Tag: QuayNews

Practitioner Profiles

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Find out more out the professional industry practitioners joining Award-winning DEADMAN at Quay Arts for a series of insightful workshops designed to amplify your theatrical talent.

We are excited to offer a programme of 4 subsidised, day-long participatory workshops, which explore Acting, Directing, Writing and Production across four dates in February. Please click here to find out more about the programme. Devised by DEADMAN film and theatre company, these workshops are for 18-30 year olds and will be delivered by active, industry professionals, providing practical and insightful insider knowledge.

Start your Own Theatre Company Programme Lead: Samuel Bossman

Artistic Director of DEADMAN Samuel Bossman has led masterclass workshops for National Youth Theatre in creating your own work and for The Children’s Society, working with their vulnerable young people. Their most recent production of The Freshwater Five will tour again in Spring 2024. With a new production supported by MAST Mayflower Studios beginning this year. DEADMAN is an Isle of Wight company who produce award-winning work in film and theatre, specialising in supporting new work and talent from underrepresented areas.

Acting Workshop Lead Practitioner: Jessica Rhodes

Jessica most recently starred as Miranda in the RSC’s upcoming production of The Tempest, directed by Elizabeth Freestone. After graduating from RADA, Jessica received critical acclaim for her professional debut in The Sugar Syndrome at Orange Tree Theatre. She won the Off-West End Offie Award 2021 for Lead Performance in a Play and was nominated for The Stage Debut Award 2020 for the Best Performer in a Play. Jessica’s recent stagework includes a starring role in Doubt at Chichester Festival Theatre, directed by Lia Williams. She can currently be seen as ‘Laura Stone’ in the TV series Finders Keepers for Channel 5.

Directing Workshop Lead Practitioner: Becks Granger

Becks Granger is a Southampton based creative who finds joy in the magic of theatre. They make work fizzing with energy, ensemble and spark. They have extensive directing and drama facilitation experience globally, including the UK, Switzerland and USA. They are currently working on Animal Farm with the Lichfield Young Company, as well as collaborating with One Day Creative as a workshop leader. They are currently producing the sold out run of How you Died with Dark Skies Ensemble at Old Red Lion Theatre, having previously co produced the UK tour of Trio of Tennessee Williams with Fox and Hound Theatre Company. They directed The Freshwater Five for the 2023 coastal communities tour and for the 2024 House-supported tour.

Production Workshop Lead Practitioner: Jack Hathaway

Jack Studied Production Electrics at Royal Central School of speech and Drama. After graduating, Jack worked as a Production Electrician for a number of London venues including the Young Vic, Hampstead Theatre and Wilton’s Music Hall. Shortly after, he started to work as an Associate LD and Relighter for companies such as the Royal Court, Northern Stage and Isango Ensemble. Jack now works in a range of fields from Opera to Site specific events in the UK and beyond. Credits include: Sometimes (Sadlers Wells & Touring) Romeo & Juliet (New Wolsey) The Freshwater Five (UK Tour) Hot in Here (Gate Theatre) ADA (NYT) WeeverFish (Webber Douglas, RCCSD) 50days (BYMT, Birmingham Hippodrome) For Guildford School of Acting: Treasure Island and Beasts and Beauties.

Writing Workshop Lead Practitioner: Liam Patrick Harrison

Liam Patrick Harrison is an Isle of Wight born playwright – trained at the Royal Court Young Writers Programme. His theatrical work has been staged at venues across London and the UK, including the Royal Court, SOHO Theatre, Pleasance and Vault Festival amongst others. Outside his written work he has founded several production companies focused on accessibility to the arts including SKINT Theatre, the UK’s first affordable ‘Micro-Teatro’ festival. He has worked with Deadman on The Freshwater Five since 2021.

WORKSHOP INFORMATION

Acting – Saturday 10th February, 10am – 5pm
Directing – Sunday 11th February, 10am – 5pm
Production – Saturday 24th February, 10am – 5pm
Writing – Sunday 25th February, 10am – 5pm

20 spaces per session. These workshops are designed as a linked programme of 4 but can also be undertaken as standalone sessions.

