Working alongside Kids in Museums, Manchester Art Gallery hosted a national ‘Culture Babies’ conference today which focused on the importance of engaging children aged 0-2 years and their parents/carers in creative gallery sessions.

After having run Mini Art Club for a good three years at the gallery, we had reflected on the need to engage younger children aged 0-2 years as it was identified that there was a slight lack of activities available specifically for parents with very young children. Artists Naomi Kendrick and Najia Bagi went on to set up a Baby Art Club in which they further explored multi-sensory environments aimed specifically at babies who are not quite ready to walk! As Naomi is now about to have a little one herself, I stepped in to deliver a special one-off taster session, as part of the Culture Babies conference today.

As always, our inspiration comes from artworks in the gallery, in this case the 17th Century gallery on the 1st floor. A key artwork in this gallery is the painting ‘Sir Thomas Aston at the Deathbed of his Wife’ by John Souch (see link below for image). The subject matter in this artwork is rather dark and macabre, however the gallery space also exhibits other similar artworks which depict family life in the 17th Century through formal portraits. It is an interesting exercise to respond to artworks that we may overlook or deem unsuitable or inappropriate for certain groups and then try to tease out interesting thoughts, ideas and responses.

I thought it would be useful to begin to pull out key themes and imagery from the artworks and, having spent some time looking, began to notice the intricate, lacy details on the clothing of the characters in the artwork, as well as the heavy contrast of dark and light / black and white. Black and white became the theme for our sensory installation downstairs and this proved to be a theme that could be accessed, explored and questioned at different levels.

Black and white materials were laid out and contrasted in the studio environment downstairs which created a strong visual contrast aimed specifically at young eyes. We also wanted to question the stereotypical understanding of the symbolism of black and white. Black is not often associated with young children. In Western cultures, white is often viewed positively as something which symbolises purity, light, life and innocence, whilst black is often associated with death, shadows, darkness and even the occult.

We somehow wanted to invert this so that black could be cast in a positive light and could even be portrayed as something that had the quality of something light, whereas white became heavy. Furthermore, we wanted to explore ways of interpreting the sensory qualities of black and white, i.e. what would black sound like/feel like/taste like, as opposed to white?

A small group of mums with babies entered the space and were invited to explore a variety of materials and objects with all the senses, i.e. heavy white balloons filled with water and black beans, heavy white cobbles, light black balloons, white and black velvet, black and white lace, black and white flowers and vegetables (chrysanthemums, cauliflower, aubergines, beans), and even a black and white keyboard! Meanwhile, conference delegates were invited to visit the space, make observations and ask questions.

Most of the mums hadn’t attended Baby Art Club before and many were pleasantly surprised by the taster session. In particular one mum commented on how she thought it was “refreshing” that the session wasn’t adult-led, but rather allowed time and space for her to spend time with her baby to play and explore.

It was a lovely session to run, even if it took us all morning to set up the installation. Many thanks to Andrew Moseley, Jess Wild and Alex Thorp for all their help!

Links:

http://culturebabies.org.uk/

http://www.manchestergalleries.org/

https://www.facebook.com/ManchesterArtGallery#

http://www.manchestergalleries.org/the-collections/search-the-collection/display.php?EMUSESSID=9d8060fa3a1e96ea0b37d694d9339692&irn=3461

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Wild-Bees-Sound-Vision/209126015774372

http://kidsinmuseums.org.uk/

http://vimeo.com/andrewmosley

It’s catch-up time! Here are 9 lovely photos to provide a glimpse of what I’ve been up to – creating and delivering the Mini Art Club sessions at Manchester Art Gallery over the past three months.

We’ve been interpreting and responding to some lovely artworks from the brilliant ‘First Cut’ exhibition on the top floor. It’s been a great opportunity to focus on some beautiful paper artworks large and small.

In November our ‘Shape Shifters’ session responded to the beautiful, intricate and shapely work of Sarah Bridgland. In December, we went into outer space taking the theme of ‘Navigating Nebulae’ from artist Andy Singleton’s amazing large-scale paper-cut swirls. Finally, in January, we explored and built our own ‘Forest of Wonder’, whilst being inspired by Manabu Hangai’s lovely hand-made leaves and installation.

I’m suffering from some serious paper cuts now!

Links:

http://www.manchestergalleries.org/

http://www.manchestergalleries.org/whats-on/exhibitions/index.php?itemID=92

https://www.facebook.com/ManchesterArtGallery

http://www.sarahbridgland.com/

http://andysingleton.co.uk/

http://www.hangais.com/art_web/eng/e_frame/f_set.htm

It’s catch-up time!

