A grand day out...

On Friday 25th October a group of our studio members went for a wonderful day out to the National Glass Centre.

Photo by Mick Hodgson (Art studio member)

We spent the afternoon taking in some contemporary glass art in Jeffery Sarmiento's solo exhibition, where we saw a combination of print techniques with glass. We also had a brief tour around the museum area to learn about Sunderland's historical connections with the material.

 Then we went to watch the daily glass blowing exhibition which was fantastic and gave a few of the members some new insight into how glass is created.

Photo by Mick Hodgson (Art studio member)

After soaking up all of the culture we had some teas, coffees and cakes in the cafe before heading home.

Fingers crossed we get more great days where we can get the members out into Sunderland to enjoy the array of crafts, arts and history that our city has to offer.

For more information check out our website or find us on Facebook!

Time for some new ideas...

Art Studio member plays keyboard synthesiser
Photo by Jo Howell

The craft fair items are nearly completed, by the end of next week the guys will be raring to go. There will be a mixture of handmade ceramics, hand printed items like cards and much more for you to get your family members for Christmas. The craft fair will be at Arts Centre Washington on November 2nd 2013 from 10am until 4pm. So come on down to see us and bring your purse/wallet!

Gargoyle (work in progress) by Art Studio Member
Photo by Jo Howell

Sketch by Art Studio Member
Photo by Jo Howell

Having a reprieve from creating the craft fair products has allowed a lot of the members to finally tackle some of their own works again. As you can see from the following photos there is a lot of talent here that spreads through a variety of mediums.

Remember to keep up with us via facebook or check out our website if you want to get in contact with us.

Exhibitions and calendars...

The Art Studio Sunderland Exhibition wall in Virgin Money, Gosforth
Photo by Jo Howell Photography

The first exhibition of our members work is now installed in Virgin Money, in Gosforth. Hung in the true salon style (a bit higgidly-piggildy and crammed in) but commanding a lot of attention from everyone who passes the work in the busy corridor.

The guys worked really hard on the final presentation of their work and went the extra mile to get them framed-up. I think that they should be extremely proud. The work is for sale and will remain on show until the beginning of November.

The first show has shown us all a lot, and we've learned a few things for the future. The members want to have more curatorial control, and a bigger space to really show-off what they can do next time. So keep your eyes peeled for a much more ambitious show in the future!

The Art Studio Sunderland Calendar £5.99 with all proceeds going towards future projects, events and exhibitions
Photo by Jo Howell Photography

In other news, we have just received our calendars from the printers and they look fantastic!

The calendar has been beautifully designed to promote the wonderful work that we do here at The Art Studio Sunderland. As an Arts and Mental Health Charity we believe that we can help to ease the burdens of mental illnesses through art, and the calendar is a great way for us to show how that works in real terms. Each page has a gorgeous photograph of an Art Studio member's piece of work, showing the wide range of the activities that we cater for. If you would like to support The Art Studio Sunderland by purchasing a calendar then please contact us via our email to arrange to pick yours up.

www.theartstudio.org

The Art Studio Sunderland email:  theartstudio@btconnect.com

New promotional materials...

The Art studio promotional bookmarks
Photo by Jo Howell

The Art Studio promotional banner
Photo by Jo Howell

Today is the AGM at The Art Studio which is a great chance to show off all of our new promotional materials which were delivered on Monday! Exciting times :)

In other news, as part of the relaunch of The Art Studio we have organised some outreach sessions on Wednesday 20th November and Saturday 23rd November 2013 to be held in the education room, in the library on Fawcett Street, Sunderland. In the session participants will be invited to create a mono-print of Sunderland- all materials will be provided so all you have to do is turn up.

Everyone is welcome to take part in the activity and we have ordered some special bookmarks, and a lovely banner to show-off what The Art Studio can do.

The members have been continuing to work really hard getting handmade craft items ready for the Craft Fair at The Art Centre Washington (2nd November 2013). Things are ticking along quite nicely and the guys have made so much work that the studio currently looks like a factory production (only with better products!)

Once we have done the outreach sessions and the craft fair we will be looking to start a film project with the group, and we will be continuing to look for new partnerships or project ideas. So if you would like to work with the art studio on a voluntary basis or on a particular project please contact us via the website.

Christmas Decorations made by The Art Studio
Photo by Jo Howell

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