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News 26.08.10 20.08.10 17.08.10
13.08.10 12.08.10 28.07.10 28.07.10 29.07.10 08.07.10 02.07.10 01.07.10 01.07.10 15.06.10 10.06.10 03.05.10 28.04.10 28.04.10 14.04.10 01.04.10 30.03.10 30.03.10 24.03.10 14.03.10 09.03.10 03.03.10 03.03.10 19.02.10 16.02.10 21.01.10 20.01.10 19.01.10 14.01.10 24.12.09 26.11.09 19.11.09 11.11.09 30.10.09 21.10.09 21.10.09 06.10.09 13.10.09 13.10.09 26.08.10 One of the highlights of the exhibition year at Barton upon Humber’s Contemporary Art & Craft, Gaolyard, St Ives – A Special Place, opens on Saturday, September 11. The Maltkiln Road gallery’s Exhibition Officer, Richard Hatfield, is delighted that potters based in the former gaolyard at this Cornish seaside town are to display their work in this month long selling exhibition. “Two years ago we had a small exhibition last year which featured the work of Sarah Dunstan, one of the potters who works from Gaolyard Pottery,” he recalled. “We offered to return her unsold pieces and the location and set up at Gaolyard seemed idyllic.” “It was my first visit to the area and I was very impressed with the high quality of the work created there and it seemed a logical step to offer a group exhibition,” he continued. Richard explained that St Ives has long been a Mecca for visual artists through its association with the likes of Ben Nicholson, Barbara Hepworth, Christopher Wood, Terry Frost, Peter Lanyon. “The area has been strongly linked to contemporary British art and this link was firmly cemented with the opening of Tate St.Ives in 1993,” he continued. “Today St Ives has perhaps the highest concentration of artists and galleries in the country. Gaolyard, St Ives – A Special Place is a present day representation of a legacy in the history of British Ceramics that stretches back almost a hundred years with the establishment by Bernard Leach of the Leach Pottery there in 1920. John Bedding, a former Leach employee, established the Gaolyard Studios in 1999. “Other artists and practitioners give you a buzz and enthusiasm for coming to work. There is also the practical side with people around to help with technical problems. At the Leach everyone used to go around and look at each other’s work. When I left that was one thing I really missed,” he said. There is no house style at Gaolyard and the studio is now home to a range of potters who differ in method, age, individuality and experience – seven of whom are exhibiting at The Ropewalk. Gaolyard, St.Ives – A special place features the work of John Bedding, Trevor Corser, Sarah Dunstan, Rebecca Harvey, Rick Henman, Amanda Ray and Louise Thompson and runs until October 10. 20.08.10 New Developments at The Ropewalk Printmakers at Barton upon Humber’s Contemporary Art & Craft will soon be using enhanced facilities at the Maltkiln Road venue thanks to a £15,000 Arts Council England grant. Printmaking sessions at The Ropewalk have been suspended until mid-September to allow the work to take place. Richard Hatfield of The Ropewalk explained that the current printmaking studio was part of the first phase in the restoration of the building which opened in 2000. “Initially we obtained funding to restore the southern end of the Hall’s Barton Ropery ropewalk which had been derelict for 10 years,” he said. “But as time has gone on, particularly since the rest of the building was opened in 2006, it has become apparent that the studio’s original location was not ideal.” Now the Arts Council grant means that the studio will be located within the corridor housing the artists’ studios in the middle of the quarter-mile long building. The relocation of the print studio will also have a knock-on effect for some other facilities in the building. One of the few remaining picture framing facilities in the area will take over the space left by the print studio while in turn the Craft Gallery will expand into the area vacated by the picture framing unit. Local craftsman Dave Ayres of Deepdale Studios will be further enhancing the entrances to the galleries by making and installing three new ash framed doors to match the external doors he made for The Ropewalk four years ago. “Until now we have been able to increase the number of artists whose work we display and sell just because we didn’t have the space. But the Arts Council grant means that we can soon rectify that,” said Richard. And a spin-off of the relocation of the various facilities means that there is now the opportunity to enlarge the kitchen serving the coffee shop at the same time. “We appreciate that our visitors may experience some disruption for a short space of time but we hope they bear with us as we try to make our facilities even more user-friendly,” added Richard. The first opportunity members of the public will have to view the print studio and the other alterations will be during the Insight 2010 Open Studios weekends on September 18 and 19 and September 23 and 24. 17.08.10 ST-ART summer activities draw to a close A week long programme of activities at Barton upon Humber’s Ropery Hall brings ST-ART’s summer children’s programme to a close. The locally based charity has been providing art activities and workshops throughout August and in the final week “things to do” include making giant plates and tea cups using dried willow, recycling vintage crockery plate stands using old tea cups, saucers, candlesticks and plates to create unusual display stands and making Green Man masks with air dry clay. “The summer programme has been really busy with a lot of positive feedback,” said ST-ART organiser Janine Knight. “Throughout August we have offered a wide range of art activities for young people,” she said. “We have aimed to develop creativity and channel young imaginations as well as making our workshops fun.” Other activities at Ropery Hall during the week include a workshop where recycled materials are used to create small kinetic sculptures of insects and animals and learning drumming techniques at an African drumming workshop. All of the Ropery Hall activities from Monday, August 23 through to Friday, August 27, begin at 10am and last for two hours and each workshop costs just £1 per session. Other activities taking place during the last week are at venues including Barnetby, Goxhill, Scunthorpe, Epworth and Wootton. For more details on all the workshops and how to book a place go to www.st-art.co.uk or call 01652 660380. 13.08.10 Milton Jones Sold Out More than two months before he is to appear at Barton upon Humber’s Ropery Hall, all tickets to see award winning comedian Milton Jones have been snapped up. Ropewalk Events Director Liz Bennet has been amazed at the demand for tickets to see Jones who is a past Perrier Best Newcomer and Nominee as well as a Sony Award winner for his radio show, The Very World of Milton Jones. “Even before our Autumn programme for Ropery Hall was published we were receiving daily requests for tickets for those who had spotted his appearance online,” she said. “It really has been amazing – we have made sales as far afield as Rotherham and Newcastle as well as more locally,” Liz continued. Other events which are selling well include An Audience with Jonathan Miller on Saturday, October 23, and the play, The World’s Wife which takes place on Thursday, September 16. The production was inspired by the poetry of Carol Ann Duffy and is performed by Linda Marlowe and had a hugely successful Edinburgh premiere. “The World’s Wife has proved to be particularly popular with students especially as for this event they can see a quality production which has regularly attracted full houses during its tour of the United Kingdom for just £5. Full details of the autumn programme at Ropery Hall can be found at www.roperyhall.co.uk 13.08.10 Insight 2010, the annual open studio event celebrating the artistic talents of North and North East Lincolnshire, takes place next month. Over two weekends, September 18 and 19 and September 25 and 26, artists will open their doors to the public, making themselves available to explain and demonstrate the processes involved in developing their work. “During Insight 2010 there will be the opportunity to view and perhaps purchase or commission original paintings, prints, textiles, sculpture, jewellery and glass,” said project manager Pete Mitchell. September’s Open Studios is the 10th year that Insight has promoted northern Lincolnshire’s visual arts and craft practitioners and has been made possible through funding from Arts Council England. In all 58 artists and 10 galleries and arts organisations are taking part and while most will be throwing open their studios some, whose studios are not so accessible studios will be showing their work at other sites. All studios and galleries, unless otherwise marked either in the brochure or website, will be open 10.30am to 5pm on each of the four days “Insight aims to increase the public awareness of artists in their local community” said Mr Mitchell. “The initiative began in 2001 with 16 artists taking part and 1351 visitors and since then has grown steadily in the number of participants taking part and greatly in the numbers of people visiting the studios over the two weekends of the event”. “Studios and galleries are open from Cleethorpes in the east through