Yorkshire Artspace

Wood fired kiln a success

Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 +0000

The brand new wood fired kiln, recently built by Yorkshire Artspace ceramicists Penny Withers and Sarah Villeneau, Green Estate's Andy Shepherd and a number of local, not-so local and Hungarian volunteers, was properly tested on the weekend on 5th May. The results were revealed on Saturday 12th May as part of the annual Open Up Sheffield/South Yorkshire event. Some 50-odd pieces consisting of bowls, cups, sculptural pieces, plates, vases and other vessel forms, some made with clay from the site itself even! appeared as if by magic from the chamber of the kiln. Sarah and Penny proudly presented the work to all who took part in the building, pot-making and test-firing course. A truly great achievement for a project that has taken almost year to complete. Manor Stokers wood-firing society are now keen to increase the membership to get this kiln used by as many local and regionally based wood-firing enthusiasts. Different types of membership are available. Contact Penny Withers or Sarah Villeneau directly for membership details and costs.

Paul Morrison at Millennium Gallery

Thu, 10 May 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Yorkshire Artspace and Museums Sheffield invite you to the launch ofPaul Morrison: Auctorum on Tuesday 12th June, from 6pm to 8pm at Millennium Gallery Over the past 15 years, Sheffield-based artist Paul Morrison has established a global audience for his bold and intriguing images. After solo exhibitions in many major cities from London to Tokyo and New York, we're thrilled that 2012 will see Paul's first large-scale exhibition in his home town of Sheffield. Morrison's striking, often black and white, work finds its inspiration in the historic and contemporary, from engravings and botanical illustrations to comics and animation. Featuring a host of new works created specifically for this exhibition, Auctorum will be one of Morrison's most wide-ranging exhibitions to date. Please RSVP to Chris Harvey on 0114 278 2664 or rsvp@museums-sheffield.org.uk www.museums-sheffield.org.uk

Open Up Sheffield

Thu, 3 May 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Yorkshire Artspace will be taking part in this year's Open UpSheffield event. Artists at Manor Oaks Studios are open on 5th, 12th and 13th May and artists at Persistence Works/Porter Brook Studios are open on 12th and 13th May from 11am to 5pm. Come and See At Manor Oaks Studios (389 Manor Lane, Sheffield, S2 1UL) artists: Annette Petch (Jewellery), Finbarr Lucas (furniture), Susan Disley, Anne Laycock, Joel Neild and Miles Gavin (ceramics). AtPorter Brook Studios (next door to Persistence Works) artists: Mary Charlton and Chris Boland (jewellery/silversmithing), Lynn Carruthers andSue Taylor (sculpture/mixed media), Tim Rose,Paul Dearden and Trevor Pollard(painting/printmaking). And at Persistence Works Studios (21 Brown Street, Sheffield, S1 2BS) artists: Robert Almond, John Thatcher and Anna Childs (furniture), Sarah Villeneau, Brian Holland, Emilie Taylor, Hanne Westergaard and Katharine Boyd (ceramics and glass), Ross Gilbertson and David Appleyard (sculpture/mixed media), Carol Lambert, Neil Woodall, Madeleine Walton, Isobel Walker andRosemary Watson (painting/printmaking) and Heather Dewick (book binding). Also at Persistence Works, meet the team behind CraftFinder, a new venture promoting the work of high quality craftspeople. With Tea & Cake sale on Saturday 12th May at Persistence Works Studios. Proceeds will be donated to the Cavendish Cancer Care centre as part of the Master Cutler Challenge.

Ania Bas Parson Cross Residency

Wed, 2 May 2012 00:00:00 +0000

After an initial three months of research (taking to people, blue chair walking, hanging out) I am proceeding towards more tangible forms of making work. On 19th May I am inviting residents of Parson Cross and anyone interested in visiting Knutton Road Studios to come to an open and free event:PX Story, Spring: Location. This event is the first in a series of four. Spring one is all about Parson Cross LOCATION, during Summer we will look for PX HERO, in the Autumn we will search for PX PLOT and we will finish during Winter concentrating on PX DIALOGUE. All events are leading to the creation of the PX Story, a book about Parson Cross which will be compiled with direct input from residents and visitors to Parson Cross. The Open Day event is an opportunity to contribute to the PX Story and also offers guided tours of the building,workshops, an exhibition of my artistic tools, a chance to meet other artists and enjoy a free cup of tea. I have invited four artists from Parson Cross and further afield to join her - Paula Kirby, Paul Allender, Abi Goodman and Sarah Smizz who are going to present their work. Artists Abi Goodman and Sarah Smizz's site specific Re:Advertise project is all about re-ordering the words of advertisers to say what YOU really want. Paul Allender will show and talk about his film. Paula Kirby will be showing film clips. Currently she has a film in Bath Fringe Festival. Check it out! This is a free event and everyone is welcome atSOAR Works/Knutton Road Studios,14 Knutton Road, Parson Cross, Sheffield S5 9NUclick here for a google map

Ania Bas Parson Cross Residency

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0000

I would like to apologies the gentleman who lives by the island in Parson Cross for inaccuretly describing his actions during the meeting on my blog. Dear sir, please accept my sincere apologies.

