AUGUST – DECEMBER 2020

Welcome back!Following an unprecedented pause, we return with almost 100 workshops, exhibitions and screenings, as well as a new-look shop and award-winning café.

We’ve worked incredibly hard to reschedule our postponed Spring 2020 season and to introduce exciting new activities for people of all ages.

In order to make re-opening possible, we’re introducing a raft of new safety measures (p.15) as well as reducing our capacity around the building and delaying the return of some activities. Following current Government guidance, most customers will be asked to provide contact details and wear face coverings.

We used the building’s closure to progress our refurbishment plans however huge demand for tradespeople and materials means our journey is far from complete. We’re grateful for your patience over the coming months as our redevelopment work continues, and we all adjust to new ways of working.

I’m so proud of what Rural Arts, as a small charity, has achieved between closing our doors on 16th March and re-opening them on 11th August 2020. This includes:

• reaching 60,000 people through our online arts programme #RADISH – Rural Arts Daily Inspiration while Staying at Home

• teaming up with North Yorkshire Sport to deliver #RADISH Resource Packs to 2000 families

• posting 150 craft packages to older people across Hambleton

• providing free training over the phone, online and via post to those least confident in using digital technology

We’re now working to reintroduce our outreach projects and live performances across the county.

Next, I’d like to say some very big thank yous.

First and foremost, thank you to the amazing Rural Arts’ team for their hard work and unending support. Special shout-out to Visual Arts Coordinator Sorcha McCole for leading #RADISH, and to Operations Manager Angela Holt for steering our building’s makeover.

Thank you to our supporters and customers, who’ve made donations, bought gift vouchers and been patient as we worked out our next steps.

Thank you to local teenager Millie Dunning, whose winning entry to the Thirsk School and Sixth Form College Community Art and Photography Competition graces the front cover of this brochure. Thank you to fellow winners Deborah Martin and Emily Bell whose work features overleaf and on the back cover respectively.

Finally, thank you to our funders, including Arts Council England, who have been supportive and understanding throughout.

Unfortunately, however, we’re not out of danger yet. In order to survive, Rural Arts must fundraise, and your support is vital at this time.

Even just having a coffee in our café supports our charity, however if you’d like to know more about ways you can help, email max@ruralarts.org.

The coming months will be a real challenge for Rural Arts, so we’re grateful for everyone’s patience and support as we navigate the ‘new normal’ together.

I’m so excited to welcome you back to ourbrilliant building.

Best wishes,

Max MayDirector and CEO

32

Workshops for Adults p5-9

Activities for Children and Families p10-11

Performances and Screenings p12

Exhibitions and Events p13-14

Visit Us p15

What’s inside?

‘A Study in Clouds’ by Deborah Martin, 17 and Over Winner, Thirsk School and Sixth Form Community Art and Photography Competition.

WORKSHOPS for AdultsGet inspired at one of our unique workshops run by friendly and experienced artists. All workshops are suitable for beginners.

ECO-PRINTING WITH INDIGOArtist: CarolAnn J AllanSaturday 15th August, 10am-4pm£50 + £5 materials

Create your own eco-print on cotton or paper using fallen leaves in this experimental process. The subtle colour palette reflects traditional fabric staining and evokes the alchemy of old.

MACRAMÉ PLANT HANGERArtist: Poppy OldhamSaturday 5th September, 1pm-4.30pm£35 + £10 materials

Discover (or reminisce over!) the art of Macramé! This retro technique involves knotting cotton cord into geometric and free-form patterns to create a beautiful hanging basket for your plants.

FREEHAND MACHINE EMBROIDERYArtist: Linda BreckonSaturday 12th September, 10am-4pm£30 + £5 materials

Explore the art of freehand machine embroidery to create a variety of textile samples using a combination of designs and colours.

COVID-19 update: We’ve had to reduce the capacity for all of our workshops to keep customers and artists safe. Book early to avoid disappointment! For information about our COVID-secure safety measures, see p.15.

54

CERAMIC HEADArtist: Kay LattoSaturday 26th Sep / Sunday 27th Sep10am-4pm, £55 + £10 materials

Sculpt a human, animal or mythical head out of clay under helpful and expert guidance. Book onto both days to create a larger piece.

WILLOW WEAVING STAG HEADArtist: Wendy BristowFriday 16th October, 10am-4pm£50 + £15 materials

Weave your own willow stag head and create a beautiful sculpture for your garden. You will explore the process whilst learning about different varieties of willow and weaving techniques.

AUTUMNAL WREATHArtist: Linda BreckonSaturday 24th October, 10am-3pm£20 + £10 materials

Use a variety of foliage, flowers and mixed media to create a stunning autumnal wreath as the perfect decoration for your front door!

ADULT’S POETRYArtist: Olivia MulliganSaturday 14th November, 10am-12pm£20

Gain confidence in your skills and inspire the inner writer within you by taking part in our adult’s poetry workshop. Join us for Olivia’s live performance (p.12) too!

Got a suggestion for a workshop? Email sorcha@ruralarts.org

FUSED GLASS DECORATIONSArtist: David TeeceSaturday 5th December, 10am-4pm£55 + £10 materials

Design and make your own glass panel landscape with clear and coloured fusible glass, adding glass powders and frits to create a wintery scene.