to Epworth in the west,” he continued. “Not only is there the opportunity to see artists explaining and demonstrating the processes involved in developing their work but there is also the chance to view and purchase work as well as commission an original piece of work whether it be paintings, prints, textiles, sculpture, jewellery or glass,” Mr Mitchell added. Anyone wanting any more information should contact Mr Mitchell on 01652 660380 or go to www.insightopenstudios.org.uk 12.08.10 Sell Out for Pride and Prejudice Illyria’s production of Pride and Prejudice, which brings to a close the 2010 season of Barton upon Humber’s Performance in the Park, is a sell-out four weeks before the performance takes place at Thornton Abbey. The production, which takes place on Sunday, September 5 by kind permission of English Heritage, is the third Thornton Abbey performance in a row by Illyria which has been a sell-out weeks before the theatre company takes to the stage. “This is the third year that Illyria has performed at Thornton Abbey and Pride and Prejudice appears to be just as popular as The Hound of the Baskervilles and The Three Musketeers which also sold out weeks beforehand” said Cllr Paul Vickers, chair of Barton’s Tourism Partnership which organises the summer season of live music and theatre. However lovers of Illyria’s productions need not be disappointed as the company is also performing David Wood’s adaptation of the Roald Dahl story, James and the Giant Peach, on Sunday, August 22 in Barton – and it is free. “David Wood's adaptation captures all the fun and excitement of Roald Dahl’s superb children's classic, and includes plenty of opportunities for participation!” said Cllr Vickers. “It is fun for all ages.” The play tells the story of James who is sent to live with his aunts who treat him horribly. But one day an old man gives him a bag containing the strongest magic in the world and when James accidentally spills it near the old peach tree the most marvellous things happen. James and the Giant Peach will be played out in front of Baysgarth House and starts at 2pm. 28.07.10 More than six weeks before the new Autumn programme gets underway at Barton upon Humber’s Ropery Hall tickets are already flying out of the door. Ropewalk Events director Liz Bennet confesses to being overwhelmed at the number of people contacting The Ropewalk to buy tickets – some as far in advance as December. “I expected that Snake Davis and The Suspicions who are appearing on December 30 would be very popular as they always are a sell out when they appear at Ropery Hall but the demand for other acts too has been extremely strong. “The demand for tickets to see Milton Jones on Sunday October 24 has been amazing – we have made sales as far afield as Rotherham and Newcastle. Not surprisingly An Audience with Jonathan Miller on October 23, is proving very popular as is the previous night of stand up comedian Robin Ince who will be introducing Barton to his Bad Book Club which combines his twin passions of science and bad literature. Tickets for the first professional performance of the new season at Ropery Hall in September, The World’s Wife, adapted from the poems of Carol Ann Duffy and performed by Linda Marlowe, are being snapped up by schools and colleges throughout the area while a couple of days later two of America’s premier singer/songwriters, Corinne West and Kelly Joe Phelps are joining talents to create a stellar new sound. Full details of the Autumn Programme and how to buy tickets are now available on www.roperyhall.co.uk 28.07.10 It may be hundreds of miles away but Gaolyard Studios are bring a touch of the Cornish coast to northern Lincolnshire in late summer with an exhibition at Barton upon Humber’s Contemporary Art & Craft. Gaolyard, St Ives – A Special Place pays tribute to the potters of Gaolyard Studios which was set up 11 years ago in a building which was originally a workhouse and a gaol. The exhibition in Gallery One, which begins on September 11 and ends on October 10, features the work of Gaolyard’s founder, John Bedding, along with Louise Thompson, Amanda Ray, Rebecca Harvey, Trevor Corser, Rick Henham and Sarah Dunstan who held a solo exhibition nearly two years ago. “There is no Gaolyard house style but there is such a creative atmosphere there,” said The Ropewalk’s Exhibitions Officer, Richard Hatfield, who visited the studio a couple of years ago. The Ropewalk is open seven days a week, Monday to Saturday from 10am until 5pm, and Sunday and Bank Holidays from 10am to 4pm. Admission is free. 29.07.10 Look up to the skies above Barton upon Humber’s Baysgarth Park on Sunday, August 8, and marvel at glorious failures and brilliant airborne innovations throughout history! Flying monks, paper wings, balloons, feathers and aero-bicycles will endeavour to reach the sky thanks to Hoodwink Theatre who will be performing their very own celebration of the human aspiration to fly as part of the summer season of Performance in the Park. “This really is an uplifting interactive show and will be just as much a crowd pleaser as the company’s other two performances at Barton in 2006 and 2008 were,” said Cllr Paul Vickers, chair of the town’s Tourism Partnership which organises Performance in the Park. “It is suitable for all ages so we are looking forward to welcoming the young and not so young to the park for the performance which begins at 2pm,” he continued. “I understand this is a new show created especially for festivals across the country this summer so I am sure it will delight the crowds.” The performance celebrates the human aspiration to fly and the magnificent aerial failures, feats and innovations that have taken place throughout history. Charismatic characters, elegant comedy, visual flair and extraordinary effects make this an uplifting show for the whole family to enjoy and there is no admission charge. And at the end of the performance visitors will get the chance to make their own flying machines during a free workshop. 08.07.10 Performance in the Park 2010 The Waters’ Edge Visitors Centre in Barton upon Humber is the backdrop for the first free event in this season’s Performance in the Park which takes place on Sunday. (July 11) North East Lincolnshire’s youth steel band, Steel the Rhythm will be giving two performances, at 12 noon and 2pm, at the Maltkiln Road venue and will be performing a selection of popular classics, Calypso beats and tuneful melodies. The next event will be on Sunday, July 25, at Baysgarth Park, Barton, when The Storytellers Theatre Company will be performing Peter Pan. Admission is again free and this performance starts at 2pm. 02.07.10 The Buzz Youth Arts Festival Workshops in arts and crafts, drama, dance, drumming, singing, animation, and film are among the highlights of this year’s The Buzz Youth Arts Festival running in Scunthorpe for three weeks from Monday, July 26. This year The Buzz organiser, Janine Knight, has pulled together a programme offering a range of activities for young people aged between eight and 19 years. “In 2010 we are focusing on the themes of recycling, the environment and being green and as well as a whole range of activities there will also be the opportunity to pick up tips on being green with North Lincolnshire Counci’s Waste Management team,“ she said. Janine, who is based at The Ropewalk in Barton upon Humber, explained £14,425 funding from Arts Council England was enabling The Buzz 2010 Festival to go ahead. “There are workshops in drama, dance, drumming, singing, manga, animation, film, photography, arts and crafts and much much more and many of them are free,” she continued. In the first week, from Monday July 26 to Saturday, July 31 from 10am to 3pm, The Foundry Shopping Centre is providing a shop unit free of charge for a wide range of free activities which include giant sculpture, paper bead jewellery, mini re-cycled books, mini clay tiles, recycled paper kites and creating unique prints from recycled materials. Also in The Foundry, North Lincolnshire’s Waste Management team will be on hand on Monday, 26, Wednesday 28 and Friday July 30 from 10am until 12 noon to show how to turn unwanted paper into beautiful recycled beads and bracelets, weave juice cartons into useful everyday objects and make recycled paper. Other free workshops the same week see Kirsty Champ at Central Library showing how to make a giant origami sculpture every afternoon from 1pm to 3pm while at St Hugh’s Communication and Interaction Specialist College there are two workshops primarily targeted at young people with special education needs – the fist on Monday July 26 sees Marilyn Oliver showing how to make decorated clay plaques and the second, at the same time the following day, sees Mags Bradley making mini recycled books using recycled papers and carrier bags. Both these workshops run from 10am until 12 noon. A full list of activities for the three weeks can be found on www.thebuzzwebsite.co.uk Other workshops and activities including auditions can be booked by calling Janine on 01652 662033 and for performances at The Plowright Theatre by calling 01724 277733. 