The Pop up Blossom Studio events at Quad, Derby were thankfully successful. Firstly the blossom workshop on the Friday for artists/teachers and community workers was enjoyed by all. After sharing the outcomes of my project they created some wonderful blossom art too.Hopefully the ideas will be passed on now to use in their classrooms and in arts groups.
The Pop up Blossom Studio open to the public on the Saturday was busy throughout the day, the children’s paintings and blossom machines looked fabulous, children and their parents were very proud of the creations, so wonderful to see, some very special moments valuing creativity. Many found time to stay and create using the materials on offer: Clay, blossom, twigs, leaves, fabric,wool, string, paints, pastels, inks, charcoal, pencils, crayons, different papers, card, crayons & marker pens,tape. I tried to provide lots of different creative possibilities, so everyone could make their own choices and play freely with the materials, in the way an artist would in a studio environment. It worked! Adults and children happily created freely, supported when needed by my supporting artist, Mary and myself. At times I also quietly painted at my easel to give people an insight into my creative process.
Surprisingly the room was very quiet and calm for long periods despite the numbers of people occupying the room. Participants seemed absorbed in their work, parents were thankful for a calm environment to bring their children and some adults created their first piece of art in years!
People called in expecting to be a few moments to see the paintings on display but then left a couple of hours later laden with their families freshly created art. I am so happy this happened, I love enabling people to make art, I’m always delighted by their creations.
I feel so encouraged by the public response to the Pop Up Studio it compels me to develop this idea further, reaching more communities creating a calm, creative studio environment where people of all ages can come together to make art supported by artists. I think every community needs such a space.
However before I get carried away making big plans for the future I need to focus on the task in hand, to prepare for my Hardwick Hall Blossom exhibition, opening this Thursday 1st May in the South Gazebo and Apple Store, within the gardens.
I will be setting up the exhibition on Wednesday, then getting materials together for the Blossom event at Hardwick Hall on Saturday 3rd May.I am taking a coach party from Chaddesden, Derby for blossom gazing picnics and blossom art activities under the blossom trees. I’m praying the blossoms will still be there. Nature has been very kind to me synchronising with my blossom events so far, let’s hope there will be a blossoming finale! Otherwise we may just have to use our imaginations, and where could that lead us!
