Oxheys were at Preston Mela on Saturday July 6th 2019, with a stall demonstrating how wool from locally bred sheep had been hand-dyed using locally found wild plants to create a beautifully diverse range of natural, organic coloured yarns suitable for weaving or knitting.
Specially designed frames, produced on a 3D printer, were made available for visitors to select a yarn and then start weaving a square. The squares will then be combined to create a large artwork that will hopefully appear in the Harris Open exhibition later in the year.
Visitors were fascinated by the process of both dyeing and weaving and over one hundred squares were added to the artwork during the few hours that Preston Mela was on. Our Caroline and Evelyn were literally rushed off their feet coping with the interest being shown as visitors were fascinated by the process, as well as by the end results. Many, who initially declined joining in, suddenly found themselves putting down their bags, picking up a frame and starting to weave a square.
We were also pleased to assure those who asked that no sheep were harmed during the process as only their wool was used and in the summer heat, the sheep were probably quite pleased to be relieved of it!
This was Dyeversity in action – it was a multi-generational, multi-gender activity that everyone who took part enjoyed!
The sharp-eyed amongst you may recognise the backdrop in the photos – it was the hand-woven fishing net, made by Caroline, that recently appeared as the Ghost Net in Making A Mark with Preston Youth Theatre.
Making A Mark in Preston last Saturday was our biggest event yet, involving over 30 different artists/musicians/performers or artist groups. It was a fantastic event and the feedback we have received to date shows that everyone really enjoyed the atmosphere and the diversity of activities available.
Here are some galleries featuring more of the images covering the Parade, the Flag Market and the incredible Big Clean-up at the end. We hope you enjoy them. More images are also on our Facebook page.
Lubaina Himid speaking briefly about the contribution made to the arts in Preston by former Oxheys' landlord, mayor and Councillor Albert Richardson who died last year. Accompanied by Alison the BSL interpreter
What a day on Saturday 15th June, the day for Making A Mark in Preston. The change in weather forecast meant a few last minute changes were needed as the Flag Market can be a little exposed, so we tried to ensure that all those taking part had at least somewhere to shelter if necessary. As it turned out, it was just as well as whilst the sun made an appearance just as the event started and for the first hour or so, it wasn’t long before the rain came.
We are delighted to confirm that Oxheys co-founder Denise Swanson has been awarded a bursary from Contemporary Arts Network North West. This is to assist further development as project organiser for Making A Mark, enabling more opportunities and developing more ideas than the initial plans and funding for the event provided. The outcome of this will benefit all involved, as it will allow more time to widen the scope, opening up more opportunities for artists to be involved or for greater involvement from those already involved, as the project progresses.
One area to gain is the Ghost Net, initially to be a static installation but which now has scope to be developed further into something which will hopefully make the event more engaging and entertaining whilst getting our message across with more clarity.
Keep an eye out for the Ghost Net at the event on 15th June, featuring Preston Youth Theatre performers, fishing net crocheted by Oxheys artist Caroline Finnigan and sea creature costumes made by Caroline and fellow Oxheys artist Evelyn Rose.
Other activities are also being developed further, both for and after the event. Remember – 15 June 2019 12-4pm on the Flag Market, Preston
Making A Mark 2019 is set to be bigger and better than ever. Our Arts Council funding bid was successful so once again we’ve been able to commission local artists and activities. Where last year we addressed the issue of increased use of food banks, this year’s theme addresses the impact of single-use plastics on our oceans.
There is a vibrant selection of activities taking place this year so do please put Saturday 15th June 2019 in your diaries and make sure you are in Preston and on the Flag Market by 12 noon when it all kicks off.
Preston City Council were so pleased with the event we staged last year that they invited us back again, so we decided to go bigger and better than before! The cogs have been turning and we’ve come up with what we think are some really exciting plans for this years’ Making a Mark day in Preston on 15th June 2019, marking the start of Preston’s Summer Saturdays season.
Why not give Life Drawing a try? Come along and join our session in the Fine Art Gallery at the Harris Museum & Art Gallery in Preston on Saturday January 26th from 12pm til 3pm*. Booking is essential as these sessions are becoming more popular. These are non-tutored sessions but advice and guidance is available. Models are experienced and are of mixed age, gender, ethnicity and various body types, offering a range of quick and longer poses. Please bring your own dry materials. A donation of £3 is suggested please. Everyone welcome from age 18 upwards. Doors are closed
Book your place at the museum shop or by email to Kyra at harrismuseum.org.uk
*Sessions start at 12 prompt with no entry permitted once doors close, so please arrive early to set up. There is one break during the session.
Another new collaboration, this time with D52 gallery, Drink and Draw will be a relaxed, fun evening, where someone comes to perform/demonstrate/entertain whilst we draw them! D52 will then hold a pop-up exhibition of work created at the event. This month’s event will be Rhythm Jam with percussion demonstrations, interactions and performance, with the chance to enjoy tans and get to play with lots of fun percussion, as well as drawing!
We will be in the private function room at the newly refurbished Stanley Arms, behind the Harris in Preston city centre. There is a suggested donation of £3 towards future events. This should be a fun night all are welcome so do join us.
We are very pleased to announce that we have been invited by the Harris Museum & Gallery in Preston city centre to continue working with them running a series of Life Drawing sessions. A professional model offers a variety of short and long poses. The last session for 2018 is on 24th November so if you’d like to join in, please do come along.You can book a place through the Harris shop. Dates are also now available up til June 2019 so there are several options available. Continue reading “It’s a Draw!”
Preston Youth Theatre and Worldwise Samba Drummers & Dancers provided iconic performances for #MakingAMark on Flag… https://t.co/PRZ4CBognF about 3 weeks ago
Almost a full house again for #LifeDrawing @HarrisPreston today - thanks to all who came and specially to Sophie ou… https://t.co/JCUXJAfdS6 about 2 months ago
New season of Life Drawing sessions start today @HarrisPreston 12-3pm - slight change as now in Gallery 5. #Preston about 2 months ago