01.07.10 East Yorkshire potter’s work on sale at The Ropewalk A selection of work by Swanland based potter Margaret Lawrenson is now being stocked at Barton upon Humber’s Ropewalk Contemporary Art & Craft gallery. The Maltkiln Road gallery has available for sale jugs along with a bowl and platter with blue and black glazes which are just a part of the range of pottery made by Margaret, a member of the Northern Potters Association. “ My aim is to make pots that are aesthetically pleasing but which can also be used, so in effect my work is a fusion of creativity and function,” she explained. “My pieces have simplicity of line and exhibit precision in their making and the range includes jugs ranging from typical pitchers to tall, narrow forms as well as functional domestic ware including serving dishes,” she continued. The jugs are priced at £64 for the largest size, £50 for the medium size and £45 for the smallest. The bowl costs £50 and the platter £60. 01.07.10 Two productions by Illyria Theatre Company are two of the highlights of the 2010 season of Performance in the Park in Barton upon Humber. On Sunday, August 22, starting at 2pm, there will be a free performance of Roald Dahl’s James and the Giant Peach. The play tells the story of James who is sent to live with his aunts who treat him horribly. But one day an old man gives him a bag containing the strongest magic in the world and when James accidentally spills it near the old peach tree the most marvellous things happen. “David Wood's adaptation captures all the fun and excitement of Roald Dahl’s superb children's classic, and includes plenty of opportunities for participation!” said Cllr Paul Vickers who leads Barton’s Tourism Partnership which organises Performance in the Park. “It is fun for all ages.” A fortnight later on Sunday, September 5, Illyria return to the area to perform Pride and Prejudice at Thornton Abbey, by kind permission of English Heritage, at the final event of Performance in the Park. The irrepressible Illyria sharpen their claws to bring you Jane Austen at her vibrant, pacy and bitchy best as they draw you into a social whirlwind of balls, dinners and very eligible officers where Lizzie Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy stand alone as the only sane people - and they hate each other! Or do they? Can she see beyond his pride, and can he overcome her prejudice, in order to achieve their mutual happiness?! “This is the third year that Illyria has performed at Thornton Abbey and the last two performances sold out weeks beforehand so I would advise anyone thinking to going to buy tickets as soon as possible,” said Cllr Vickers. The performance of Pride and Prejudice, which starts at 6pm, is the only event that is not free and tickets cost £12 for adults and £8 for children and can be booked on 01652 660380 or through Illyria’s website www.illyria.uk.com Performance in the Park begins at Waters’ Edge on July 11 with two performances by the youth steel band, Steel the Rhythm, and continues on July 25 at Baysgarth Park with The Storytellers Theatre Company’s production of Peter Pan and Hoodwink Theatre’s performance, Leap of Faith, on August 8. 15.06.10 “Beating Writer’s Block” with Marvin Close A writer whose latest book, More Than Just A Game: Football V Apartheid, was published earlier in the spring, is leading “Beating Writer’s Block”, leads the last workshop of the current session for Barton upon Humber based Fathom Writers. Marvin Close has delivered numerous writing workshops and lectures at universities, colleges, arts festivals and schools and was a guest tutor for three years on Leeds Metropolitan University’s MA in Screenwriting as well as working extensively as a writer for the Arts Council. Marvin, who co-wrote the book with sports history academic Professor Chuck Korr, is passionate in his belief that encouraging, supporting and inspiring people to write can offer valuable routes into helping better understand and express their needs, wants and desires, and show them how engaging with and celebrating the sheer unalloyed joys of being creative can positively change the way they view life’s challenges Marvin is also currently writing a series of sensory books aimed at children with profound special needs which will come complete with a CD of sounds, music and special effects that try to engage children through all the senses, further reinforcing and re-emphasising key moments within the text of the stories. A former writer-in-residence at Manchester’s Library Theatre, his stage plays include the award-winning comedy Dorothy Parker’s Dead; and a political history of Hull dockers, No Surrender Marvin has also written more than 70 episodes of Emmerdale and scripted episodes for The Story of Tracey Beaker and storylined more than 200 Coronation Street shows as well as writing for BBC Radio Four. The workshop is being held this Saturday (June 19) from 10am until 12noon and costs £10 or £5 for Fathom Writers members. Booking is essential for and can be made by emailing fw@the-ropewalk.co.uk or telephoning 01652 660380. 10.06.10 The second North Lincolnshire International Print Open 2010 exhibition has opened at Barton upon Humber’s Ropewalk Contemporary Art & Craft to critical acclaim. The biennial printmaking competition, held in GalleryOne and Artspace at the Maltkiln Road gallery, features artists from throughout the country and beyond. Around 300 entries were initially entered for the competition with 93 entries being selected for the exhibition by Melvyn Petterson of London’s Artichoke Printmaking Studio and artist and printmaker Meg Dutton, a Fellow and Vice-President of the Royal Society of Painter-Printmakers. “Both Melvyn and Meg are involved with the Royal Society of Painters-Printmakers and were very impressed with the high standard of work submitted,” said The Ropewalk’s Exhibition Officer, Richard Hatfield. “We were very pleased with the range of work and the geographical spread of the submissions,” he continued. “The job was a very difficult one – if we had another gallery I am sure we could have filled it with no real discernable drop in quality.” “Comments from early visitors to the exhibition have been very positive with many remarking on the excellent quality on display.” The £400 selectors’ prize was awarded to Catherine Sutcliffe-Fuller of York with her print, Managed Woodlands, with other prizes awarded to London printmakers Colin Gale and Camilla Clutterbuck,, Sherriff Hutton printmaker Timothy Morrison, Glasshouses’ Emerson Mayes and Piers Browne of Askrigg near Leybun. The Ropewalk Contemporary Art and Craft Gallery is open Mondays to Saturdays 10am until 5pm and on Sundays from 10am until 4pm For further information contact Richard Hatfield 01652 660380 03.05.10 From Page to the Stage with Fathom Writers Theatre Director Andrew Pearson will be leading a two hour workshop on writing for stage, screen or radio at the latest workshop session organised by the Barton upon Humber based Fathom Writers. In this two hour workshop, From the Page to the Stage, on Saturday May 15, Andrew will talk through the process of getting a script from an initial idea to a full blown production. And the informal session will allow writers to discuss the process of getting a script on its feet, and practical advice on taking projects forward. There will also be the opportunity to look at adapting prose for performance and scripting for television, film and radio. Andrew, who trained at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art has not only appeared in more than 35 productions on stage and screen but also directed shows both in this country and abroad as well as writing the musical scores for 23 shows including four original musicals. In 2007 he co-created and directed Disposable People at the Marina Boatsheds in Hull as part of the William Wilberforce commemorations and is a writer and performer in the comedy group Live Naked Idiots, as well as being a workshop leader for 15 years including the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland in 2007 The workshops cost £10 or £5 for Fathom Writers members. Booking is essential for these sessions and can be made by emailing fw@the-ropewalk.co.uk, telephoning 01652 660380 or calling in person to the Ropewalk Craft Gallery reception. 