Bump Art

Here's one form of art that I hadn't come across until recently and it certainly gives a whole new meaning to 'stretched canvas' !

Apparently, pregnant body painting, or bump-art as the professionals call it, is increasing in popularity - its certainly different !

Meanwhile I've taken a few days to recharge my batteries (after a ridiculously hectic start to 2009) down in Kent and may try and get across the sea to France whilst down there - I bet they don't do 'Bump art' in Boulogne.

St Joseph's Catholic Primary School - Sale

Amanda has just finished a two weeks 'artist in residence' project at St Joseph's Catholic Primary School in Sale working with the reception class all the way through to Year 6.

The focus over the project was textiles and print making and where possible linking in with curriculum topics.

The classes produced some amazing pieces - wall hangings, large boxed canvases, banners and beany frogs to name but a few.

Over half term Amanda is finishing the display items (using her new Janome sewing machine !) to display throughout the school.

The children were so enthusiastic and thoroughly enjoyed the change over the last two weeks as did the very supportive staff at St Joseph's.

Eco Artist goes back to School

Throughout February Dukinfield Library hosts an exhibition of Eco-Art and Textiles by North West artist Amanda Whewell.

The exhibition features work by four local Primary Schools created in Amanda’s successful cross curricular school workshops as well as displays of Amanda's own style of Eco-Art.

Come along to meet Amanda in person and find out more about her work as an artist and her Eco-friendly school workshops on :

Monday 16 10am -1pm
Tuesday 24 3pm - 6pm

Friends of the Whitworth

A New Year brings new challenges and new networking opportunities and none finer than a gift my husband Sean bought for me at Christmas which means I am now officially a 'friend' of the Whitworth Art Gallery in Manchester.

The Friends of the Whitworth is a lively group of people who have chosen to get more involved with the Gallery and its work.

The Friends organise a full programme of events to complement the Gallery's exhibitions, as well as visits to other venues and abroad.

The Friends also support the Gallery financially. Since its foundation in 1933, the organisation has contributed to many acquisitions for the Gallery. A number of activities at the Gallery such as the Art Cart and the Sunday concerts programme are made possible through support from the Friends.

Many members help at the Whitworth as volunteers. A team of specially trained guides offer introductory Eyeopener tours every Saturday at 2pm, sharing their affection and enthusiasm for the Gallery with the public. Another group of the friends are on call to work with special needs groups using a resource called the Art Treasure Chest. Volunteers do all the administration for the Friends organisation, which helps keep costs to a minimum, allowing more money to be used to support the work of the Gallery.

Made in New Mills - Saturday 6 December

Made in New Mills

Where else could you view or buy original pieces of art, craft and jewellery for Christmas presents and at the same time listen to Flamenco music played on a guitar whilst relaxing with a nice drink - only in New Mills !

This Saturday between 10:30am and 3:30pm at the Providence United Reform Church, Mellor Road, New Mills myself and a group of local artists will be exhibiting our work so come along and say hello.

Drawing Stonehenge - Whitworth Gallery

I've recently attended an evening lecture at Whitworth Gallery which links in with an ongoing exhibition which is on until 23 December - it was a fantastic insight into Mark Anstees work at Stonehenge.

In the past few years the biggest ever archaeological investigation of the Stonehenge landscape has been taking place. The chance to witness landmarks like this uncovered comes once in a lifetime, if at all. Last year six artists went to Stonehenge to witness this special event. Mark Anstee, Rebecca Davies, Leo Duff, Brian Fay, Janet Hodgson and Julia Midgley worked alongside archaeologists on the excavations. They researched how archaeologists drew their discoveries and recorded the spectacle of the dig - its processes, people, tools and finds.

While the exhibition is on show, the artists will be returning to Stonehenge to work on this year's dig. To find out what happens go to: www.artistsinarchaeology.org

This project has been co-ordinated by Helen Wickstead and funded by the Caroline Humby-Teck Trust

Putting on the Glitz - Whitworth Gallery

Its not often I get to run shoulders with Laurence Llewellyn Bowen so I was delighted to get an invite to last nights 'Putting on the Glitz' at The Whitworth Art Gallery in Manchester.

With a great intro from the flamboyant king of the cuffs (only small cuffs last night though) it is a wonderful opportunity to view wallpapers and coverings with that extra something

Traditionally, wallcoverings incorporating precious metals could only be afforded by the wealthy. For those aspiring to wealth, such luxury was highly desirable. Putting on The Glitz explores how this desire has been (and can still be) satisfied, both by the real thing and by extremely effective imitations.

Selected from the Whitworth's collection, this exhibition features luxurious 18th century decorated leather, 19th century Japanese and French imitations, foils and other metallic finishes from the 1960s/70s, along with contemporary jewelled patterns that our ancestors might have envied. On show, together with fabulous new designs, are samples of gold and silver leaf, and other metals used in the manufacture of 21st century wallcoverings.

Indulging our appetite for glamour, this exhibition shows that glitz is no longer only the preserve of the well-off.