Starter Studio Programme for Silversmiths and Jewellers 2012

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0000

The Yorkshire Artspace Starter Studio Programme for Silversmiths and Jewellers is 10 years old and this year we are offering places for up to 3 early-career, ambitious and dedicated makers from October 2012 onwards for a maximum of 2 years. You will join our supportive community of current starters Zoe Watts, Chiara Bet, Cathy Sutherland and Alexander Kerrison who are sharing this excellent workshop based at our city-centre flagship building Persistence Works Studios. Successful applicants will have 24/7 access to this space. Each starter will also benefit from our tailored business start up course , mentor support from our team of established silversmiths and jewellers including our technical design expert Cameron Maxfield who helps out once a week. All silversmiths and jewellers selected for the programme will also enjoy a free hall-marking service from Sheffield Assay Office who is keen supporter of the programme. Further details and an application form can be downloaded from our starter studio website page. We welcome visits from prospective candidates any time during the year. Please contact the programme manager Mir Jansen, either by email or telephone 0114 2130111. Deadline for applications: Friday 13th July /Start date: early October 2012. Please note that we welcome early applications and will consider offering places earlier to applicants who we deem suitable. Some Background on the Programme: Studio 10 - the silversmiths starter studio - is a 108m2 shared space equipped with individual benches and storage space, a hearth with torch and a range of machinery and tools. The programme has supported 22 silversmiths and jewellers to date, 5 of whom now have their own workspace at Persistence Works. The programme has provided excellent support from established silversmiths Chris Knight, Brett Payne and Maria Hanson. We have recently added Rebecca Joselyn, a previous beneficiary of the programme, and jeweller Jennie Gill to our cohort of mentors. All the mentors have their own workspace at Persistence Works Studios. Persistence Works Studios opened in November 2001 and was one of the first purpose built artists studio complexes in the UK with studios for visual artsists and makers working in a variety of practices: furniture makers; sculptors, painters and printmakers; textile artists; mixed media and installation artists; fine art photographers and film makers; jewellers etc. In November 2011 we celebrated its 10th anniversary with the exhibition: PW10, limited edition artworks by Yorkshire Artspace artists for sale. The programme has excellent links with the Sheffield Assay Office who have supported the programme from its humble beginnings and continue to provide two commission opportunities and a free hall-marking service to everyone on the programme. Selected candidates also have access to the extensive Assay Office library at the Guardian's Hall on Beulah Road in Sheffield. Museums Sheffield: Millennium Galleries houses the prestigious Metalwork Gallery. Over the last 8 years we have built excellent relationships with Museums Sheffield and all our silversmiths have been given the chance to create a new piece of work, commissioned by the Sheffield Assay Office, which will be displayed at the Museum for a period of 6 months. These 'Little Gems' commissions have been donated to the Museum's metalwork gallery or have remained in the private silverware collection of the Sheffield Assay Office. Zoe Watts and Alexander Kerrison were the latest silvermiths selected for Little Gems 2012 and their new silverware pieces are currently on display in the main reception area of Millennium Gallery. Yorkshire Artspace is also actively involved with the bi-annual Galvanize Sheffield festival of contemporary metal. Our next festival will take place in May 2013, co-inciding with a year long celebration of 'stainless steel, developed in Sheffield by metallurgist Harry Brearly in 1913. All of our previous beneficiaries have been featured in past Galvanize Sheffield festivals and we hope this will again be the case for our 2013 festival. The Starter Studio Programme for Silversmiths and Jewellers has received support from Arts Council England, Sheffield Assay Office, Sheffield Church Burgesses Educational Foundation and Sheffield Town Trust

Starter Studio Programme 2012

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Applications for the 2012 intake for the Yorkshire Artspace starter studio programmes are now open. The Starter Studio Programme for Ceramicists is entering its 3rd year. This year we have places for up to 3 early-career, ambitious and dedicated makers who will start their programme in October 2012 onwards and can stay for a maximum of 2 years. Successful applicants will have 24/7 access to a fully equipped shared ceramics workshop at our new eco-designed Manor Oaks Studios situated approximately 2km from Sheffield City Centre. Each starter will also benefit from our tailored business start up course , mentor support from our team of established ceramicists including our artist in residence (this year Edith Garcia), exhibition and paid-work opportunities. This year we will be organising our first Open Day for prospective candidates on Saturday 12th May, between 11am and 4pm, co-inciding with the annual Open Up - open studio event. You will be able to meet with the current beneficiaries of our programe as well as the other artists who work at these studios and Starter Studio Programme manager, Mir Jansen will be present to answer any questions. No need to book - just turn up. for directions, click here Deadline for applications: Friday 13th July /Start date: early October 2012. The Starter Studio Programme for Silversmiths and Jewellers has been running for 10 years. We offer places for up to 3 early-career silversmiths and/or jewellers who will also start the programme in October 2012 and can benefit from 24/7 access to a fully equiped shared silversmith workshop at Persistence Works Studios in Sheffield city centre. All beneficiaries will have free access to a start-up business training course, mentor support from established silversmiths/jewellers Chris Knight, Brett Payne, Maria Hanson, Rebecca Joselyn and Jennie Gill as well as techinical design expert Cameron Maxfield. Deadline for applications: Friday 13th July /Start date: early October 2012. Starter Studio for Engaged Practice. We have a new offer for early career artists interested in exploring and developing their socially engaged practice. From 2013 we will offer at least 4 artists each year the opportunity to develop and deliver projects within a community setting. These professional development learning opportunities will enable the artists to actively test ideas and explore approaches to collaborative/participatory/engaged practice in a 'real-life' setting with full support from Yorkshire Artspace programme manager and mentors. The artists will have access to the Starter Studio unit at Knutton Road Studios in Parson Cross during an intensive period of time (e.g. 4-8 weeks) and each learning project comes with a budget attached. We will be advertising these learning opportunities soon with information in next e-newsletters.