28.04.10 Anniversary Celebrations at The Ropewalk A Barton art gallery has been described as a “beacon of artistic brilliance” at the celebrations which marked Ropewalk Contemporary Art & Craft’s first 10 years. Labour’s Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Cleethorpes, Shona McIsaac, said she had followed with great interest the transformation of the quarter-mile long Grade II former ropewalk by the Waterside Artists’ Co-operative into what is now a regionally acclaimed centre for the arts. “At that opening night 10 years ago I think everyone was impressed by the way this part of the building had been transformed so sympathetically,” she said. “And I think Barton residents are so lucky to have such heritage on their doorstep. In the past few years buildings which have been renovated include not only the Ropewalk but also the Wilderspin National School.” North Lincolnshire Council’s Head of Cultural Services, Neil Jacques, praised the “stalwart members of the Co-operative” for their tenacity and foresight in converting the former Hall’s Barton Ropery ropewalk into what is now a regionally acclaimed centre for the arts. He said the two-phased renovation of the building had been a true partnership between North Lincolnshire Council, the owners of the building the Proudfoot Group, and the Co-operative. “It started as an idea with the Co-operative approaching Ian Proudfoot to convert the building and it is now a fabulous facility both for Barton and the whole of the region,” he continued. And Tim Needham of the Waterside Artists’ Co-operative, recalled the early days when the initial idea to establish a gallery and artists’ studios received the support of North Lincolnshire Council and Ian Proudfoot, as well funding from the European Rural Development Fund, Single Regeneration Budget, Yorkshire Forward and The Proudfoot Group. “Together we were able to give the project wings and in this remarkable building we were able to create this,” he said. 28.04.10 Artists return for 10th anniversary exhibition Five well-known Lincolnshire artists are revisiting the first ever exhibition held at Barton upon Humber’s Ropewalk Contemporary Art & Craft. The five artists, Twink Addison, Edith and Walter Cook and Avril and David Morris, who were the five artists who launched the gallery’s inaugural exhibition Five Lincolnshire Painters back in April 2000. Now they have returned with Ten Years On, the latest exhibition to open at the Maltkiln Road gallery. “We were delighted that these five artists agreed to return to The Ropewalk for this exhibition, Ten Years On,” said the gallery’s Exhibition’s Officer, Richard Hatfield. “Not only is it 10 years on for the gallery but also 10 years on for these acclaimed artists who are well-known throughout the county,” he continued. “Many visitors to the Art at St Peter’s exhibitions which were held in Barton’s St Peter’s Church will be able to recall their work.” The exhibition, which has just opened, features more than 50 paintings in a variety of mediums and includes landscapes, portraits and still lifes. Edith and Walter Cook are well known throughout the northern Lincolnshire area. Both former teachers – Walter taught at Barton Grammar School and Edith at the former Church School – and lived on Queen Street in Barton and ran a craft shop on the High Street. They now live at Asterby End near Louth. David and Avril Morris both studied at Leeds College of Art moving on to teach in Hull before crossing the River Humber into Lincolnshire where David was a Lecturer in Ceramics at Grimsby School of Art and ran a pottery studio. After retirement they moved to Louth and established the Aswell Street Studio in Louth where the couple concentrate on their painting. He was Lecturer in Ceramics at Grimsby School of Art, a full member of the Craftsman Potters Association and ran a pottery studio until he retired from teaching in 1990. In both 1996 and 1997 he was a prize winner at the Royal Watercolour Society open exhibition, he was a co-founder of the Louth Art Exhibition and he is a Vice President of the Lincolnshire Artists’ Society. He has exhibited regularly in open exhibitions including the Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolours and the Royal Watercolour Society. Avril, who exhibited ceramic sculpture in many galleries from 1970 onwards, now concentrates on painting and works in acrylic, watercolour and pastel from still life and figurative subjects. The fifth artist, Twink Addison of South Somercotes, is a noted cartoonist and has work published in magazines such as The Oldie. 14.04.10 10th Anniversary Celebrations for The Ropewalk Barton upon Humber’s Ropewalk celebrates its 10th anniversary later this month as a regionally acclaimed centre for the arts. And to celebrate its first decade, Ropewalk Contemporary Arts & Craft is returning to the five Lincolnshire artists who formed the first ever exhibition at the Maltkiln Road gallery. Exhibitions Officer Richard Hatfield explained: “For our 10 th anniversary exhibition, Ten Years On, we are returning to where it all began for us with work from Twink Addison, David and Avril Morris and Edith and Walter Cook.” Turning the clock back to 1999 Richard recalled:“ “The Scarborough based Proudfoot Group had bought the former Ropery site in the mid-1990s as the site for its superstore but the Ropewalk itself had been empty for just under 10 years before work started on its conversion. “Ten years ago, when we opened, we had just one gallery, four artists’ studios, printmaking, frame making facilities and a dark room,” he recalled. “In 2000 we could hardly envisage that in just five years we would be able, with assistance financial and otherwise, from the Proudfoot family who own the building, North Lincolnshire Council, Arts Council England, Yorkshire Forward, the Single Regeneration Budget and WREN that we would be able to renovate and bring back to life the entire quarter-mile long building.” “Now we have an additional three gallery spaces, an outdoor sculpture garden, treble the number of artists’ studios and units for creative industries. And, of course, there is also Ropery Hall which attracts top names in music, theatre and comedy and the ever-popular Ropery Coffee Shop.” Looking back over the past 10 years, Richard believes that The Ropewalk has firmly cemented a place for itself in the local community in beyond. “When we first opened we just had one paid member of staff – now we have 26 who all come from Barton and the surrounding area,” he said. “And visitor numbers have soared from about 18,000 in our first year to 42,500 last year which in itself was an eight per cent increase on 2008.” The exhibition, Ten Years On, opens on Saturday, April 24 and continues until Sunday, May 30. Admission is free and the gallery is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm and on Sundays and Bank Holidays between 10am and 4pm. 01.04.10 April Fool’s Day at The Ropewalk Staff at Barton upon Humber’s gallery, Ropewalk Contemporary Art & Craft, could hardly believe their eyes on April Fool’s Day. In the open air Sculpture Gallery adjoining Barton Haven there appeared to have been an overnight invasion of squatters – and the only clue of where they came from was the sign “Guerilla Ceramics.” Exhibitions Officer Richard Hatfield made the discovery of the extra visitors at the Maltkiln Road gallery when he went out into the gallery to take some photographs. “I was the first person to notice them and to say I was left open-mouthed was a bit of an understatement,” he said. “Whoever put them in the gallery had to surmount several obstacles but they obviously took care and thought it was worth the surprise.” “I don’t know how long they will be with us but at the moment they certainly look at home here. If they stop for any length of time I am sure they will become a talking point.” After discovering his uninvited guests Richard tried to find out where the Guerilla Ceramics came from. “There was a group of artists who were commissioned to create temporary interventions in Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire’s urban landscapes and public places but whether or not they have headed further north it’s a mystery,” Richard continued. The models are all around two foot high and are made out of ceramics. If anyone has any knowledge of where they came from Richard would be delighted to hear from you. He can be contacted on 01652 660380 or email Richard@the-ropewalk.co.uk 30.03.10 Call for Artists Artists wanting to take part in the open studio event which celebrates the artistic talents of North and North East Lincolnshire have only a short time left to book their place. Insight 2010, the annual celebration of the arts in northern Lincolnshire which takes place this year over the weekends of September 18 and 19 and September 25 and 26, will see artists throughout the area will open their studio doors to the public. Insight 2010 Project Manager, Pete Mitchell of The Ropewalk in Barton upon Humber, is keen that as many artists as possible sign up and use the professional services of photographer, Andrew MacNaughton “Photography sessions have been booked for April 10 at The Ropewalk in Barton and April 17 at Abbey Walk Gallery in Grimsby and to be included in these sessions work must be in by 10am on these dates at either venue,” he said. “Otherwise photographs supplied by the artist must be of a similar professional standard at a minimum 300dpi.” “And as the deadline for entries is May 7 it would be helpful for artists to let me know sooner rather than later if they intend to exhibit in Insight 2010.” Insight 2010 is now in its 10 th year and not only celebrates the artistic talents of North and North East Lincolnshire but also gives artists the opportunity to demonstrate the processes involved in developing their work as well as give the public the opportunity to view and perhaps purchase or commission original paintings, prints, textiles, sculpture, jewellery and glass.
