Author: Tayla_Smith

Tutor Profile : Juliet Collins

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Our pottery courses are run by three experienced, passionate and skilled tutors in our bespoke Pottery studio in Newport. Juliet Collins runs our Wednesday morning and afternoon sessions and we thought we’d introduce her by asking some questions about herself as a potter:

When did your passion for ceramics start?

My passion for ceramics started at school. From a young age I used to make things out of sweet wrappers and the plasticine but since I discovered clay at the age of 11 there was no holding me back! I was lucky to have an amazing pottery teacher too who really nurtured and encouraged me to go to art college.

What do you love best about teaching ceramics?

I’ve been teaching ceramics now for 35 years and it still amazes me how much students can achieve once given a few simple techniques. There are so many exciting things to learn. I love watching students evolve and grow in confidence as they discover which methods and styles that really inspire them. Though I specialise in animals my students have free rein to make just about anything they wish!

Tell us a little bit about your own practice?

When I’m not teaching I primarily make animal sculptures from a very textured clay and use matte glazes which really suit the style of my work. (Check out my facebook page Juliet Collins Animal Sculptures) . I do throw pots on the wheel occasionally but I’ve always been a great animal lover and the natural world is where my inspiration comes from. My studio is in a room on the side of my house in Totland. I sell direct to my clients and partly through galleries and shops on the Island and the mainland and through shows like Wolverton Manor Garden fair, Open Studios and the occasional exhibition on the mainland and undertake commissions.

Most useful pottery tip?

My most useful pottery tip is to try anything (within reason!) There are ‘rules’ on how to do most things in ceramics but it’s always good to try something different if you’re curious as you never really know what could happen! Run it by your tutor first of course!!

Juliet’s workshops are on Wednesdays and can be booked via Courses and Workshops.

If you would like to buy someone a workshop as a gift you can book directly online or purchase a gift voucher from our Quay Arts craft shop, open 7 days a week.
*Vouchers can only be redeemed in person or over the phone*

See some of Juliet’s work below.

Tags Pottery, QuayNews, tutor, young people

Quay News Uncategorized

February Fun

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Quay Arts hosted the marvellous two day IW Story Festival in February which enjoyed sell out shows and a host of fabulous authors and activities. One of the big names at the event was Axel Scheffler who illustrated the iconic Gruffalo story books. Families queued right through the café and out the door to meet him and get their books signed.

To cap off a fantastically busy few days we welcomed The Bubble Show on Sunday afternoon. The theatre was at full capacity and Mr Bubbles kept all the audience entertained particularly the lucky few who got to stand in a giant size bubble! Mr Bubbles will be back at Quay Arts in the Autumn.

We have also had wonderful evenings of music with ‘Night and Spiers’ and ‘Remi Harris & Tom Moore’ and ‘Voodoo Room’ thoroughly delighting our appreciative music loving audiences.

The second Monday evening Collage Club was also held (check out the particularly fabulous collaged Crossword Cat that was made). Next Collage Club is on Monday 28^th March 7-9pm. The youngsters who came to this Sunday’s Kids Art Club also enjoyed the art of cutting and pasting as you can see from this lovely ‘Spring’ artwork that they made. Next Kids Art Club is Sunday 27^th March 10 – 12pm.

All Rivers Run North: Spoken Word

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All Rivers Run North | Spoken Word Commission | Adam Gaterell

As part of the ‘All Rivers Run North’ exhibition an original spoken word response by Island Poet Adam Gaterell was commissioned. Filmed by Chester George and supported by funding from Arts Council England, you can watch the performance on our Quay Arts YouTube channel below.

Adam will also be running a workshop session as part of the IW Story Festival in February. Adam will take young people on an artistic exploration of ways to create monsters for their own stories, comics or art.

SIX / :::

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New Group Show exhibition opening at Quay Arts on Sat 8^th Jan.

January sees an exciting new group exhibition open in the main West Gallery at Quay Arts. Titled ‘SIX / :::’ the show features work by six artists selected from the Quay Arts 2021 OPEN and then awarded a supported exhibition. ‘SIX’ runs from Sat 8^th January 2022 – Sat 5^th March 2022 in the West Gallery – FREE entry

SIX blends newly created pieces, works in perpetual progress and items from the makers pasts that have worked themselves into the present. Mediums include assemblage, ceramics, print, painting, installation, and film incorporating local clay, found objects, oils, paper, Lego and silver. 