This weekend I worked with families taking inspiration from artist Andy Singleton’s beautiful paper-cut icicle, currently suspended in the atrium at Manchester Art Gallery, as part of the ‘First Cut’ exhibition. Families worked together in the atrium, focusing on shapes, patterns and forms inspired by the space and artwork around them.

The display grew over the weekend to take over the windows of the atrium, creating an interesting way to frame viewpoints overlooking Princess Street.

Links:

http://andysingleton.co.uk/

http://www.manchestergalleries.org/whats-on/exhibitions/index.php?itemID=92

http://www.facebook.com/ManchesterArtGallery

http://www.flickr.com/photos/manchester_city_galleries/collections/72157606686346575/

The Art Works was the second phase of a community arts project working on behalf of Lime Art. I worked with textile / surface designer and educator Hazel Hewitt to engage a group of adults who attend a weekly job club at a college in Wigan. The aim was to create a programme of 6 sessions spread out one evening a week from October-November, in order to provide the opportunity for job club attendees to learn new skills, increase their confidence and have an outlet for self-expression.

Our workshops quickly evolved into a creative, drop-in social space for a small number of core participants. As opposed to taught sessions, it became clear that participants wanted to try out new techniques such as printing, mark-making, sewing, paper-construction, etc. The project evolved as a safe space to express feelings and personal issues through creative activity, rather than work in a prescriptive manner to create an end product. The approach was participant-led as it emerged that each participant had a particular idea or interest and wanted to develop this individually.

As an example, one participant who was initially reluctant to join as he was only there “for job club”, revealed a former interest in photographing local landscapes, building dry stone walls and making charcoal! His enthusiasm and confidence increased as he brought shoe boxes full of photos to sort through, edit and select. We facilitated this process of editing, selecting and curating an exhibition of photos. We also suggested ways to mount, frame and potentially sell the photos, encouraging him to recognise the value and quality of his photographic ‘hobby’.

Although aimed at adults only, a couple of dads decided to bring their children along to the sessions. This altered the dynamic of the group as the children were energetic, easily excited and enthusiastic to try out lots of different things. They confidently worked their way through the range of materials in a more exploratory manner. It was perhaps a good thing that there were two artist-facilitators present as it meant that one of us could engage the children, whilst the other could give more attention to the adults, who regularly asked for one-to-one assistance.

We felt that we only touched on the surface of what we could offer in terms of developing individualised projects. Unfortunately, 6 x 3 hour sessions didn’t seem enough for the group to really become absorbed. Project momentum only seemed to pick up halfway through and participants couldn’t always arrive on time or attend every session. At the end, participants expressed their desire for the sessions to continue as a regular, social, drop-in creative space – a place where they could work, talk and have lots of tea and biscuits! It also became clear that they felt like things were suddenly ending, just as they were building confidence to try new things.

This programme of activities followed on from another project led by artist Johnny Woodhams during the summer, in which another group worked together to create plans and artworks for an outdoor shelter to be installed within the local community area. This group will be building and installing an outdoor gazebo, which will function as a shelter, alternative gallery/performance and multi-purpose space within a community garden. The structure is due to be installed in spring 2013 and it is hoped that, from this, the groups will come together in order to decide on a programme of creative, community activity…. watch this space!

Links:

http://www.limeart.org/

http://www.hazelhewitt.com/

http://www.johnnywoodhams.co.uk/

I’ve just had two photos accepted to be exhibited as part of the Warrington Contemporary and Photography Open 2012!

The photos will be exhibited at the Pyramid Hall in Warrington town centre until the 27th October. For a sneaky preview see the pics below…

Links:

http://www.pyramidparrhall.co.uk/about-us/news/support-the-warrington-contemporary-arts-festival

http://warringtonartsfestival.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/WCAFbrochure_2012-FINAL.pdf

For the ‘Inside Outside’ slideshow and sounds, click here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/michikofujii/sets/72157631311504422/

‘Inside Outside’ is a series of workshops I developed with artist Sarah Marsh. Inspired by the artworks from the Turner Monet Twombly exhibition at Tate Liverpool, England, Sarah and I developed a creative and experimental programme over four weeks in August.

Each week the workshop focused on a different season, connecting to key themes in the exhibition, such as the floating world, fire and water, the vital force, atmosphere and loss. The workshops also encouraged the exploration of colour palettes, textures and materials through different processes.

Each week the workshops offered opportunities for open-ended activity, the chance to add to an evolving artwork and also something to make and take home.