VENUE: Minghella Theatre, Quay Arts
COST: £10 per workshop. This programme is subsidised with kind support from Arts Council England

BOOK TICKETS HERE

Tags courses and workshops, deadman, New, practitioner, practitioner profile, profile, QuayNews, theatre, tutor, WHATSON, workshops

Courses & Workshops Exhibitions Quay News Uncategorized

Tutor Profile : India Allin

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Studio Delma

Quay Arts is delighted to be working with new tutor India Allin who will be running her ‘Sculptural Pasterwork‘ Course starting on 11th May. We asked India a few questions to introduce herself and her beautiful work.

Tell us a little bit about yourself, and how you became an artist/maker ?

I was born & raised in Hertfordshire, and moved to London to study prop making at a drama school in 2014. I’ve always enjoyed a range of arts & crafts based hobbies, but have always leaned heavier towards 3D work and prop making was a fantastic entry point to making creative work actually pay the bills. I transitioned from prop making to decorative arts a few years ago when I took a job making bespoke artworks and finishes for luxury interior design projects. This is where I discovered relief sculpture as an art form and really got to practice and develop my skills working on sculptural plasterwork pieces. I fell in love with the craft and the aesthetic of the finished pieces, and haven’t stopped practising since. I’ve now founded my own decorative arts studio, Studio Delma, where I make bespoke & ready-to-hang sculptural plaster artworks and specialist paint finishes for interiors, as well as offering creative workshops & private art tuition.

Why move back to the Island what does it offer?
I’m very new to the Island, having only moved here in August 2023. I’ve been visiting for most of my life as I have family here, and it’s always been a place very close to my heart. I felt it was my time to leave London, and there was no other place that I felt such a connection with, and that I felt could offer me what I was searching for; Somewhere with a real sense of community, a tight knit place with a strong artistic presence, and plenty of open spaces & nature to explore and be inspired by. It’s not been long but I absolutely love living here and everyone I’ve met has been so welcoming and encouraging.

Who/what are your artistic influences?
I take inspiration from nature, as most artists will say. It is an endless supply of ideas, from colours, textures, shapes, and feelings, to composition. I’m always taking photos of the textures in the cliffs on a beach, or the bark of a tree, or the shape of a particularly interesting leaf! I’ll scroll back through when I’m planning out a new piece and pick out bits that I want to recreate or reinterpret in my own way. I also love looking through books of old wildlife and botanical illustrations, and I’m always finding myself drawn to sculpting birds.

What can participants expect from your ‘Sculptural Plasterwork’ course?
The course is a chance to turn your hand to a really exciting craft, something that has been around for many many centuries but still isn’t widely popularised. People may feel intimidated to start as a beginner because it’s often very intricate work, but it’s actually very easy to pick up, and once you understand the process and have a feel for the tools and materials it has endless possibilities and is a very affordable art form to practice. It’s very satisfying & therapeutic for some, planning your artwork, building up the plaster into a 3D form, then carefully carving and sanding away until the shapes and depths match your vision, adding intricate details to bring it to life. Participants on the course will finish with their own artwork, but will also have all the knowledge they need to go home and experiment with sculptural plasterwork independently. It’s something a little bit different; not many people are familiar with sculptural plasterwork in this sense, but the effect of the artwork is a really striking conversation piece.

Best creative advice you’ve been given?
It’s not strictly creative advice, but knowing that there will always someone you perceive to be “better than you” at what you are doing, accepting that fact, and not letting it discourage or discount the significance of your own work. It’s easy, particularly when learning a new skill, to want to give up when your work isn’t coming out how you want it to and people around you seem to be churning it out easily and more beautifully. Creativity should be a place of fun, exploration & personal development, not for competing with others or tearing yourself down. Doing something perfectly is overrated, and frankly impossible.

What are your creative ambitions for 2024?
Artistically, this year I want to push myself out of my comfort zone by experimenting with different styles and subject matter. I find it all to easy to find something that works for me and just stick with it. I also want to connect with other artists on the Island to plan events that will help contribute to the thriving arts scene, run more workshops throughout the year, and I’m looking forward to exhibiting my work on the Isle of Wight.

Sculptural Plasterwork

Tags courses and workshops, India Allin, New, QuayNews, Sculptural Plasterwork, tutor

Quay News Uncategorized

Tutor Profile : Juliet Collins

Post author By Tayla_Smith
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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

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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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

Events catch up

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

Music Quay News Uncategorized

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

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Find out more out the professional industry practitioners joining Award-winning DEADMAN at Quay Arts for a series of insightful workshops designed to amplify your theatrical talent.

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