A scheme arranged by Arts Erewash to provide support for artists and to develop new creative work in the Borough is underway. A part of the ongoing rEvive project, the residencies scheme sees six artists working in three venues in Ilkeston, with an exciting exhibition of the work set to open on Tuesday 7th March.
The artists were chosen after a call out for proposals that saw applications to take part from both the local area and from further afield, while the selection panel included Nottingham artist Diana Ali, who can currently be seen as a mentor on the BBC’s The Big Painting Challenge.
The scheme is supported by Arts Council England and Erewash Borough Council, with Erewash Museum hosting four of the artists, and the others based at the U Choose Smoothie Bar on Bath Street and at Maltby’s Creative Mill on Station Road. Project coordinator Julian Hanby spoke about the importance of the partnerships: “What’s fantastic about this project is that diverse organisations have come together to make it possible. Support from the Local Authority shows their commitment to the creative industries and the heritage partnership that the Museum brings is very important to the work of the artists.”
The art that is being created during the residency includes a mixed programme of work that will have something for everyone. At the Museum, Bristol artist Mark Parry is creating a unique colourful design across multiple windows, which is influenced by the networks of people that use the building, while local artist Dawn Turner is creating glass works that respond to new additions to the Museum’s collection. Meanwhile Carole McCourt, who lives in Northumberland, is creating a unique book inspired by the museum, the people that use it and the local environment and heritage; and Alicia Hollis, from Melbourne in Derbyshire, will be creating unique drawings that capture the geography and built environment of the town.
In the U Choose Smoothie Bar, Jackie Ward, from Brinsley, is working on a project that captures the history of the street outside, and has been enjoying chatting to the staff and customers about their memories of the area. And Long Eaton artist Diana Shepherd is using the space offered by Maltby’s Creative Mill to produce large scale painted scenes of the canal between Long Eaton and Ilkeston.
The exhibition runs from 7th – 25th March, and will be open to the public at different times in the different venues.
Erewash Museum: Tuesday and Thursday – Saturday, 10am – 4pm
U Choose Smoothie Bar: Monday – Saturday, 9am – 5pm
Maltby’s Creative Mill: Thursday – Saturday, 10am – 3pm
On Saturday 11th March three of the rEvive artists will also be offering workshops to members of the public. Budding creatives can learn basic printing skills, how to create beautiful handmade paper, or can create a glass mosaic decoration. The workshops are free and all materials are provided, but booking is essential. Full information can be found on the Arts Erewash Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/ArtsErewash/
It has been a busy time for Arts Erewash, with another exhibition organised by the group also on display at the Erewash Museum. Seasonal: Winter into Spring features work by more than a dozen local artists including a piece by students from Dallimore Primary School. Artworks are on display across the museum, mixed in with the existing collections.
