PartnerThe Living Memory Association
Making Memories
Established in 1982, the Living Memory Association (THELMA) brings older people together through reminiscence and oral history. Making Memories Workshops evolved into a series of workshops at The Little Shop of Memories, Ocean Terminal, Leith, during which participants, led by local craft makers, explore contemporary craft practice with stories in living memory.
The benefits of these workshops for older people can be stimulating social interaction and communication, whilst reducing the feeling of isolation and boredom. The workshops also build the confidence of visitors and increase their feeling of self-worth. Reminiscing is also culturally valuable, as it offers visitors the opportunity to pass on family and social history.
Across 2017/18, THELMA together with Craft Scotland, will run 18 Making Memories Workshops featuring: Sally-Ann Provan (Milliner), James Donald (Weaver), Dorothy Hogg (Jeweller), Amanda Baron (Glass), Hazel Lethaby (Textiles), Karen Mabon (Textiles), Mella Shaw (Ceramics), Mirka Janeckova (Jewellery) and Helen Miles (Mosaics).
Participants were very impressed by the workshops and the calibre of the makers, leaving comments such as: “the workshops are invaluable, making me aware of other people’s enormous talents”.
PartnerFife Contemporary
In Time, In Land
Fife Contemporary is an independent visual art and craft organisation based in St Andrews, Fife. Together with Craft Scotland, they ran ten Outreach & Engagement workshops in September and October 2017 with a positive number of attendees (235), alongside their exhibition In Time, In Land.
Taking place on the site of Fife’s former sugar beet factory – once the largest processing plant of its kind in the UK – this exhibition considered how contemporary craft makers are influenced by traditional methods of craft and design. The three craft disciplines selected for the exhibition at the Fife Folk Museum were blacksmithing, weaving and plaster work. Workshops were lead by John Creed (Silversmith), Julia Complin (Weaver) and Chalk (plaster work).
Outreach & Engagement workshops ran in the local secondary and primary schools to engage with younger people. Our feedback shows that pupils were appreciative of these workshops and inspired by this extra-curricular hands-on experience in plasterwork. Plus, drop-in workshops within the Fife Folk Museum to engage the general public and family audiences.
PartnerNational Museums Scotland
Celebrating Scottish Craft
National Museums Scotland, in partnership with Craft Scotland, will run eight workshops between January and February 2018 at the National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh. Lead by Joanna Kessel (Mosaics) and Laura Murray (Jewellery and Silversmithing), this series of workshops will link between the Museum’s collections and the creative ideas of the participants.
These workshops have been specifically designed for those living with dementia, their family, friends, partners and carers.
PartnerPanel
From Glasgow Women's Library
Craft Scotland is delighted to support Panel in their dynamic programme of talks, workshops and film screenings, taking place throughout March at the Glasgow Women’s Library.
This event programme celebrates the launch of an exclusive range of small-batch produced products for the Glasgow Women’s Library shop. Artists, architects and makers have been inspired by the history of the Glasgow Women’s Library’s as well as the wealth of fascinating resources held in its library, archive and museum collection. All items in the range have been made locally and ethically through cultural production. Makers commissioned include; ceramicist Sally Hackett, artist/maker Jasleen Kaur, textiles designer Donna Wilson and jeweller Joy BC.
The programme of events provides visitors with the opportunity to participate in process-led workshops and surrounding discussions. You will have the chance to knit your own protest hat with Donna Wilson, create a silver charm through wax carving with jeweller Joy BS or make your own ornament with Sally Hackett. Alongside these hands-on workshops, Jasleen Kaur will be talking about the social histories held within objects and materials, and how they present learning opportunities on how we might live today. Plus, discover more events with the full Glasgow Women’s Library programme.
This rich series of events invites a diverse audience to engage with and celebrate women’s rich history and contribution to contemporary and historical craft practices. These workshops aim to de-mystify the process and theoretical thought behind craft objects and production processes, encouraging wider engagement with making. The formal and informal discussions that will take place during these events will highlight the value of collaboration, creative learning and radical thinking.
Panel is an independent curatorial practice led by Catriona Duffy and Lucy McEachan. Based in Glasgow, Panel promotes design in relation to particular histories, archives and collections through exhibitions, events and cultural projects.
PartnerScottish Men’s Sheds Association
Part of Get Creative Festival 2018
Part of Get Creative Festival 2018, Craft Scotland and Scottish Men’s Sheds Association have partnered to host a craft workshop during the festival. Mosaic artist, Joanna Kessel will guide members of Rutherglen & Cumberland Men's Shed through an introduction to mosaics.
A global movement, Men’s Sheds respond to men’s need for camaraderie and provide opportunities to work together in a way that contributes meaning to their lives. Men who are involved in Men’s Sheds report living healthier, happier and more connected lives.
Joanna Kessel of Edinburgh Mosaic Studio will be running a quick-fire Introduction to Mosaic workshop for a group of 10 at the Rutherglen and Cambuslang Men's Shed Association as part of the BBC Get Creative week. Joanna will take a few of her highly contemporary mosaics (stone, glass and ceramic tesserae combined with cast concrete) to show the group and talk about her passion for mosaic as a contemporary craft rooted in history.
During the workshop participants will gain a basic understanding of what's involved in making a mosaic – how to cut, lay and grout – leading to the creation of a small individual piece. The workshop aims to offer participants a focused yet fun day developing basic skills so they could continue making mosaics on their own should they wish.
Get Creative Festival shines a light on all the great cultural activity that takes place right across the UK on a regular basis and encourages people to try their hand at something new and creative. The annual festival is a merger of the previous Get Creative Weekend and Voluntary Arts Festival – now joined together to make one huge nationwide event.
PartnerYoung Scot
Part of Get Creative Festival 2018
Part of Get Creative Festival 2018, Craft Scotland and Young Scot have partnered to host a craft workshop led by ceramic/jewellery designer Beth Lamont.
This workshop is a Young Scot Reward for two people aged 11 - 26 to meet Beth. Attendees will gain a real insight into her professional life, including the process of designing and what’s involved in running an independent craft business.
Young Scot is the national youth information and citizenship charity. They provide young people, aged 11 - 26, with a mixture of information, ideas and incentives to help them become confident, informed and active citizens.
Get Creative Festival shines a light on all the great cultural activity that takes place right across the UK on a regular basis and encourages people to try their hand at something new and creative.