Creative art & craft workshops

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Ceramics Course with Miles Gavin Manor Oaks Studios based ceramicist Miles Gavin will be running a brand new series of ceramics classes on on Wednesday evenings, starting 9th May from 6pm to 8pm. This will be a rolling program delivered in blocks of 6 sessions for a maximum of 6 people. Each session costs £10 per person and includes clay, firing, basic stains and glazes. Over the course of the 6 weeks you will try out different ceramic techniques, ranging from hand building and press moulding to decorating with glazes. It is suitable for absolute beginners and those with previous experience. Miles graduated from Central St. Martin college of Art & Design with a degree in ceramic design. His quirky approach to ceramics and use of traditional methods is already bringing him some notoriety. He has run classes with elderly and young people alike and tailors his classes to be suitable for mixed abilities. To book your place and receive further details, including directions to the workshop, please email Miles directly milesgavin@hotmail.com or phone him on 07951894691 Printmaking, Life Drawing and Painting workshops with Rosemary Watson Etching is a direct method of printmaking with unique qualities in which the image is drawn by means of a pointed tool into either a hard or soft ground applied to the surface of a metal plate. On completion the plate is immersed in a copper sulphate solution which etches into the areas of metal exposed by the drawn marks. Limited editions may be printed from the plates or unique prints made using monoprint inking techniques On Saturday 26th May from 11am to 5pm Rosemary Watson will run a 5-hour printmaking workshop working directly from the life figure. You will learn to explore and develop the soft ground etching technique using less toxic and more environmentally-friendly etching and printmaking processes. The workshops is for max. 4 participants and costs £45 including all materials but with an additional fee for the model at approx £9. On Saturday 16th June from 11am to 5pm, she will run another 5-hour printmaking workshop without the life figure present. Same as above but without the life figure. for max. 4 participants. Cost £40.00 including all materials. And on Saturday 23rd June from 11am to 5pm Rosemary will run a 5-hour Life Drawing + Painting from studio 22 at Persistence Works. The workshop will use pastels and water-based media to draw directly from the life figure. Max 4 participants Cost £30 (plus models fee approx. £15) All Rosemary's workshops are suitable for beginners and those with previous experience. To book a places on the workshops please contact the artist directly at Info@arosemarywatson.co.uk Mosaic Courses with Coralie Turpin Coralie Turpin has 20 years experience of working on public art projects with schools and communities, fabricators and architects, public art officers and commissioning agencies. She has lead many creative art workshops, specialising in mosaic, sculpture and textile art alongside exhibiting her work in many galleries across the UK. This spring/summer Coralie will be running three different mosaic courses: Beginners Mosaic Course is a 2-day course teaching you the 'direct' method with cutting and laying techniques. The course costs £170 and includes all materials. Advanced Mosaic Course is a 2-day course teaching you the 'reverse' method with laying and applying techniques. This course also costs £170 with all materials included Pebble Mosaic Course is a 2-day course teaching 'direct' and 'reverse' method and slab casting. You will produce 2 mosaics and this course costs £180 with all materials included. The course is likely to run on Wednesdays and Thursdays or Saturday and Sundays. For a booking form and further details please contact Coralie directly. You will need to bring packed lunch, apron (or old clothes) and a pair of sunglasses as at least two design ideas.

Starter Studio Programme for Ceramicists 2012

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0000

The Yorkshire Artspace Starter Studio Programme for Ceramicists is now entering its 3rd year. This year we have places for up to 3 early-career, ambitious and dedicated makers from October 2012 onwards for a maximum of 2 years. Successful applicants will have 24/7 access to a fully equipped shared ceramics workshop at our new eco-designed Manor Oaks Studios situated approximately 2km from Sheffield City Centre. Each starter will also benefit from our tailored business start up course , mentor support from our team of established ceramicists including our artist in residence (this year Edith Garcia), exhibition and paid-work opportunities. This year we will be organising our first Open Day on Saturday 12th May, between 11am and 4pm, co-inciding with the annual Open Up - open studio event. Potential starter studio candidates will be able to meet with our current beneficiaries of the programe as well as the other artists on site and the Starter Studio Programme manager, Mir Jansen. No need to book - just turn up. Further details and our application form are available from our website. Deadline for applications: Friday 13th July /Start date: early October 2012. Some Background on the Programme The programme's funders and supporters are very proud of the new studios which are part of a heritage and visitor attraction site, developed over the last 12 years by our partner organisation Green Estate. Studio 4 is now a fully equipped space with kiln, test kiln, wheel, spraybooth and spraygun and several workbenches and display cases. It is suitable for up to 4 early career ceramicists. Yorkshire Artspace runs an annual residency programme for more established ceramicists. In 2011 we worked with Edinburgh based ceramicist Frances Priest and this year we are working with ceramicist Edith Garcia. The resident artist is offered time, space and money to develop their ideas and create new work over the course of one year. They also freely share their knowledge and skills with the starters on our programme. Apart from the eco-designed studios with green roofs, economical underfloor heating and a living green wall, this former deerpark now houses the new Discovery Centre - linked to the significant Tudor remains located here - a Farm Shop Cafe which uses local produce, and a Nature Garden. A small team of Yorkshire Artspace ceramicists have just completed the building of a (smokeless) woodfired kiln with access to basic classroom facilities from which workshops may be run. Recently a replica Roman Kiln was built by students from the experimental archaeology course at University of Sheffield, under guidance of professor Roger Doonan. The next year or so a heritage craft skills centre will be added to complete the building programme. Green Estate organises a series of well attended events such as the annual flower and food festivals where you will have the opportunity to open the studio to sell work, demonstrate skills or run workshops for the visiting public. The Yorkshire Artspace team will be visiting New Designers in London on 28th June 2012! Come and talk to us or let us find you if you are interested: mir@artspace.org.uk Yorkshire Artspace - Manor Oaks Studios are located at 389 Manor Lane, Sheffield, S2 1UL This programme has received support from Arts Council England and Foyle Foundation