Artists can contact Mr Mitchell by emailing pete@the-ropewalk.co.uk or by telephoning him on 01652 660380 30.03.10 Easter activities with ST-ART A wide range of activities has been put together for children over the Easter holidays in North Lincolnshire by Barton children’s charity, ST-ART. Wendy Chan gets the two week programme under way on Saturday, April 3, when she hosts a free Easter drop-in, from 1pm to 3pm, in the Artspace at Ropewalk Contemporary Art & Craft in Barton upon Humber where young people will have the chance to make Easter chicks or spring lambs. The following Tuesday (April 6) with the Theatre of Widdershins transporting Barton’s Ropery Hall into the magical land of Arabian Nights with lavish colours and textures and an original soundtrack. Using puppets, props and storytelling, Sheherazade, the greatest of all storytellers presents three fabulous tales from her Arabian Nights: a tale from the desert, a tale from the bed of the ocean and a tale straight from the donkey’s mouth. Suitable for children aged four years and over and their families, the performance begins at 2pm and costs £3 for adults and £2 for children under 16. The same day Marc Renshaw will be at Scunthorpe’s Westcliff Youth Centre between 2pm and 4 pm showing how to make a selection of Easter egg cup trophies and then humorous hatching imaginary creatures to add an element of surprise. The following day ST-ART is screening the film, Fantastic Mr Fox (PG) at 2.30pm and 6.30pm. Entry for either performance is £3 for adults and £1 for under 16s while at Broughton Village Hall between 10am and 12noon Marilyn Oliver will be showing the process of creating a name plaque for young people to hang on their bedroom door. On Thursday, April 8, Ropewalk studio artist Kirsty Champ will lead a workshop on Origami Easter baskets at the Viking Resource Centre on Fairfield Drive between 2pm and 4pm while the following day ST-ART co-ordinator Janine Knight will be making woven Easter Baskets at The Ropewalk. The second week of the programme starts outdoors at South Killingholme Primary School Monday April 12 between 10am and12 noon with Kirsty making Easter Egg Cups and Cosies using felt and recycled materials to make personalised egg cups and cosies. The following day Kirsty will be outside at Alkborough Primary School between 10am and 12 noon making Origami Easter Baskets and pop up cards. On Wednesday, April 14, professional theatre company, Tell Tale Hearts, will be presenting Space Hoppers at Ropery Hall in two interactive productions, starting at 11am and 2pm, combining performance, live music and poetry to create a magical experience for children aged between three and seven years and their families. Entry costs £3 for adults and £2 for under 16s. The same day Kirsty is reprising her Origami Easter Baskets and pop up cards Broughton Village Hall, High Street between 10am and 12 noon and outside at Winteringham Primary School the same afternoon she will be making Easter Egg Cups and Cosies using felt and recycled materials between 2pm and 4pm. On Thursday April 15 Marilyn will be making spring name plaques outside at East Halton Primary between 10am and 12 noon and at Wootton School House between 2pm and 4pm. The final session on Friday, April 16, sees Kirsty outside at New Holland Primary between 2pm and 4pm making Origami Easter Baskets and pop up cards. All activities are suitable for young people aged between five and 13 years and cost £1 for each session unless otherwise stated. Children aged under eight years must be accompanied by an adult. To book an activity all the venues apart from the Viking Resource Centre and Westcliff Youth Centre please call The Ropewalk on 01652 660380. For the Viking Resource Centre call Maureen on 01652 660380 and for Westcliff call Jo on 01724 872216. Full details can be found on www.st-art.co.uk 24.03.10 Dionne Swift A new exhibition by Huddersfield textile artist Dionne Swift opens this weekend at Barton upon Humber’s Ropewalk Contemporary Art & Craft. New Grounds sees delicate cloth and stitch complemented by traditional printmaking processes. Pleats, cuts, folds and slashes create distortions of image and protective layers of felt shelter the viewer from sharp fabric edges. “This exhibition celebrates the qualities which make everyone unique,” said the Maltkiln Road gallery’s Exhibitions Officer, Richard Hatfield. In the exhibition Dionne applies her instinctive understanding of textiles to her developing mastery of printmaking and the result is reminiscent of landscape with folds, curves and undulations. “Dionne brings to her work the energy and excitement of one who delights in the discovery of new approaches and techniques. In this new collection there is no doubt that the same delight will be shared by her audience,” Richard went on. He explained that Collograph was Dionne’s chosen technique for this new series with her studio providing the objects which she applied to a card backing board – a label from a roll of tape; sandpaper; tissue; a strip of fabric. The plates are cooled and reserved until the ink draws the textures from the woollen felt print blankets on which she works. “I understand that sales from the exhibition, which ends at The Ropewalk, have been extremely good and it’s encouraging to know that people have enjoyed Dionne’s pieces to buy her work,” Richard continued. The exhibition opens on Saturday (March 27) in the Artspace and continues until May 23. Admission is free. 14.03.10 News from ST-ART Barton children’s charity, ST-ART, has put together a series of events for the Easter holidays. The programme gets under way on Tuesday, April 6, with the Theatre of Widdershins transporting Ropery Hall into the magical land of Arabian Nights with lavish colours and textures and an original soundtrack. Using puppets, props and storytelling, Sheherazade, the greatest of all storytellers presents three fabulous tales from her Arabian Nights: a tale from the desert, a tale from the bed of the ocean and a tale straight from the donkey’s mouth. Suitable for children aged four years and over and their families, the performance begins at 2pm and costs £3 for adults and £2 for children under 16. The following day, April 7, Ropery Hall stages two performances, at 2.30pm and 6.30pm, of Fantastic Mr Fox (PG). The story tells of one Mr Fox and his wild ways of hen heckling, turkey taking and cider sipping adventures until the day comes when he has to put his wild days behind him and do what fathers do best – be responsible. Entry for either performance is £3 for adults and £1 for under 16s. Thursday, April 8, sees Ropewalk studio artist Kirsty Champ leading a workshop on Origami Easter baskets at the Viking Resource Centre on Fairfield Drive between 2pm and 4pm while the following day ST-ART co-ordinator Janine Knight will be making woven Easter Baskets at The Ropewalk. The following Wednesday, April 14, Tell Tale Hearts will be presenting Space Hoppers at Ropery Hall in two interactive productions, starting at 11am and 2pm, combining performance, live music and poetry to create a magical experience for children aged between three and seven years and their families. Entry costs £3 for adults and £2 for under 16s. 09.03.10 My Giant Colouring Book A new Hayward Touring exhibition of etchings by Jake and Dinos Chapman will open at Ropewalk Contemporary Art & Craft in Barton upon Humber on Saturday, March 20. Exhibitions Officer, Richard Hatfield, said he was delighted that work by the two brothers was going to be shown at the Maltkiln Road gallery. “For all their irreverence, Jake and Dinos Chapman have always displayed extraordinary invention and consummate skill in whatever techniques they have adopted,” he said. “They have a longstanding interest in printmaking and have produced several major portfolios of prints including a series of etchings, Exquisite Corpse (2000), where they adopted the Surrealist’s collaborative method of free-association, Insult to Injury (2000) where they ‘rectified’ Goya’s Disasters of War, painting lurid comic faces over the original prints, and in 2007 they ‘reworked and improved’ Hogarth’s Rake’s Progress. “ Born in 1962 and 1966, brothers Dinos and Jake Chapman first came to prominence in the 1990s as part of the Young British Artists (YBA) generation and featured in the Royal Academy’s seminal 1997 exhibition ‘Sensation’, showing a sculptural version of Goya’s disasters of war. They returned to Goya’s work in 2003 when they caused outrage for painting their own ghoulish imagery over an original set of etchings. My Giant Colouring Book returns to this method of working, this time appropriating join-the-dot drawings from a children’s picture book. The naïve innocence of the illustrations triggers a wild outpouring of fantastical imagery far removed from the original dot formations. This series of 21 etchings, published by The Paragon Press, London in 2004, offers a fascinating introduction to the imaginations of two of Britain’s most inventive and subversive artists. “Many of the Chapmans’ favourite themes are found here, often with a dark undercurrent. Monstrous creatures and hallucinatory scenes emerge, bristling with grotesque humour, and rich in allusions to art history: from medieval images of hell and damnation to Surrealism and Abstract Expressionism,” continued Richard. The exhibition continues until April 18 and the gallery is open daily Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm and Sunday and Bank Holidays 10am to 4pm 03.03.10 Performing and Writing Stand Up Comedy Award Winning comedian Jon Reed is the latest writer to lead a workshop for Barton upon Humber’s Fathom Writers. Resident compere of The Other Side Comedy Clubs based in the North East and Lincolnshire, Jon will be introducing the art and secrets of stand up comedy in a Saturday morning workshop on March 20. “Whether your interest is in comedy writing for radio, stage or television, understanding the process of stand up comedy is an invaluable tool in any writer's locker,” said Cheryl Leaning of Fathom Writers. “The workshop will look at forms and styles of comedy and will unlock your comedy voice,” she went on. Cheryl added that although the two hour session which starts at 10am is primarily a writing workshop although there will be some performance involved, which requires no experience, simply the willingness to participate in the aim of the session - achieving your first minute of Stand Up Comedy. Jon Reed has written for, directed and taught the likes of Johnny Vegas, Pappy's Fun Club and Josie Long. He has also performed at multiple Edinburgh Festivals and had his own Channel 4 Comedy Lab film, The Scunthorpe Cannonball Run which starred Leo Sayer, as well as a series on BBC Play, the forerunner of BBC 3 and 4. Each workshop session costs £5 for Fathom Writers members or £10 for non members. For more information look at www.the-ropewalk.co.uk/fathomwriters.htm or contact 01652 660380. 