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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

Funding for IW Young Creatives

Post author By Tayla_Smith
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Applications now OPEN for our next round of grants from the Mike Howley Trust!

Mike Howley Trust helps support actors, musicians, dancers, writers and technicians aged 18-30 who live on the Isle of Wight.

Funding of up to £1,500 per person is now available for young creatives to realise their artistic ambitions.

Guidelines and the Application Form available now at: quayarts.org/mht

(The deadline is 29 August 2022)

Mike Howley worked for many years as Director of Cultural Services for the Isle of Wight Council. When he died in 2013, he had left part of his estate for the specific benefit of aspiring young actors, musicians, dancers and writers, between the ages of 18 and 30, living on the Isle of Wight. The Trustees of Mike Howley Trust are pleased to honour his legacy with these funding awards.

Tags funding, QuayNews, young people

Quay News Uncategorized

February Fun

Post author By Tayla_Smith
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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 / :::

Post author By Tayla_Smith
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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

Post author By Tayla_Smith
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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

Post author By Tayla_Smith
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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

Post author By Tayla_Smith
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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

Staff Vacancies

Post author By Tayla_Smith
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KITCHEN ASSISTANT
30 hours per week

Quay Arts are looking for a Kitchen Assistant to join the team in their busy café (approx. 30hrs per week). Our café is currently open from 9am – 4pm and has a reputation for exceptional service and high quality reasonably priced meals in a beautiful setting by the river. You will be part of a friendly team delivering our daily menu to a high standard and within budget. In addition, the centre also hosts music gigs, conferences/meetings, private hires, and weddings, (amongst many other events), and you will play an integral part in assisting with planning and delivering any catering requirements for these. You will also be required to adopt and maintain health and safety policies and ensure kitchen practices are upheld to a high standard – this list is not exhaustive. This is a varied, fast-paced and exciting role where flexibility is essential – although the majority of shifts will be daytime there will be some requirement for evening shifts in line with the centre’s events programming schedule.

If you would like to apply for this position or if you have any questions relating to the role please apply via e-mail to the Del Seymour (Centre Manager) at d.seymour@quayarts

Kashmir Cafe

Post author By Tayla_Smith
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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

Post author By Tayla_Smith
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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

Cafe Bar News Quay News Uncategorized

Culture Recovery Fund: It’s good news!

Post author By Tayla_Smith
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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

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