Socially Engaged Adventures: a-n article

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0000

In 2011 artists Ania Bas and Ruthie Ford embarked on a co-mentoring project initially supported through Yorkshire Artspace and the Engaged Practice Starter Studio Programme (of which Ruthie was one of our first beneficiaries). Their co-mentoring relationship is still going and they recently did an interview with Andrew Brayant for a-n magazine's Artist Talking feature where they talked about socially engaged practice, the importance of process, whether it be performance or embroidery, and the artists' relationship to critical reading, writing and debate. Read the interview here... They documented their 'Socially Engaged Adventures' by creating a project blog (via the a-n Artists Talking blog platform) which capturesthe journey of co-mentoring between Ruthie and Ania and thier explorations into socially engaged issues, language and practice whilst visiting artists, arts projects and arts organisations working in the field across the UK. Read Social Engaged Adventures blog here.... Engaged Practice Programme supported via Paul Hamlyn Foundation & Arts Council England

Ania Bas Parson Cross Residency

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0000

I keep leaving notes in the shop windows at Roses Hardware, next to other offers to sell/buy/rent. Some people texted me back to investigate what sort of stories I am interested in and how wide their smile needs to be to qualify. Sadly, as soon as they learnt that my research is art related their interest was gone. I am wondering if I should have Miranda July approach and pay people to sit and chat with me?

Manor Oaks Residency 2012

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0000

April 18, 2012 A very wonderful and exciting week. I was able to travel with my fellow artists Anne, Miles and Joel to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park yesterday and be inspired by the amazing and breathtaking work of Joan Miro - it is always such a unique experience to see these classic works in person and be able to see how they have helped to shape contemporary art. Also enjoyed the sound of the kiln clicking away as it fired my second work inspired by Manor Lodge history, Bess of Hardwick. I decided to sculpt and armour unto my Bess of Harwick sculpture, since she was such an amazingly strong woman from what I have learned and read. For additional images of our experience at Yorkshire Sculpture Park and of Bess: http://www.facebook.com/edith.garcia.nenadot Until next time...Keep in touch at www.nenadot.com! xxx

Ania Bas Parson Cross Residency

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Some young people in PX like the navy blue too!

Ania Bas Parson Cross Residency

Mon, 2 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0000

JOIN CHAIR ORCHESTRA! Qualities required: FONDNESS OF WALKING, ABILITY TO CARRY A CHAIR, INTEREST IN MUSIC AND SPACE, SENSE OF HUMOUR, TEAM PLAYER. FIRST PERFORMANCE IN PARSON CROSS IN MID MAY! JOIN NOW: 077 31509854 / ANIABAS{AT}GMAIL{DOT}COM

Manor Oaks Residency 2012

Mon, 2 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0000

April 2, 2012 Very excited to be back to the studio, I will place the sculpture in the kiln today and being to work on the second work inspired the history of Manor Lodge. I also want to take a closer look at the Cathedral in Sheffield as I have heard that is has strong ties to the area - so I will head that way when I need a break or the clay needs to dry a bit! Back to work...Oh! kiln is being used...well straight into getting my hands dirty and next to figure out a unique wall wooden base for this lovely Royal Lady...;-)! Until next time...Keep in touch at www.nenadot.com! xxx

Ania Bas Parson Cross Residency

Sun, 1 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Yes, yes, the chair also works with 'council' blue....