SIX includes Jill Wilkinson’s powerful painting ‘Lost in a Lost World’; Shaun Martins’ “Initiating Objects”; the anxious and fragmented paintings of Charles Inge; Lisa Heath’s dramatic “Collision” sculpture; dynamic multi-medium assemblages from David Hamilton; and Fran Farrar’s ‘Catching the Light’ series of abstract etchings.

Unifying the seemingly disparate artists is a sustained, thoughtful, and often experimental exploration of identity, space and sequentiality. Each of the SIX artists invites viewers to examine the expression of their diverse practices and methodologies and to arrive at their own unique interpretations.

Exhibiting Artists are:

Ian Whitmore:

“The selected artists responded magnificently to the opportunity despite not knowing each other and working within a limited time frame. I took pleasure being part of the development and presentation of existing, recently finished and newly created works going so far as to collaborate with artist Shaun Martin, translocating and reconfiguring a section of his studio whilst he is out of the Country. The artists and Quay Arts took risks which have really paid off producing a strong, high quality and thought-provoking exhibition.”

2022 Fundraising Calendar

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They’re here! Our 2022 Fundraising calendars are now available to purchase. Featuring 12 superb, inspiring artists who all have a connection with Quay Arts. These will make a fantastic Christmas present to send to love ones and bring joy to your walls all year round! The calendars retail at £15 and all profits go towards our charitable aims. (Charity No: 272007). Available to buy from our craft shop in Sea Street where you can also pick up beautiful jewellery, cards and crafts . Thank you to all 12 artists who have generously supported the calendar.

Remembrance Poppies

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We had a fantastic event on Saturday launching the stunning Remembrance Poppy Display in the Café.

This from Terry Goodwin from the Royal Marines Association:
“The opening ceremony took place on Saturday 6th November of this outstanding Remembrance Display. This was made possible by the hard work of Primary Schools. 23 Schools were involved, including Sandown ladies sowing club and the Shanklin brownies. This display will remain in situ for the next couple of weeks. The quality, hard work and thought the children put into this, warms the cockles of your heart. It will not only make you smile it will make your heart smile.

The design and construction was completed by “The Creative Industries Department” at Newport college, who have produce an impressive design. This reflects the importance we all hold for our past heroes. It can be viewed in the warm and friendly atmosphere of the restaurant area so you can enjoy a coffee or a meal while viewing this beautiful display.

Taking part, at the opening were, Bob Seely MP. Councillors, Debbie Andre, education executive, children services, Ian Ward (President of the RMA) and Ian Dore, Military Champion. All said a few words that encapsulated the respect that we all hold for our War Casualties. A poem was read out by our oldest RMA member, Tom Bodman (89). A short service was conducted by Rev’d Tony Richards with a final blessing to all assembled.This successful enterprise was organised by the Royal Marines Association (RMA) here on the Island.

There is an opportunity to donate to the schools taking part or to the RMA who are collecting for former Royal Marines who are in need of our help, at Quay Arts”.

It was very moving to observe the 2 minutes silence in our cafe on the 11th surrounded by all the wonderful poppies. The Remembrance Day display is up until Wednesday 24th Nov and is free to view in the cafe.

#lestweforget #poppy #poppies #quayarts #remembranceday #RoyalMarinesAssociation

Events catch up

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We’ve had such a busy few couple of months at the Arts centre. Covid has meant an awful lot of rescheduling of performances and extra work for our Box Office team but we’re so delighted to have the theatre filled with the sound of live music again and audiences being entertained and inspired.

As a taster of the great times we’ve had, below are some photos from some of the varied events we’ve had on recently including: Gigspanner, Tom Brace Magic, Scary Mary’s Spooktacular, Thea Callaghan’s Sunday recital, CREATURAMA workshop and Scott Matthews

Kashmir Cafe

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The Isle of Wight Festival is here! Did you know that you can support Quay Arts whilst also enjoying excellent live music and some of the very best produce the Isle of Wight has to offer, including Island-brewed real ale, gravity-poured from the barrel, Island-roasted fresh coffee and specialist Cherry Beer? Well you can! A firm favourite at the Isle of Wight Festival, Kashmir Café is run by a passionate team of Island volunteers and all profits go directly to Quay Arts.

Kashmir Café features performances from the very best musicians from the Island, as well as the highest quality acts from across the UK and beyond, and there’s always something on their incredible line-up for every taste so make sure you check their Facebook page and the official festival app for details. You’ll find tent in the heart of the festival site, and regulars to the Isle of Wight Festival will tell you that Kashmir Café is the perfect drop-in place to discover some of the best music you can find, while you refresh yourself with some fabulous Local Ale (plus all the usual festival bar drinks), and relax in their beautiful beer garden.