03.03.10 Call for Artists Artists wanting to take part in the open studio event which celebrates the artistic talents of North and North East Lincolnshire have until May 7 to book their place. Insight 2010 is the annual celebration of the arts in northern Lincolnshire which takes place this year over the weekends of September 18 and 19 and September 25 and 26 when artists throughout the area will open their studio doors to the public. However, Pete Mitchell of The Ropewalk in Barton upon Humber who is project managing the event would like all artists who are taking part and require the services of a professional photographer, Andrew MacNaughton, to let him know as soon as possible. “Photography sessions have been booked for April 10 at The Ropewalk in Bartonand April 17 at Abbey Walk Gallery in Grimsby and to be included in these sessions work must be in by 10am on these dates at either venue,” he said. Otherwise photographs supplied by the artist must be of a similar professional standard at a minimum 300dpi. “Insight 2010 is now in its 10 th year and not only celebrates the artistic talents of North and North East Lincolnshire but also gives artists the opportunity to demonstrate the processes involved in developing their work as well as give the public the opportunity to view and perhaps purchase or commission original paintings, prints, textiles, sculpture, jewellery and glass,” Pete added. All studios and venues, unless otherwise stated, will be open from 10.30am to 5pm on each of the four days. Artists can contact Mr Mitchell by emailing insight@the-ropewalk.co.uk or by telephoning him on 01652 660380. 19.02.10 One of the studio artists at Barton upon Humber’s The Ropewalk, Wendy Chan, will be sharing her expertise of the felting process in a workshop, Jewellery Designs in Felt, which takes place on Saturday, March 6. The workshop, which runs from 10.30am until 4.30pm, is aimed at both beginners and those with some previous experience. Specialising in handmade scarves, neckwear and jewellery, Wendy combines a striking mix of traditional techniques and modern innovative designs. Trained at Central Saint Martins College as a fashion and knitwear designer, Wendy is inspired by natural forms and colours and the use of natural fibres. Wendy describes felt making as “an ancient textile skill that uses natural, renewable resources for limitless creation.” Ropewalk Education Officer, Ellie Collins, said the day school will explore techniques for various components of jewellery felt making such as beads, sushi beads and cords. “Using merino wool fibres you can choose to make a corsage, bracelets and many more ideas throughout the day,” she explained. The workshop costs £30 or £27 for Ropewalk members and there will be an additional cost of approximately £10 to £25 for materials, depending on your choice of work, which can be purchased on the day. You are also welcome to bring with you your own materials and fibres. 16.02.10 Create a book of your own An all-day workshop being held at Barton upon Humber’s Ropewalk Contemporary Art & Craft next Saturday (February 27) will give participants the chance to learn the skills needed to create a book of their own. The Bound Over Bookbinding day – Sewing on Raised Cords sees Mags Bradley passing on her wealth of experience as an accomplished contemporary bookbinder and restorer of antique books in the day school where those taking part will learn the technique in the morning and then, in the afternoon , go on to create and design their own book. “Mags has been a regular contributor to our workshop programme for several years,” said The Ropewalk’s Education Officer, Ellie Collins. “She has a wealth of experience and an accessible teaching style to demystify even the more complex processes that might be encountered in creating a book of your own. This workshop should provide participants with the skills to go on and produce a whole library of further books!” Ellie continued. “This is a fun day creating your own stitched paper and decorated board binding. The folded sheets are sewn on to thick raised bands that creep like fat caterpillars across the back of the book and then lace into the paper covered boards you have made.” Evaluation from the previous workshops led by Mags have been very positive and she has been praised both for her patience and skill in teaching new skills with clear instructions and good demonstrations. The workshop begins at 10.30am and ends at 4.30pm with a short break for lunch and costs £30 or £27 for Ropewalk members. There will be an additional charge of up to £15 for materials which can be purchased on the day or alternatively bring you own papers, decoration, etc. 21.01.10 Short Story Writing Course A new six week short story writing course begins on Tuesday (January 26) at The Ropewalk in Barton upon Humber. The course, which is being led by professional writer Nick Triplow, is aimed at anyone who has either written a little or nothing at all but will give the opportunity of learning some of the tricks of the trade. “The aim of the course is to take the mystery out of writing and give participants a creative writing toolkit that will last a lifetime,” explained Nick. Organised by Fathom Writers, which is based at The Ropewalk, sessions will explore all the basic writing skills needed to write short fiction and will include how to get started; creating a believable world; creation and development of characters; showing not telling and dialogue and overcoming writer’s block. Each two-hour session works through practical exercises, writing workshops and analysis of classic and modern short stories. “It aims to take the raw material we all have inside us, our imagination and experience and help to work towards creating a piece of publishable writing,” said Nick. The course, which runs from Tuesday January 26 and until March 2 starting at 7pm, costs £60, or if you are already a member of Fathom Writers, £50. 20.01.10 Busy 24 hours for John Hegley Luton’s very own performance poet John Hegley’s feet hardly touched the ground when he spent 24 hours in Barton upon Humber recently. Booked to appear at Ropery Hall to perform The Adventures of Monsieur Robinet (along with many other tales), John also wanted to share his talents and expertise in other ways. So, on the afternoon of his performance he spent an entertaining hour with Years Five and Six pupils of Bowmandale Primary School showing them how poetry and the English language could be a lot of fun. And after an overnight stay after his evening performance which had the audience on their feet dancing at the end he led a workshop, Writing, Drawing and Drawing out the Creativity, for Fathom Writers which had been fully booked for weeks. “John classes himself an occasional musician, dancer and workshop leader, using drawing, poetry and gesture and I think during his 24 hours based at The Ropewalk he proved without doubt that he is an expert in all three,” said The Ropewalk’s Liz Bennet. “I know the pupils at Bowmandale were delighted that a published poet, whose works were in a poetry anthology at the school, spent time with them and at the Fathom Writers’ workshop participants were equally delighted at all the help and advice he passed on to those wanting to hone their writing skills,” she went on. 19.01.10 Ellie Collins A series of new works by Barton upon Humber based artist Ellie Collins has opened to many positive comments from art lovers who attended the preview at Ropewalk Contemporary Art & Craft. Slipped Halo, a set of 33 paintings based on Ellie’s published short story of the same name, examines a snapshot of events that form 45 minutes of an unremarkable day from the perspective of a nine year old boy with autism. Ellie was delighted with the support she received at her preview morning despite the wintry weather with a large number of people filling the Artspace gallery. “There is an accompanying catalogue to the exhibition and many of the visitors said how illuminating it was to read the excerpt from the book as they could relate to the story whilst viewing the paintings,” said Ellie. “Many commented how the paintings worked together as a story,” Ellie went on. An interesting addition to the exhibition is a torch which is a key feature in the story. Ellie explained how it was used by both older and younger visitors at the preview to pick up the smaller, textural details on the paintings which are only apparent under changing light conditions. Already she has had some very positive feedback including one from a teacher at a special school who said how much he had enjoyed the exhibition. One painting was sold on the first day and Ellie is hoping that by the end of the exhibition on Sunday, March 16, she will have raised the £5,000 needed for her to take up her place on a Master of Arts in Fine Art degree course at London’s Camberwell School of Art. Ellie’s exhibition is open Mondays to Saturdays from 10am to 5pm and on Sundays from 10am to 5pm and runs until Sunday, March 21. Also opening at the same time as Slipped Halo was Emporium, the Gallery One, which features sumptuous textiles in rich exotic fabrics. 