Little Gems 2012 at Millennium Gallery Sheffield

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Little Gems 2012 - new commissions made by next generation of silversmiths Two young silversmiths who only recently started working in Sheffield, Zo� Watts and Alexander Kerrison, have been commissioned by the Sheffield Assay Office to design and create two brand new silverware objects that will be added to Sheffield's renowned Metalwork collections. The pieces are now on public display in the main reception area of Millennium Gallery until 17th September 2012. The Little Gems commissions project was started in 2004 to develop new silversmithing talent in Sheffield and continue the city's longstanding tradition of metalworking expertise and creativity. The project gives up and coming makers a unique opportunity to see their designs join the work made by some of the UK's leading silversmiths in the city's nationally significant metalwork collections. The Sheffield Assay Office has to date commissioned 18 of the new Little Gems pieces, created by talented early-career silversmiths who are part of Yorkshire Artspace's prestigious Starter Studio Programme for Silversmiths and Jewellers. All of the Little Gems artworks reflect the interests and skills of each individual maker. These commissions, worth £1500 each, provide the silversmiths with time and materials to develop their ideas into an ambitious new piece of work. For Little Gems 2012 the Sheffield Assay Office stipulated that this year's Diamond Jubilee Hallmark was clearly visible in the design. After the display period one piece will be taken into the collection of the Sheffield Assay Office and the other will become part of Museums Sheffield's Metalwork collection. For Little Gems 2012, Alexander Kerrison designed a carafe, combining his passion for silversmithing and glass blowing. He says: “My idea to combine the two materials developed since I was awarded a place on the Starter Studio Programme at Yorkshire Artspace. I think this work has great potential to be taken into many different directions and product ranges. I am passionate about these materials because they are so different in the way they respond to the making process: glassblowing gives instant results but can so easily go wrong; shaping the silver is a much slower process and requires more planning. I think they complement each other beautifully.” Zo� Watts chose to continue to perfect her chasing skills having recently received a ‘Commendation' for the use of traditional hammering techniques at the Goldsmiths' Craft and Design Council's ‘Craftsmanship Awards' held in London earlier this month. She used the Little Gems opportunity to create a candle and match-stick holder with candle snuffer, an ambitious and time-consuming set to make as Zo� explains: “I love the energy that needs to go into the skill of raising and chasing. You really have to know the capabilities of the material you are working with. It takes hours of constant hammering and heating which, if you are not careful, can wear the silver thin and brittle to breaking point. This particular piece has been a real challenge for me but I'm very pleased with the results. “ Ashley Carson, Assay Master at the Sheffield Assay Office said: “The Assay Office is proud to have been involved in the career development of so many young silversmiths who have been supported by Yorkshire Artspace's Starter Studio Programme. We believe it is important to help younger silversmiths in this city as they start their career and we are particularly proud of the fact that traditional skills are passed on by the more experienced generations who have made their home in Sheffield.” Little Gems 2012 stays on display in the main reception area of Museums Sheffield: Millennium Gallery until 17th September 2012. Little Gems is a partnership project supported by The Sheffield Assay Office, Museums Sheffield and Yorkshire Artspace. Aditional Background Notes: • Museums Sheffield's Metalwork Collection has been classed as a Designated Collection by the Department for Culture Media and Sport (DCMS) in recognition of its national and historical significance. The collection, which exemplifies the Sheffield's rich cultural and historical association with the production of metal that dates as far back as the 14th century, is housed in the Millennium Gallery. Comprising over 13,000 pieces it pays tribute to the skill and craftsmanship of past British metalworkers as well as highlighting the most contemporary cutting edge designs by new and emerging talents. www.museums-sheffield.org.uk • The Starter Studio Programme for Silversmiths and Jewellers is a two year rolling programme for early career silversmiths and jewellers who have access to a fully equipped space, business support, mentoring and technical expertise as well as exhibition and commission opportunities. It has been in existence since 2002 and has supported over 20 young makers to date. Application forms for the October 2012 intake are now available from the Yorkshire Artspace website. • Little Gems is an annual commission worth £1500 for early career silversmiths who are part of the Starter Studio Programme for Silversmiths and Jewellery at Yorkshire Artspace to design and create new work. These commissions are provided by the Sheffield Assay Office and are displayed for a period of 6 months in the main reception area of Museums Sheffield: Millennium Gallery • The Sheffield Assay Office was licensed to assay silver in 1773 and is one of the four assay offices in the UK. From 1906 changes in the law allowed some its surplus to be spent on providing a collection of books or objects and the Office now has a large specialised library and a magnificent collection of silver, much of it made in Sheffield. The collection numbers more than 1000 items of silver and silver plate, dating right back to 1773 and spanning the centuries right up to the present day. Each year a commission is made to add to the collection, from the most elaborate and ornate historical pieces to the stunning simplicity of the more contemporary pieces, including The Little Gems pieces made by participants of the Starter Studio Programme at Yorkshire Artspace. www.assayoffice.co.uk

