Lockdown Exhibition
We are hosting an exhibition of ‘What I created in lockdown’ at Stiwdio 3 in Cardigan, running for the whole of October and if successful we may extend into November. Our cafe venue will act as a gallery; using the wall space for hanging pieces and adding plinths for showcasing 3D work. We would like to invite both professional, amateur and ‘home crafters’ to apply for their work to be exhibited.
Background
We are all now starting to navigate the ‘new normal’ having spent a number of months locked in our homes, shielding and staying away from family and friends, in order to keep each other safe.
There is no doubt that the pandemic has hit many people very hard, emotionally and financially. Many of us are all still reeling from this challenging time. As a business owner, the implications of shutting down for months on end have had a huge impact, but we have been doing our best to get back to some normality since being allowed to reopen. Trading in the new conditions has been challenging to say the least, but we are slowly getting there thanks to the support of our customers and brilliant team at Stiwdio 3.
In the height of lockdown, I for one spent a good deal of time looking into and enjoying the huge array of creative projects. On Facebook, Instagram and on TV there were plenty of opportunities to indulge your creative side and join in with new experiences.
https://www.textileartist.org was one in particular which I loved. Every week for around 6 weeks, an artist created a stitch challenge. I enjoyed participating in the challenges and techniques that were organised by the artist. There was a video to explain what they wished you to try and half way through the week a live Q and A session. I learned quite a few new techniques in hand sewing.
Get Involved
So, here’s what we would like to request for your application, and don’t be shy!
Email us at lockdownproject@makeitinwales.co.uk with up to 4 images of your project (one image will do if you have worked on one piece only). We also require a short bio of no more than 300 words explaining your work: The reasons behind it, techniques used and why lockdown influenced you to produce this work. An idea of size would also be good at this stage.
We are looking for 3 dimensional pieces (textiles, ceramics etc.) as well as wall pieces and paintings in all mediums. Just remember that we are fairly limited for space and the pieces will be viewed by people visiting Stiwdio 3 (as opposed to us putting on a formal exhibition). Please note that we cannot display any pieces that need handling (sketchbooks, books etc.) Having said that, books can be displayed but we will not wish to encourage any handling of any pieces because of covid.
If you want to sell your pieces we can arrange for anyone who wishes to buy your work to contact us via email, we will then contact you and you can arrange the transaction with the buyer. This way we cover ourselves on data protection, but we also want to avoid handling external transactions through our own accounts. If you do not wish to sell we will label the work appropriately.
In any case, the point of the exhibition is not to sell work but to focus on celebrating something good coming out of what has been a difficult few months for many of us.
Closing date for applications will be Wednesday 23rd September
We will endeavour to show as much work as possible but please do not be disappointed if your work is not selected, we only have a certain amount of space. Plus we will select pieces based on the variety presented (i.e only so many wall pieces, 3D pieces etc).
No age limit, so get all the family involved. We look forward to hearing from you!
Suzi x