14.01.10 New Year, new exhibitions at Ropewalk Contemporary Art & Craft Two new exhibitions get Ropewalk Contemporary Art & Craft’s 10 th anniversary year off to a colourful start. The exhibitions, which both open on Saturday (Jan 16), feature work by one of The Ropewalk’s own studio artists, Ellie Collins, in the Artspace and in GalleryOne around 20 textile artists will provide a treasure trove of rich, exotic fabric. Ellie’s exhibition, Slipped Halo, introduces of a series of new works inspired by the artist's own fictional writing of the same name which was published by Fathom Press in 2008 in an anthology of short stories . This exhibition is Ellie's first major show since a solo exhibition of her works on paper was previewed at the Kuntur Gallery, Amsterdam in March 2008, and features around 30 new works. Ellie, who is also The Ropewalk’s Education Officer, hopes that sales from the exhibition, which runs until Sunday, March 21, will raise the £5,000 funding she needs to take up a place, already offered to her, at London’s Camberwell College of Art, to study for a Master of Arts in Fine Art. In GalleryOne the weather may be cold outside but inside there is a treasure trove of rich, exotic fabrics to lift the spirit. “This exhibition, Emporium, is designed to lift the spirit as we look forward to spring with a mix of contemporary and traditional techniques making this an exciting mix of functional and decorative craft,” said The Ropewalk’s exhibition officer, Richard Hatfield. “We are delighted that another local business, Barton Upholstery, is has kindly offered to provide us with some examples of their upholstered chairs to show the textiles off to their best advantage as at The Ropewalk we are a strong believer in working in partnership with other Barton based businesses,” he continued. Admission to Ropewalk Contemporary Art & Craft is free and both galleries are open between 10am and 5pm from Monday to Saturday and between 10am and 4pm on Sundays. 24.12.09 2010 Exhibition to help pay funding for Master's Degree A forthcoming solo exhibition by Barton upon Humber based artist Ellie Collins could be the key to her studying for a Master of Arts in Fine Art a prestigious London art college. Ellie is hoping that sales from the exhibition, Slipped Halo, will secure the £5,000 funding she needs to take up her place in September 2010 at Camberwell College of Art. The forthcoming solo exhibition at Ropewalk Contemporary Art & Craft in Maltkiln Road, will see the introduction of a series of new works inspired by the artist's own fictional writing. The paintings in oils on canvas utilise textile processes to overlay and intervene drawn elements within the works, suggesting a sensory interpretation of events within the story.
This exhibition in the Artspace gallery is Ellie's first major show since a solo exhibition of her works on paper was previewed at Kuntur Gallery, Amsterdam in March 2008, and is expected to feature around 30 new works. It opens on Saturday, January 16 and continues until Sunday, March 21. “I'm well on my way to completing the final few pieces,” said Ellie. “Due to the narrative strand of this work and the abstract nature of the imagery, I have introduced some key objects of reference which will facilitate a visual interpretation of the story which inspired the paintings on canvas,” she continued. “Despite a fruitful career, which has included opportunities to perform and exhibit throughout the UK and internationally, the aspiration to study for an MA in Fine Art in order to further my professional development has never been far from my mind, “ Ellie explained. Since graduating from the University of Wolverhampton in 1997, Ellie has continued her career development with repeated support from Arts Council England and during the past five years has enjoyed increased exposure with exhibitions, apart from Amsterdam, two in Edinburgh, six in the United States and also in Macedonia and Brazil. In addition to her studio practice at The Ropewalk, Ellie works as Education Officer at Ropewalk Contemporary Art & Craft, the regionally acclaimed centre for the visual arts. “My employers support me in my ambition and have kindly agreed to hold my position open while I take one year out to complete the course but the chance to take up the place is still dependant on me securing my own funding,” said Ellie. Fathom 08 is available to purchase for £4.00. It is stocked at Ropewalk Contemporary Art & Craft, Barton upon Humber. For more information or to request a copy please email info@the-ropewalk.co.uk For more information about Ellie's work visit www.elliecollins.com or email her on e@elliecollins.com or call 01652 660380 or 07784631060 26.11.09 Delightful Start to 2010 Ropewalk Workshops The 2010 programme of workshops at Ropewalk Contemporary Art & Craft in Barton upon Humber gets off to a crafty start with tutor Linda Westerman on Saturday, January 9. “Bags of Delight” will see students spending the day producing a small decorative bag worked in hand embroidery.
“The embroidery will be carried out using a mixture of unusual threads and fabrics,” explained The Ropewalk’s Education Officer, Ellie Collins. Ellie went on to say that machine embroidery can be incorporated into the bag but a sewing machine was not essential. “Students need to bring along needles, a mixture of embroidery threads as well as any unusual threads and scraps of fabrics and beads if these are available,” she went on. “Further bits and pieces will be supplied by Linda to dip into throughout the workshop.” The cost of the workshop, which runs from 10.30am until 4.30pm, is £30 or £27 for Ropewalk members and there will be an additional charge of £1.50 for a small pack of items needed to make the bag which will include painted canvas, string and beads. For more details or to book a place on the workshop please contact 01652 660380. 19.11.09 Christmas Art Market at Ropewalk Contemporary Art & Craft New maker at Ropewalk Contemporary Art & Craft gallery Ceramic pots by London based potter Barry Stedman are the latest addition to the Craft Gallery at Ropewalk Contemporary Art & Craft in Barton upon Humber. The Maltkiln Road gallery has just taken delivery of a selection of pots, ranging from £45 to egg cup sized bowls priced at £12, and produced in a range of earthy colours ranging from terracotta to yellows and browns. Stedman says that the experience of drawing and painting out in the field inspires his work in clay. “I choose to draw in places that are exciting to me and involve the changing pattern of sky, sounds, colours, freshness, layered views, windows of light, glimpses of new things, changing qualities and a sense of anticipation, “ he said. “I love the processes involved with throwing on the wheel and I try to work intuitively, endeavouring to make lively and spontaneous marks and gestures, attempting to be fluent and energetic, seeking some sort of meaning and coherence, trying to recognise the moment just before the work goes too far and loses its freshness.” Craft Gallery Director Sally Ward added: “Barry is a maker new to Ropewalk Contemporary Art & Craft and I am sure that his work will be very popular.” 30.10.09 Three exhibitions are being launched at Barton upon Humber’s Ropewalk Contemporary Art & Craft gallery in the run-up to Christmas. The exhibitions, which all open on Saturday, November 21 and run until January 10, will provide some alternatives to run-of-the mill Christmas gifts. Richard Hatfield, The Ropewalk’s Exhibitions Officer, said the Studio Artists’ Show in the Artspace was an annual showcase of work by the resident artists at The Ropewalk. “It is an opportunity to see how the artists have been working over the past year and the exhibition will include paintings, prints, sculpture, textiles and glassware,” he said. GalleryOne’s Christmas Show is a mixed and varied selection of work by regular exhibitors and friends of the Maltkiln Road gallery and offers affordable paintings, prints and textiles. Christmas Box, in the Box Gallery, will see a selection of season craft with original hand-made one-off gifts which cannot be found on the High Street. “Items in the Christmas Box are crafts with a personal touch and would make a perfect gift for someone special,” said Richard. In December the Gallery is holding its traditional Christmas Art Market on Saturday, December 5, from 11am to 4pm. More than 30 Ropewalk and other invited artists will be taking part selling contemporary art and Christmas gifts such as paintings, prints, cards, textiles, jewellery, ceramics and decorative glass along the length of the corridors of the Maltkiln Road building and there will also be a Traidcraft Stall. “Gifts will be on sale at prices to suit everyone’s pockets,” said Ropewalk Managing Director, Liz Bennet. 