Parson X: Made to Measure

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0000

An exhibition of made-to-measure garments and photo portraits made with residents of Parson Cross & artist Lisa Gallacher on The Moor, Sheffield from 26th March to 6th April 2012 This exhibition of unique garments reflecting personal aspects of life in Parson Cross in one of the shop windows on The Moor Sheffield, is a very public celebration marking the end of a very intimate year-long residency. The Parson Cross: Made to Measure residency project was undertaken by Glasgow based artist Lisa Gallacher following her selection by Yorkshire Artspace in January 2011. Her work focuses on designing and creating wearable garment collections that can be seen as artworks in their own right. This project has seen Lisa work with 10 Parson Cross residents during 2011/12. Lisa proposed to make bespoke ‘made to measure' garments inspired by family, community life, local history or memories of particular places in the Parson Cross neighbourhood. The work contained in the Parson Cross: Made to Measure exhibition aims to express the unique character and identity of the place and its people. Her brief has been to help Yorkshire Artspace get to know the neighbourhood - prior to their new artists' studios opening up within the SOAR Works development at Knutton Road in Parson Cross - and to connect with local people. As Lisa says “I am drawn towards situations where I can explore what it means to belong (or not belong) to a particular place. The reason I was drawn to this residency offered by Yorkshire Artspace was that it had a very specific location; Parson Cross. Parson Cross: Made to Measure has not only provided a chance for participants to exchange ideas and share skills but during the course of the year I understand a little better what it means to be from the area.” The early months of 2011 saw Lisa trying to bring a group of people together to join her in the project and though many techniques were employed, it was word of mouth that drew people in. Lisa recalls “By March, Kate introduced me to Betty and I met Janet through Betty. I contacted Gwen through Sarah who then introduced me to Lisa. Ruthie told me about Anna and through Rachael mentioned Dan, who recommended I speak to Lucy.... who in turn introduced me to Grant and through him I met Scott, Courtney & Shannon.” By the end of April Lisa had the full group of ten; men and women and ranging in ages from 15 to over 70. Lisa then began to meet with the group, individually and together and so began a series of conversations; about the history of the area and the origins of its name, others expressing frustration at how Parson Cross is viewed negatively by outsiders. Conversations that have celebrated family and community life (past and present) - that have explored the geography of Parson Cross and its fluid boundaries. Discussions that have revealed the powerful sense of pride that local people feel for their area, as well as their hopes for its future - in light of the current regeneration process underway. All of the garments in the exhibition have a story reflecting each person's feelings about their area; Scott, Shannon and Courtney, the three young people in the project, all said that Parson Cross gets a bad press and wanted their garment to re-dress this. Courtney's ‘Headline Dress' for example contains newspaper headlines relating to the area with the positive ones (in a minority) in bold type. Grant, a local key-worker based at Yewlands School has a Parsons-style-teddy-boy-frock-coat which draws on the many local legends about how Parson Cross got it name and is embroidered on the breast pocket with a ‘PX' emblem designed by members of his own ‘flock'. Lisa's dress represents how Parson Cross became a place of sanctuary for her, when as a young girl in the 1980s she got on a bus one day, and, instead of going to school she went to see her older sister in Parson Cross; she stayed until her early twenties. Betty, a former Sheffield Transport employee, travelled around the edges of Parson Cross for much of her life. She has marked the landmarks and routes that are significant to her on a map of Parson Cross which will has been translated into a digital print fabric for her blouse. Living alongside the human residents, is a large population of magpies, crows, foxes and domestic cats. Ian's ‘Ponka' poncho-meets-parka-urban-safari-suit made from an ‘up-cycled' retro blanket Ian found locally enables him to view the wildlife incognito! Every year in the spring, fields of wild flowers appear on the patches of waste ground where houses once stood. Gwen's garment will be edged with the poppies, sunflowers and forget-me-nots that represent (for her) new beginnings from old. The exhibition also contains photo portraits by local photographer Jonathan Turner of each person wearing their garment and at the end of the exhibition, they will be returned to their respective owners who will (hopefully) wear them with pride. As Lisa says: “Now that the garments are finished and will be with their respective owners in Parson Cross, hind-sight reminds me that this project was never really about ‘manufacturing' a collection of clothes. Each garment is the by-product of a relationship or a series of relationships developed over the past year - and the result of conversations that have explored (amongst other things) the experience of living in and belonging to a particular place. And when the garments are worn around Parson Cross and further afield, I hope that the conversations I had with the group will be extended. They might start with a simple ‘that really suits you' or ‘that's really unusual - where did you get it?' and maybe they'll continue where the garments began, with the personal stories that inspired each one. Whether you call it ‘art' or something else - this is what clothing can do." The exhibition of all the garments is on show in a vacant shop window on The Moor Sheffield (Sheffield city centre, near Debenhams) which seems like a perfect place for the work; a socially beneficial re-use of a former commercial clothing retailer bringing a bit of bespoke Parson Cross tailoring to the city centre. Yorkshire Artspace's work in Parson Cross is funded via the Paul Hamlyn Foundation & Arts Council England - if you live in the area and are interested in knowing more or getting involved email rachael@artspace.org.uk Additional Background Notes: The purpose of the Yorkshire Artspace programme, made possible with funding from Paul Hamlyn Foundation and Arts Council England, is to help us attract artists to the Knutton Road Studios and the Parson Cross area and to help us get to know our new neighbours; make links with local businesses, organisations and individuals. The central enquiry running through all of this work is to explore “how artists can contribute to a successful neighbourhood”. The programme specifically looks at how art, artists and arts organisations can operate in a neighbourhood like Parson Cross and more importantly how we can be open and accessible to local people who want to get involved with art and artists. Parson Cross, an inter-war housing estate and a Sheffield example of the Garden City movement. It could be considered an unconventional place for contemporary art. Although council estates, tower blocks and the places that people live and work do attract their fair share of art and artists, what makes this art programme different is that the attention and focus on this particular area is artists' studios being placed right in the heart of this neighbourhood. Artists Details: Lisa Gallacher lives and works in Glasgow and has been developing her practice to a national and international level for the past 12 years. Her work focuses on designing and creating wearable garment collections then can be seen as artworks in their own right. Recently Lisa has worked on arts projects with groups of young people addressing issues around identity, locality and fashion. In one of these projects 'From D&G to D&G' (from Dumfries & Galloway to Dolce & Gabbana) Lisa worked with over 250 young people from Dumfries schools to explore their sense of self, community and place. Exhibition Venue: The Moor, Sheffield from 26th March to 11th April. This is a FREE event

Ania Bas Parson Cross Residency

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0000

It was a fine sunny day and I was walking around PX again, carrying a chair.The chair fits into the locality perfectly. It is exactly same shade of blue as many fences, cars and clothing that people in Parson Cross choose to wear. A couple of examples above!

