Update Spring 2016
Crafts at Chistmas 2015
Artists from the Brothers of Charity Services in Lancashire’s Creative Arts department decided to put a different spin on their last pre Christmas sale. Instead of holding their own event they decided to support organised events by booking stalls along side other local artists and crafts people. Lancashire College was just one of the events available in our area.
Despite the stalls being outdoors, artists Kayleigh and Andrew wrapped up warm and stood attending to their customers, well into the evening. Their stall the following Saturday at Houghton Village Hall was met with much interest from local residents and stall holders Kayleigh and Sara were fortunate enough to sell a couple of pieces of their art work.
Artists had been preparing for these events well in advance. They had been busy making seasonal gifts and decoration as early as September. They visited local retailers and events to get ideas for items to make and how to set their stall out. These included Birkachre Garden Centre, Avant Gardens, Cedar Farm Galleries and Brockholes Nature Reserve.
Spring is in the Air
Artist took advantage of the first signs of spring, during their creative arts sessions. Despite the chilly breeze they explored the sensory garden on the grounds at Lisieux Hall.
Damion, Adam and Lee wrapped up warm and took inspiration from natural forms and sculptural pieces that they discovered whilst out walking. Lee came across some strange fungus growing on the top of a tree stump and decided to photograph it on his smart phone. Damion enjoyed finding his way to the centre of the maize whilst Adam marvelled at his mirror image.
“I like being outside.” commented Damion. “the fresh air and different things to see.”
Lee remarked “I liked looking at myself in the mirrors. I took some photos of Damion and Adam on my phone camera and I’ve still got them. If it’s nice weather I’d like to do something like that again.”
The group are now planning their second woodland walk and will use natural forms and found objects to create sculptural pieces. They are currently studying the work of Andy Goldsworthy and Anthony Gormley in preparation for this project.
John Meets the Artist
Cedar Farm Galleries at Mawdesley has often provided artists with a variety of different inspirational mediums. In particular, John was taken by the work of local artist Jenny McCabe when he visited the gallery last December. She uses old maps and newspaper as the basis for her animal and bird screen prints. By chance, Jenny was replacing some of her exhibition work in the main gallery and John was lucky enough to meet her.
He explained that he too is a painter who works on large scale pieces who had held a very successful exhibition of his work at Lisieux Hall last year. Jenny was delighted to be able to chat with John about his artwork and also explained the process and inspiration for her own work.
Inspired by their meeting, John has now researched Jenny’s work further by using the internet. Like Jenny he has used old maps to create his own highly coloured, flower and sun based pieces. He hopes to develop this style of working in order to exhibit or sell his work in the future. He also plans to contact the artist again to share with her his current work.
Selection BOCS Gets a Facelift
If you happen to have been at Selection BOCS on Friday Street in Chorley you will have noticed that Creative Arts have been busy transforming it’s wall with a vast selection of fabulous creative pieces. Artists have been carefully choosing and framing their work to create a powerful display of contemporary paintings, prints, collage and ceramic pieces. Many of the artists have chosen to sell their work and are using the space not only as an exhibition platform but also to showcase their wares.
Creative Art sessions currently take place at the Selection BOCS venue on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursday evenings, Fridays and Saturdays. This new venue is in an ideal location for artists as it is close to Chorley town centre and also the public transport networks.
Artists have really enjoyed bringing to life the former Crafty Solutions building. One artist remarked “It’s been great doing this and really nice have a place that we feel is our own.”
If you are interested in purchasing artwork from artists who attend Creative Art session you are welcome to visit us on the days mentioned above. Please call us to find out the time we are likely to be there on 07884866518.
Music Maestros
An impromptu jamming session, suggested by artist Stephen, provided his art group with a musical expression of creativity.
On drums: Stephen
On Percussion: Claire and Peter
Chief Conductor: Rachel
The group agreed that they have a long way to go before Simon Cowell would consider them for the X-Factor finals however they thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
The Creative Arts Team have sessions in a variety of location including Chorley, Whittle le Woods and Leyland. They hold group sessions and also support artists on a one to one basis. Artists are encouraged to develop their own creative interests which may be through arts and crafts such as drawing, painting, printing and pottery or through other sensory mediums such as music, dance, relaxation and therapeutic interaction.
Sessions are currently Monday to Saturday and on one evening per week. If you think you might be interested in joining a session please call Creative Arts Team Leader, Andrea Fairhurst on 07884866518.