The views over the Mersey from the studio window formed a poetic connection with the watery worlds of Turner, Monet and Twombly as the light and atmosphere change dramatically throughout the day. The sound of the sea through speakers added another layer to this exploration of fluid landscapes, marks, colour and emotions.

Links:

http://www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-liverpool

http://www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-liverpool/kids-and-families

http://www.evelynarts.co.uk/

Phew… I’m on a roll! Here’s a selection of images taken in the ‘Rags to Riches’ summer family workshops at Manchester Art Gallery as part of the We Face Forward festival across Manchester.

Inspired by Nnenna Okore’s artwork ‘When the Heavens Meet the Earth’, we have been challenging ourselves to transform waste materials into wondrous works of art. Okore uses a range of natural materials which she deconstructs, decays, dyes, reforms, etc. She works with natural materials such as paper, clay, burlap and natural dyes.

Over the past couple of weeks in the gallery, we have been focusing on line and form, producing drawings and experimenting with newspaper in the gallery in front of the artwork. Downstairs we’ve been working with a range of waste materials to create colliograph prints. We also had a lot of fun exploring different ways to shape clay using key words as prompts… what fun!

Links:

http://www.nnennaokore.com/

http://www.wefaceforward.org/artists/nnenna-okore

http://www.wefaceforward.org/venues/manchester-art-gallery

http://www.facebook.com/ManchesterArtGallery#

http://www.manchestergalleries.org/

After a long and lovely weekend working at the Just So festival at Rode Hall Parkland Cheshire, I’ve finally found some time to load up a few pictures.

Hidden in enchanted woodland, ‘Away with the Fairies’, my Tent of Surprise revealed a paper forest (literally!) growing inside the tent. With baskets filled with surprises to rummage through, families were able to explore objects through all the senses. Torches revealed paper-cut shadows and bugs (both imaginary and real!), pots of perfumes or potions conjured up responses, emotions and memories, children listened out for noises and the feely basket was full of surprises – including a real frog that had accidentally landed in there and gone to sleep! Perhaps it was the fairy queen who had been out casting spells…

Links:

http://www.justsofestival.org.uk/

http://www.justsofestival.org.uk/away-with-the-fairies-at-a-glance/

http://www.facebook.com/justsofestival

This month’s ‘We Face Forward’ Mini Art Club session responded to the artist Piniang’s semi-abstract collaged paintings ‘Flood in the Suburb 1 and 2′ and ‘Power Cut in the Suburb’. Piniang (real name Ibrahima Niang) is a multi-media artist who works with a fusion of materials. The paintings in this exhibition depict the architecture of Dakar and somehow capture the chaos of an overcrowded city after a flood or power cut. Here, Piniang is concerned with population growth and urban development out of control.

Families visited the exhibition virtually in the dark, accompanied by the frenetic beat of the drum played by Danny Henry. We then headed down to the studio to mark-make and explore various recycled materials, focusing on the colour palette in Piniang’s work. We later constructed (and knocked down) a fragile cardboard city, and danced to the beat of a chaotic city, led by the amazingly versatile Danny.

What a fast, colourful, frenzied and fun morning!

Links:

http://www.wefaceforward.org/venues/manchester-art-gallery

http://www.wefaceforward.org/artists/piniang

http://www.facebook.com/ManchesterArtGallery#

http://www.mancky.co.uk/?p=3896

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xR8-EWcRo08

We’ve just had our 50th Mini Art Club… and what a morning!

As part of the ‘We Face Forward’ summer programme, we responded to artist Nnenna Okore’s work ‘Where Heaven Meets the Earth’, concentrating on the theme of decay and transformation. Materials to be explored and transformed were a variety of recycled papers, different consistencies and types of clay, as well as natural materials such as hessian, twine, vegetables and spices!

Okore is particularly concerned with re-using and transforming materials, working into them using a variety of techniques to test the limits of each material as it deconstructs, falls apart, decays, fades, changes colour, etc. We attempted to explore this laying out a wet clay and natural dye room with paper and also a dark, shadowy paper room. To complement and extend this further, dancer, percussionist and musician Danny Henry interpreted key words (such as rip, stamp, fold) through a series of beats, rhythms and movement – much to the delight of everyone involved! It was really insightful to work with such a diverse and experimental performer who instinctively understood the ethos of Mini Art Club.

Such a great way to celebrate our 50th session!

N.B. Lo-fi mini vid clips hopefully coming up soon!

Links:

http://www.nnennaokore.com/

http://www.wefaceforward.org/venues/manchester-art-gallery

http://www.wefaceforward.org/artists/nnenna-okore

http://www.facebook.com/ManchesterArtGallery#

http://www.mancky.co.uk/?p=3896