Ania Bas Parson Cross Residency

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0000

The meeting at the island took place! The group of 4 women and one girl turned up to discuss the island's issues with me. The concerned gentleman watched us from afar. The island was transformed into a gathering place and within minutes we attracted attention of the police, some neighbours (passing by in cars twice!) and a handful of local chirpy youth who came to check what is going on and how it is going to affect them. We discussed some of the options for the island (converting it into a car park being one of them) and will continue the debate via post and during another island gathering. Big thank you to Island Women for their time and energy and ideas! Meantime the blue chair and me are going to explore a new green patch and revisit the crescent!

PX: Made to Measure

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 01:00:00 +0000

To mark the end of her residency in Parson Cross during 2011 we recently held an exhibition of the PX: Made to Measure project in a vacant shop unit on The Moor Sheffield. Click here to see more images via our flickr account.

Manor Oaks Residency 2012

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0000

March 23, 2012 Have had a busy week in the studio, after being engulfed in the history of Green Estates and Manor Lodge...especially the history of Mary, Queen of Scots and her relationship with Bess of Hardwick and Queen Elizabeth I. Has made my mind race with ideas and possibilities for new works. There are also some artifacts in the Discovery Center (the Education Centre here) that are extremely impressive. I think all of these will be great inspiration for a series of work to create. I hate to leave the studio today as am full of ideas - but next week I will have a chance to get all my ideas down on paper and be ready to work when I return. Until next time...Keep in touch at www.nenadot.com! xxx

Manor Oaks Residency 2012

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0000

March 21, 2012 The Tour was amazing! Peter is such an impressive guide and historian (as well as once being a Headteacher and currently he is the Education and Visitor Experience Officer at Green Estate). I have had glorious privilege of being guide through the history of Green Estates as well as the history of the Sheffield Manor Lodge. As I walked and documented the gorgeous landscape I could not help and wonder how beautiful this area must have been as a deer park with the Earl of Shrewsbury, Bess of Hardwick and Mary, Queen of Scots roaming through the gardens. I do love history! The greatest thrill was to be able and walked into the Manor Lodge and think that Mary, Queen of Scots, had lived here. This for me has been one of the most amazing and fantastic experiences as been a artist in residence in Sheffield. It is truly breathtaking. Until next time...Keep in touch at www.nenadot.com! xxx

Manor Oaks Residency 2012

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0000

March 19, 2012 Arrived today with some ideas as to what I would like to create, but have also been looking forward to my tour of the area from Peter on Thursday, to help inspire some new idea, it will be great to be able and get a more in-depth understanding of the area. I have been researching in the meantime, into the history of Mary, Queen of the Scots. It is amazing that she was held prisoner here for 14 years by the 6th Earl of Shrewsbury and his partner Bess of Hardwick. Of course, very well looked after, she was after all a Queen. I decided this week to create a work inspired by this historical story. And will wait to see what else I learn after my tour...and wait for my brain to start turning those creative wheels. Until next time...Keep in touch at www.nenadot.com! xxx

Studios Available at Knutton Road

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 01:00:00 +0000

Yorkshire Artspace's latst purpose-built studios, Knutton Road Studios, opened in December. The 9 self contained studios are on the top floor of SOAR Works, a stunning new mixed use workspace in the north of Sheffield combining office and light industrial units with those for artists. Warm and secure with wonderful natural skylights, steel sinks and extract units, the studios are suitable for a wide variety of visual arts and craft practices. Facilities include free on-site parking, bike rack and sun terrace, a triple height communial atrium space with reception, showers and brew points and access to business services. The whole building is fully accessible. We currently have just four 34m sq studios remaining at £199 per month, one at 55m sq at £323 per month and one 49m sq at £319 per month (inclusive of VAT and rates, metered utilities extra). Knutton Road Studos are in the heart of Margetson Crescent neighbourhood centre in Parson Cross with good local facilities and public transport links and are particualrly easy to access from north, east and west Sheffield and Rotherham, Barnsley, Doncaster via the M1. For direction to Knutton Road Studios click here or see films of the completed studio interiors here Follow this link to complete your studio application form. You can more on our Knutton Road Studios flickr page or see films of the complteted studio interiors at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjPMNKrRB2A

Manor Oaks Residency 2012

Fri, 9 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0000

March 9, 2012 Wow! This black clay said that it was perfect for handbuilding; not so sure about that! With no grog this clay is quite difficult to get to handle the handbuilding process...nothing the use of a hairdryer could not fix! Ha! I am pleased to almost be done with this piece, since this clay - has gotten me pretty close to given up a few times! Ha! Am hoping that this clay will come out of the kiln looking luscious and dark! I am looking for the feel of a shadow creeping out of the darkness...let's hope it delivers! Looking forward to next week, since now that I feel comfortable with the materials and kiln I can start making some larger pieces! Yeaaa! It's almost like it's my birthday next week ;-)! Excited! For now, back to working on the computer for some laser cutting as the clay dries...really have to stop putting black clay on my keyboard...! Ha! Until next time...Keep in touch at www.nenadot.com! xxx

