, parts of the exhibitions they hold. There are plenty of activities going on each week to satisfy other interests as well. St. Mary's Heritage Centre is definitely worth repeat visits.

Gateshead Inspired Officially Opens

Today certainly passed very quickly! I thoroughly enjoyed the ladies who attended my blackwork workshop this morning. I'm really looking forward to the next session I'll be undertaking on August 17. There is still some room for last minute attendees...

Then our official opening was underway with fantastic Northumbrian music provided by Robson's Choice. St. Mary's Heritage Centre is such a lovely venue and the acoustics were perfect. A great place and day for our opening event!

Gateshead Inspired Exhibition about to start

I'm taking a few minutes off from stitching to let you know that it's full steam ahead for the Gateshead Inspired exhibition showing at St. Mary's Heritage Centre in Gateshead, 9 - 22 August, 2014 (closed Mondays). I still have some room on my blackwork basics workshops if you are at all interested. I'm not sure about the other workshops but a phone call to St. Mary's Heritage Centre should provide you with the information. Must run as there is still a lot to do...

Gateshead Inspired: Workshops

Gateshead Inspired: Arts, Crafts and Photography Exhibition is more than a static exhibition of our art. Several of us are also holding workshops scheduled throughout the duration of the show. These will be conducted on site at St Mary's Heritage Centre in Gateshead on a variety of dates.

Last, but not least in our series of workshops, is the Hooky and Proggy Workshop: Get Creative with Trish Turnbull running on Sunday, 17 August, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Aimed at adults and children over 8 years, (children under 14 accompanied) this beginners workshop in the tradition of hooky and proggy techniques will get you started to make a small mat, bauble, heart or picture or begin a larger project such as a tea cosy, cushion cover, hanging or handbag to complete at home.

All the materials you need will be provided, but bring your own scissors. This is a brilliant way to conserve favourite items and recycle them into something new, so if you have any old clothes or spare material to cut up then bring them along and see how they can become something new and creative to decorate your life.

Cost: Adults £10 and Children £5 includes all materials

Contact Box Office: 0191 433 4699 or buy online at www.gateshead.gov.uk/whatson

Gatehead Inspired: Workshops

Gateshead Inspired: Arts, Crafts and Photography Exhibition is more than a static exhibition of our art. Several of us are also holding workshops scheduled throughout the duration of the show. These will be conducted on site at St Mary's Heritage Centre in Gateshead on a variety of dates.

Want to get the best from your camera, improve your images and learn about composition? Why not join in the Photography Workshop: Explore your photography skills with Wyn Barnes which runs on Friday 15 August, 1pm-4pm. This workshop includes a short walk around Gateshead Quayside using your camera under the expert guidance of Wyn Barnes, photographer. Enjoy hands-on leisure learning using your own camera. As you photograph, you will learn together in this friendly and supportive workshop. Suitable for children over 12 years if accompanied by an adult. Bring your own cameras and fully charged battery, warm clothing and comfy shoes.

£12 Places need to be pre-booked by contacting:
Mrs Wyn Barnes, 0191 413 4178
or wynbarnes@btinternet.com

Gateshead Inspired: Workshops

Gateshead Inspired: Arts, Crafts and Photography Exhibition is more than a static exhibition of our art. Several of us are also holding workshops scheduled throughout the duration of the show. These will be conducted on site at St Mary's Heritage Centre in Gateshead on a variety of dates.

Next in line are the Family Print taster workshops with textile artist Barbara Kennard. These run back to back on Wednesday, 13 August, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Each workshop lasts for approximately one hour.

Discover the joys of experimenting with printmaking. Come and create your own printed picture to take home. It will be fun because you never know how it's going to turn out! Suitable for all ages from 5 years. All children must be accompanied by an adult. All materials supplied but please bring an apron or old shirt to wear, pintmaking can be messy. £3 per child. Contact Box Office 0191 433 6965 or 0191 433 4699 or buy online at www.gateshead.gov.uk/whatson. Check out Gateshead Live for further details.

Gateshead Inspired: exhibition and workshops

News of our exhibition, called Gateshead Inspired, has reached the latest edition of the Gateshead Live schedule. The exhibition is running from Aug. 9 - 22, 2014 at St. Mary's Heritage Centre in Gateshead (next to the Sage Gateshead). It includes a variety of workshops run by several of us who are participating. Entry to the exhibition is free; costs for the workshops vary depending on the artist holding them. My taster sessions in blackwork embroidery are starting to book up so you need to contact me soon if you want a place on either Aug. 9 or Aug. 17.

Exhibitions 2014

Two of my pieces are off to Hexham to take part in the Showcase Exhibition at Queen's Hall Gallery 2 from 7th June to 21st June, 2014. Patterns for 'Spring at Cragside' and 'Seaton Delaval Hall' will be available for purchasing on site. I'm also stitching my fingers to the bone getting ready for the upcoming exhibition at St. Mary's Heritage Centre in Gateshead in August...

June Exhibition, Queen's Hall, Hexham

Next on my agenda is the Network Artists showcase exhibition happening at the Queen's Hall in Hexham from 7 to 21 June, 2014. Two of my pieces, Spring at Cragside and Seaton Delaval Hall, will be on show alongside examples of many other artists' work. My framed pieces are not for sale but the patterns will be available throughout the exhibition. Entry to the exhibition is free and will provide an exciting range of talent.

Saltwell Towers Exhibition

I was desperate to have my stitched designs hanging in the cafe at Saltwell Towers before visitors arrive for the Enchanted Park event, starting this coming Thursday (9 Dec.). I therefore scrutinised every weather report over the weekend, and fashioned a sledge of sorts in case my artwork had to travel any distance over snowy paths. I even contemplated hitching my neighbour's dog (he's the size of a small horse!) to this sledge. However, the snow stayed away, and the Council made some headway with clearing streets and paths. So, I was able to deliver my artwork as planned when I booked this time slot several months ago.

They are still desperately trying to get the Enchanted Park set up before Thursday so I'm not sure if my stitched designs are on the wall quite yet. However, I was promised that they would be hanging there in time for the event. Samples of my patterns can also be found on the window sills if you'd like to have a look before purchasing. Those of you who wish to purchase patterns need to contact me in order to do so as the Administration Office at Saltwell Towers no longer provides that service.

So, with a sigh of relief, I am signing off for now in order to get on with some other pressing business.

Snow respite

Well, the snow finally seems to have slowed down enough for me to catch my breath. Freezing fog is supposed to be our treat for tomorrow. That should prove interesting! I grew up in Nova Scotia where freezing rain was often an alternative to the snow. I stayed put whenever that happened as the ground ended up as smooth as glass and acted like a skating rink. It was a recipe for a trip to casualty otherwise.

I have made one cautious trip out in the car and managed all right on the roads. I'm not keen on walking anywhere as the paths are dreadful, and most car parks are mid-calf deep in filthy slush. However, it does require a day by day assessment.

I'm not sure if my stitched scenes will make it up on the walls of the cafe in Saltwell Towers on Monday though. They are really blocked in so I'll just have to wait and see. If you are thinking of making a trip there to see my work, best check my blog again before you set out to make sure that my work is there.