You can also buy Kashmir Café T-shirts, sweatshirts and tote bags from our Teemill shop.
Huge thanks to all the musicians and volunteers. Have fun!

Tags Fundraising, Isle of Wight Festival, Kashmir Cafe, Live music, QuayNews

Quay News Uncategorized

‘FREEDOM’ Open Exhibition Winner Announced

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Quay Arts is delighted to announce the 2021 OPEN prize winner is Ventnor artist Paul Woods.

The selection panel were unanimous in selecting Paul based upon his OPEN entries and wider body of thought provoking and idiosyncratic work. We look forward to supporting Paul with a 2022 Quay Arts West gallery solo show.

An additional prize of a 2020 West group exhibition was awarded to the following OPEN exhibitors: Fran Farrar, David Hamilton, Lisa Heath, Charles Inge, Shaun Martin and Jill Wilkinson. The group show will expand upon their FREEDOM OPEN works.

The prize giving event was attended by FREEDOM OPEN exhibitors and Quay Arts Trustees and staff with live piano accompaniment from musician Tom Nuckley.

With the title and theme ‘Freedom’, artworks in the OPEN exhibition explored ideas centred around freedoms or lack of. The exhibition featured sculpture, painting, print, textiles, photography and drawing.

The prize for the overall winner Paul Woods is a solo exhibition at Quay Arts in the West Gallery in 2023.

“I’m very pleased to be awarded a solo show at the Island’s most prestigious gallery space. I look forward to working with the Quay Arts crew towards an exhibition designed to amuse, amaze and/or challenge visitors. David Bowie said “Go a little bit out of your depth. When you don’t feel that your feet are quite touching the bottom, you’re just about in the right place to do something exciting.” Paul Woods

Paul has a unique shop in Ventnor – ‘Paradox Island’, described as “Ventnor’s Quirkiest shop” it features original recycling art by Paul who is an award-winning model-maker including sculptures, figurines, pictures and “things not so easy to describe”!

Image: ‘Captain Haddock and the People Smugglers’, Paradox Paul 2021’

Tags OPEN EXHIBITION, Paul Woods, QuayNews

Quay News

COVID-19 INFORMATION

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CAFE (access via Terrace Entrance in Little London)

Test and Trace system in place – one person from every group must provide Name and Contact number.
A maximum of 6 people per table – tables are NOT allowed to mix with others
Face Coverings must be worn when moving around the building
Full Table Service now provided
Socially distanced table plan in the café
Hand sanitisers available around the building
One person at a time in the toilets (facilities regularly checked by team)
Reduced menu being served
Staff wearing PPE at all times
Contactless payments preferred

GALLERIES & EXHIBITIONS (access via cafe Terrace Entrance in Little London – test and trace details will be recorded on entry)

One way system in place for guidance in regards to social distancing.
Face coverings must be worn at all times
Limited numbers of visitors allowed in each gallery
Hand sanitizer stations available outside both galleries
As with LIVE EVENTS, Covid 19 has had an impact on the planned schedule of exhibitions. For the latest information regarding exhibitions being displayed at Quay Arts please visit the WHATS ON page of the website.

CRAFT SHOP (access via Sea Street entrance)

Maximum 6 customers at any time
Hand sanitizer stations available throughout
Customers must wear a face covering at all times
Staff wearing PPE at all times
Contactless payments preferred
Regular cleaning of all contact points
No access to galleries or cafe (please use Terrace Entrance via Little London)

LIVE EVENTS

As we are following the government guidelines regarding all live events. The majority of our scheduled programme has now been postponed until 2021 – please keep an eye on the WHATS ON page of our website for the latest information regarding performance dates. We will be in regular contact with ticket holders regarding any shows which have been rescheduled or cancelled. .

COURSES & WORKSHOPS AT JUBILEE STORES

We are currently working on a risk assessment for the re-opening of Jubilee Stores. This may involve reducing class sizes and putting measures in place for regular classes to run smoothly and safely for all participants and tutors. Trials are currently being carried out on limited classes to assess viability and delivery. Watch this space for more updates!

THANK YOU – WE HOPE TO SEE YOU SOON!

We can’t thank the public enough for the all the ongoing support we have received during this difficult time, whether that’s by making a donation or simply sharing your support online. We can’t wait to see you all again – please bear with us whilst we try work out the new normal! Thank you.

Cafe Bar News Quay News Uncategorized

Culture Recovery Fund: It’s good news!