Manor Oaks Residency 2012

Thu, 8 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0000

March 8, 2012 Began working in black clay for the second piece to partner with the female wall piece. Needed to put away all my white clay materials don't want to mix all these materials together - what a mess that would be! Ha! I purchased some already coloured black earthenware - instead mixing black stain as usual into the clay body. A bit of treat for me to use and already mixed clay - I sure hope this fires black and not a dark brown - otherwise...I might have a few choice words to share! Ha! Well, I am excited to work with this new clay. Lets see what fabulous things we can do...Happy to see the hand I sculpted fit snuggly into the top of its piece...was a bit worried.. ;-)! Until next time...Keep in touch at www.nenadot.com! xxx

Manor Oaks Residency 2012

Wed, 7 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0000

March 7, 2012 It is always like Christmas opening a kiln! I am so pleased to be able and see that all the pieces came out perfectly, testing a new clay and slip - was pleased to see that they worked together, yet not so pleased that you can see the brushstrokes. Will see if I can smooth this out a bit...but am pleased that two of the six heads for the Faces of Sheffield piece are done. Will need to start thinking of surface treatments for these. Finished the female figure for the second wall pieces, I am going to start working on the partner for this... Until next time...Keep in touch at www.nenadot.com! xxx

video tour of Manor Oaks

Wed, 7 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0000

We used our old office camera on a very sunny 6th March 2012 to film this short tour of the Manor Oaks Studios' site and a glimpse inside the Starter Studio for Ceramicists. The quality is not great, but we hope it will give an adequate impression of this wonderful location, right on the top of Sheffield. If you are a new graduate and want to develop your creative ceramics practice, or are returning to a career in clay - you can read more on our starter studio page. We are now accepting applications for this programme. If you are interested in visiting us - we welcome you on our Open Day on Saturday 12th May from 11am to 4pm, co-inciding with the 'Open Up' Sheffield 2012 weekend. Alternatively, please arrange a more convenient day and time by emailing Mir Jansen, Programme Manager at Yorkshire Artspace. Application forms for our next programme can be downloaded from our Starter Studio Page (downloads on right hand side) - Deadline 13th July 2012 with a start date in early October 2012.

Manor Oaks Residency 2012

Tue, 6 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0000

March 6, 2012 Kiln is at 336 degrees! Yes! So hope to be able and take the piece out today...fingers crossed. First time using studio kiln - even though these are my test pieces, I hope they come out perfect so I can keep the work moving forward! Was busy day, I had a lovely lunch outside today at the organic Caf� that is part of the Green Estates. Was so great to be able and sit in the sun - with the rest of the artist Miles, Anne and Mir (Organiser) for a tasty lunch. After lunch, I was able to finish building a second piece and hope to place both pieces in the kiln tomorrow. Excited to see them all when they are out of the kiln! Until next time...Keep in touch at www.nenadot.com! xxx

Manor Oaks Residency 2012

Mon, 5 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0000

March 5, 2012 On first day back to Sheffield and Manor Oak studios, I was so pleased to complete a figure and place it in the kiln. I hope to be able and take the piece out of the kiln in the next day or so. Also continuing with the concepts of Faces of Sheffield, piece - I was able to complete one that was influenced by a young mom walking thought the Green Estates with the most unique style and personality. Tomorrow, I will start a second Face of Sheffield that is being influenced by the creativity of the artists and landscape of the Green Estates around me. Until next time...Keep in touch at www.nenadot.com! xxx

Made for You: slideshow

Mon, 5 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0000

As part of their residency THE COLLABORATORS artists Steve Pool & Kate Genever chose to use part of their residency fee to commission 4 other artists to collaborate with and produce work in response to the Parson Cross neighbourhood. These 'Small Commissions' were advertised via Arts Council England's 'Artsjobs', drawing national attention to our Parson Cross Programme and the new Knutton Road Studios. Each artist commissioned was offered £300, including materials and travel. We received a number of very high quality and very diverse proposals from artists who, we assume, were attracted by the open brief and the Parson Cross context rather than the small fee offered. Short films and images accompany all these projects and they can be found on our website blog page. This project was supported by Paul Hamlyn Foundation & Arts Council England

Art on the Estate

Mon, 5 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Paul Allender a former local resident who grew up on Parson Cross made a film 'Art on the Estate' which sees him return to the house of an old friend whose father painted copies of Dutch Masters. "This refers to a moment in my youth that transformed my life" he said of this poignant film. This work was one of four 'Small Commissions' made via THE COLLABORATORS and their Yorkshire Artspace residency in Parson Cross.

Wallpapering Rose's: The Movie

Thu, 1 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0000

THE COLLABORATORS a short film 'Wallpapering Roses - the Movie' which shows them installing their 'Made for You' artwork in Roses Hardware Shop on Margetson Crescent. Yorkshire Artspace residency in Parson Cross supported via Paul Hamlyn Foundation & Arts Council England

Wallpapering Rose's: The Movie

Thu, 1 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Starting Out continues with