'Beware of the artist' and 'Artists prohibited' – just some signs which I think the men in grey suits would like to pin on our door. Well thats what it felt like until last Wednesday when I took them round. The men, by the way, are board members of the Harrington Factory Company. Apparently they didn't know about our plans to create studios despite a letter to the managing director earlier this year. Politics. Anyway, they were reassured when they came round. We had considered fire risks etc and they had to admit it was better shape than some of the other companies. We gave them an invite to the open studios.
We have been working flat out for the Open but it is starting to pay off. We have painted most of the floor and walls. The kitchen units arrived last week. A BIG thank-you Sarah and her husband Joe. See the piccie. One of the units has been engraved – and as they are made of ply, you can see all the different layers of wood. Beautiful. Jess also presented the studio with a fridge, so no more sour milk. Thanks Jess :) This is all icing on the cake. From basic work spaces for messy artists we now have something much more.
We received funding from the Coop for a workshop and development of Standing Room. We are giving Justice for Carers a preview of the studios followed by a session with charcoal, clay and watercolours.
Kat has been working hard on Standing Room and the Allotment exhibition. Lori has developed the website so individual artists can log on and book spaces on the Standing Room website. This is v clever stuff which is way beyond me.
The Open is fast approaching, just hoping we have a good turn-out. I know we have some local newspaper coverage, so fingers-crossed.