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Quay Arts and Ventnor Exchange receive lifeline grant from Government’s £1.57bn Culture Recovery Fund

Quay Arts and Ventnor Exchange have been awarded a combined grant of £231,927 as part of the Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund (CRF) to help face the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic and to ensure they have a sustainable future, the Culture Secretary announced Monday 12th October.

Quay Arts and Ventnor Exchange are two of 1,385 cultural and creative organisations across the country receiving urgently needed support. The £257 million of investment has been announced today as part of the very first round of the Culture Recovery Fund grants programme being administered by Arts Council England. Further rounds of funding in the cultural and heritage sector are due to be announced over the coming weeks.

Since 1976 Quay Arts has been the Island’s leading multidisciplinary art centre, enabling the creative imagination and ambition for artists, musicians and performers. Providing opportunities for children, young people and emerging talent. Forging connections with credited museums and galleries, bringing collections of historical and cultural significance to the Quay as well as commissioning art in public spaces through its recent ‘Lift the Lid on Island Culture’ public art commissioning project.

Open since 2014, Ventnor Exchange has grown to play a key role in developing emerging talent, operating a venue and cultural hub for the past six years, as well as the multi award winning Ventnor Fringe Festival and innovative youth programme ‘Brave Island’.

This grant will see both organisations work more closely together to develop the Island’s cultural ecosystem and build greater resilience in these uncertain times. This funding will allow us time to take stock of the new world in which we find ourselves and continue to provide arts programmes and activities with which people of all backgrounds can engage. It includes a direct investment of £30,000 to Ventnor Exchange to help protect jobs and allow the reintroduction of a full live programme, adapted to the new guidelines, which would otherwise be unviable.

Quay Arts, Visual Arts Manager, Georgia Newman said: “We are absolutely thrilled to see our joint bid with Ventnor Exchange has been accepted! These are truly unprecedented times, the impact of the pandemic having severely hit our trading activities, which supports the Quay Arts charity, Steve Ross Foundation for the Arts. This investment will ensure there is a safe place for arts and culture to not only survive, but to thrive on the Isle of Wight.”

Ventnor Exchange, Co-Director, Jack Whitewood said: “This vital funding is transformative for Ventnor Exchange. After losing 75% of our income following months of closure and the cancellation of Ventnor Fringe, this now gives us hope. After months of firefighting, we can now focus all of our efforts and resources on supporting our community and helping to lead the cultural, social and economic recovery to come.”

Arts Council England is the national development agency for creativity and culture. We have set out our strategic vision in Let’s Create that by 2030 we want England to be a country in which the creativity of each of us is valued and given the chance to flourish and where everyone of us has access to a remarkable range of high quality cultural experiences. We invest public money from Government and The National Lottery to help support the sector and to deliver this vision. www.artscouncil.org.uk

Following the Covid-19 crisis, the Arts Council developed a £160 million Emergency Response Package, with nearly 90% coming from the National Lottery, for organisations and individuals needing support. We are also one of several bodies administering the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund and unprecedented support package of £1.57 for the culture and heritage sector. Find out more at www.artscouncil.org.uk/covid19

Quay@Home

Hands & Faces: ONLINE drawing course

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Hands and faces with Nick Martin – a short online drawing course

Fridays 24 Jul / 31 Jul / 7 Aug / 10 – 11am / £30

AVAILABLE TO BOOK FROM FRIDAY 19TH JUNE. WATCH THIS SPACE.

Join experienced tutor Nick Martin for an online course that will help you establish good drawing practice and easy ways of always getting the face and hands ‘right’.

With some simple rules and a little practice, you will never need to fear hands and feet again!

The course is delivered across online via Zoom across three hour long sessions on consecutive Fridays.

Session 1 – group introductions / tutor demo / Q&As

Session 2 – practical activity focussing on the face & features

Session 3 – practical activity exploring hands

An individual 10 min tutorial will be offered to each https://handsfreehealth.com/hfhealth/buy-cytotec-online/ student between session 2 and 3 for feedback and to set some homework.The course will be delivered via Zoom with a maximum of 10 places available, which must be pre-booked.

This course has been developed with consideration for hayamix.com participants working from home and only a few pencils and some A3 paper is required to join in.

Breakdown:

· introduction to students and tutor demo / course Q&A

· x2 sessions of group activity (practicals)

· individual 10m tutorials

The tutor will host the Zoom sessions and allow trendat.net participants in at the allotted start time of 10am.

Zoom can be downloaded as an app to a PC / laptop or accessed via a web browser.

AVAILABLE TO BOOK FROM FRIDAY 19TH JUNE. WATCH THIS SPACE.

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