21.10.09 Swing, Latin and jazz ballads singer Ruthie Culver brings her fresh and stylish fusion of poetry and music to Ropery Hall on Friday. (October 23) Utter:Jazz is a poetry reading-with-improvised music plus jazz and cabaret songs presented with spark and plenty of humour by Ruthie and her band of talented musicians. “Utter:Jazz is not a soundtrack for poetry, but something quite different,” said Ropery Hall’s Liz Bennet. “From the beautiful Rilke poems of Jo Shapcott to the witty teenage memories of Simon Armitage, the improvisation around each poem becomes a never-to-be repeated world premiere,” Liz went on. “The music vividly enhances the poetry – and vice versa, drawing comedy from a serious poem or adding a layer of intense seriousness to an ostensibly light piece. Sometimes the poem is dominant, other times the words inspire an extended piece of music with a life of its own: utterly jazz, utterly unpredictable. “ Liz added that the performance promised to be an unusual mix of sultry jazz standards and improvisation over poetry. “This unusual programme will appeal to everyone,” she said. Tickets cost £8 in advance or £10 on the door and are available from The Ropewalk or www.ropery-hall co.uk 21.10.09 Lantern Workshops Young people in Barton upon Humber will have the opportunity this half-term of creating “out of this world” lanterns to be paraded as part of the town’s Christmas Festival next month. Space – the Final Frontier is the theme of this year’s parade which will be one of the highlights of the Festival taking place on Saturday, November 28. The workshops are being run by the children’s charity ST-ART co-ordinator Janine Knight along with fellow local artist Kirsty Champ and she explained this year’s theme had been chosen to coincide with the 40 th anniversary of the Moon landing. “The lanterns are very easy to make – dried willow, masking tape, tissue paper and glue and they are lit by coloured battery powered lights,” she said. “The workshops are suitable for children of all ages but those under eight must be accompanied by an adult. And this year we are also hoping to make some lanterns that can be carried by parents on the parade,” Janine continued. The cost of a full day’s workshop is £4 and a half day workshop is £2 and Janine reminds all those stopping for the full day (between 10am and 3pm) to remember to bring a packed lunch. Ropewalk studio artist Michael Scrimshaw will be adding to the half-term fun at The Ropewalk when he leads a free Halloween “drop in” in the Artspace at the Maltkiln Road Gallery from 1pm to 3pm. “There will be the chance to make flying bats, jumping spiders or scary monsters with Michael – all you have to do is come along and have a go if you dare,” said Janine who added there was no need to book for this workshop. For more details contact Janine on 01652 660380. 13.10.09 Pupils at South Ferriby Primary School have a new addition to their Environmental Garden, a Tree of Life. The sculpture was generously donated by the family and friends of the late Gert Henson who died in February last year. Facilitating the project was sculptor Michael Scrimshaw, who has a studio at The Ropewalk in Barton upon Humber, and his wife Helen. “The school wanted to use the money for a 'Tree of Life' sculpture to complement the nature garden where the pupils are encouraged to grow vegetables and interact with nature,” explained Michael. “And of course it also serves as a memorial to Mrs Henson,” he went on. The tree, the making of which was donated by Michael, was planned to allow the school pupils to design and attach their own leaves to the branches which could be changed as the seasons or the year groups change. And there are also branches for birdfeeders and other decorative elements included. “Helen and I installed the tree on the Friday morning and delivered a workshop throughout the day in which the children made leaves,” said Michael. “The leaves were designed using paper, foil and other materials and taking rubbings from real leaves and were then laminated to preserve against the weather and attached to chains which we hung from the tree.” “It was a very successful workshop and everybody had fun. The sculpture has given a central focus to the nature garden and hopefully will help maintain an active interest in the project within the school, Michael continued. 13.10.09 Two workshops showing how precious metal clay can be transformed into jewellery and trinket boxes are part of this autumn’s programme of adult workshops at Barton upon Humber’s Ropewalk Contemporary Art & Craft. Precious metal clay was developed in Japan in the early 1990s and can be shaped just like any soft clay, by hand or using moulds, and is used to make jewellery, beads and small sculpture. The first of the PMC workshops at the Maltkiln Road gallery takes place on Saturday, October 31 when New Holland artist Alex Hallowes will be demonstrating how to make beads with the material. “There is no need for metalworking skills but when PMC comes out of the kiln it is pure metal,” said The Ropewalk’s Education Officer, Ellie Collins. During the day there will be the opportunity to make two or three beads but if any of those taking part wants to make something else Alex says that is possible. The second workshop, this time led by Bishop Burton based Tracey Spurgin, is being held the following Saturday (November 7) and is aimed at those with previous experience of working with precious metal clay. In her workshop Tracey has adapted traditional jewellery-making methods to develop transferable skills and techniques to make boxes in PMC. “The workshop will cover basic construction methods, making a hinge and a clasp fastening,” Ellie went on to say. Both courses run from 10.30am to 4.30pm and the cost is £30 or £26 for concessions. For the course being held on October 31 there will be an additional charge for materials of between £20 and £25 while for the second course, on November 7, there will be an additional charge for materials of £35. To book a place on the workshops contact 01652 660380. 06.10.09 Film buff Barry Norman, comedians Mark Allen and Adam Hills, singers Gwyneth Herbert, Tom Hingley and Martha Tilston are just some of the stars who will be entertaining at Barton upon Humber’s Ropery Hall this autumn in a packed programme of live theatre, music, comedy and film. Ropewalk Events Director Liz Bennet said she believed the autumn programme at Ropery Hall stood out from other venues in the region because original acts had been booked. “We are absolutely delighted to be able to welcome Barry Norman to Ropery Hall on October 9,” she said. “For many of us he still is ‘Mr Film Night’ and this is a unique opportunity for film movers to come along and meet the man who has so many stories to tell about the world of the cinema – both on and off the stage.” “Mark Keeble, our independent music promoter from mtm promotions, books quality live musicians who write and play their own material and support acts who are up and coming musicians who are being given much needed live experience,” she said. The new season, which starts on Thursday, September 10, with a film screening of the hit movie Slumdog Millionaire, embraces an eclectic musical mix which includes Rory Ellis and the return of Corinne West in September, followed In October by John Smith who last appeared at Ropery Hall in the 2008 Autumn season as did jazz songstress Gwyneth Herbert. Other acts appearing in October include Utter: Jazz with Ruthie Culver and her band, folk duo Ezio and Tom Hingley, former frontman of Manchester group, The Inspiral Carpets. The dark nights of November and December will be warmed with jazz singers Ruthie Foster and Sarah Gillespie along with folk singers Martha Tilston, Clive Gregson, Edwina Hayes and Workshy Profits. And to get everyone into the festive spirit the final concert of 2009 is given over to The Magical Christmas Tree with Pete Morton, Maggie Boyle and Chris Parkinson, three of the finest folk performers, who promise a fun and spontaneous night for everyone. “We really are seeing a huge growth in audiences, last season more and more performances were sold out and it’s not just for the more recognised artists,” said Liz. “And we are delighted that some musicians, who previously appeared on the Ropery Hall stage as support acts are now appearing on stage in their own right.” A case in point is Edwina Hayes whose song Feels Like Home is on the soundtrack of the recently released film My Sister’s Keeper who now returns to Barton in late November as the headline performer.
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