WREATH-MAKINGArtist: Sorcha McColeSaturday 12th December, 2pm-4pm£20 + £5 materials

Weave your own beautiful wreath this winter, using freshly cut and locally sourced foliage, perfect for a table piece or to hang on your front door. Add a mince pie and mulled wine for just £5!

We’ve got additional wreath-making workshops - and much, much more - as part of our Taste Of... programme on p.9!

iCan: iPad workshopsiPad expert Claire Ford will help you feel confident, whatever the topic. All sessions are suitable for beginners.

Ask staff or check our website for more sessions!

ONE-TO-ONE SESSION (30 mins)Saturday 31st October, 1.30-3pm

USING YOUR iPAD’S CAMERASaturday 7th November, 2-4pm £15 per

session

76

6

For more information contact: theartscollective1@gmail.com

For more information contact: jayne@ruralarts.org

WEEKLY WORKSHOPSMONDAY MAKERS FREE 10 WEEK COURSEEvery Monday, 14th September -16th November, 10am-1pm Guided by a lead tutor with guest artists, this free ten-week programme for unemployed people will give you the creative skills to set up your own craft business or online shop. Eligibility criteria apply.

‘OPEN STUDIO’ SCHEMES

CERAMICS: TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYSPRINTMAKING: FRIDAYS10am-3pm, £12 per session

Our studio is open for those working in ceramics and printmaking. Develop your work alongside makers of all levels, and share ideas and skills.

Run by The Arts Collective, a technician will be on hand to support you and you are encouraged to bring your own materials.

HEART AND CRAFT:FREE ART CAFE FOR OLDER PEOPLEThursdays once a month, 10.30am-12.30pm

17th September

22nd October

19th November

17th December

Enjoy a free creative activity in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Due to COVID-19, booking is now essential and priority will be given to returning members. Book at bit.ly/HACBook or call 01845 526 536.

TASTE OF... WEDNESDAYS 10.30AM-12.30PM

09 SEP SUMMER MEADOWS IN ACRYLIC £1216 SEP QUIRKY PLATTERS AND BOWLS £1823 SEP PAPER CUT ANIMALS £1230 SEP MUSHROOM + ACORN BROOCHES £1507 OCT BIRD COLLAGE WITH PASTELS £12 14 OCT CERAMIC AUTUMN VEGETABLES £18 21 OCT CHINE COLLE + DRYPOINT * £1804 NOV DRAWING TREES £1211 NOV TERRACOTTA GINGERBREAD HOUSE * £18 18 NOV FELTED CHRISTMAS ROBINS £1515 NOV CHRISTMAS LINO PRINTS £1802 DEC HANDPAINTED BAUBLES £15 09 DEC HANDMADE CHRISTMAS CRACKERS £12 16 DEC WREATH-MAKING ** £25

* EXTENDED WORKSHOP: 10.30AM-1.30PM** OR JOIN US AT OUR AFTERNOON SESSION, 2-4PM

Find out more about all of our workshops at www.ruralarts.org

With all materials included and each workshop suitable for beginners, our Wednesday morning Taste Of... sessions give the perfect introduction to a range of artistic styles and techniques.

98

8

ACTIVITIES for Children and Families

We want to be Fantastic for Families.

That’s why we have:

• Children’s menu• High chairs• Changing unit• Free nappies, nappy bags + wet wipes• Books and games (once COVID restrictions relax)

Breastfeeding friendly

AGES 6+

Thursdays 4pm-5.15pm (ages 6-16) Saturdays 10am-11.15am (ages 6-10)Saturdays 11.30am-12.45pm (ages 11-16)

Our art, craft and digital sessions are perfect for any young creative! A safe, supportive and inspiring environment – with a strong emphasis on fun and experimentation.

This season we’ll be turning our hand to art movements such as Surrealism, Post-Impressionism and Baroque!

Rural Arts is an Arts Award Centre. You can complete the whole range of awards through the club (some costs may apply).

ART CLUB

To find out more visit ruralarts.org/young-people

£7.50 per session

HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES (AGES 5+ UNLESS STATED)Each holiday we host an exciting selection of themed workshops. Under 8s must be accompanied by adults (who go free).

SUMMER HOLIDAYS: AROUND THE WORLD (10.30am-12 noon) Discover your inner explorer with crafty creations from across the world! TUE 18TH AUG AUSTRALIA: ABORIGINAL PAINTINGS £4.50 2+THU 20TH AUG AFRICA: EGYPTIAN CERAMICS £6.50 FRI 21ST AUG ASIA: CHINESE PAPER LANTERNS £4.50TUE 25TH AUG N. AMERICA: DIY TOTEM POLES £4.50 2+THU 27TH AUG S. AMERICA: DAY OF THE DEAD MASKS £4.50FRI 28TH AUG EUROPE: DUTCH FOLK COLLAGE £4.50 OCTOBER HALF TERM: WIZARDS AND WITCHES (10.30am-12 noon)Travel deep into the magical wizarding world! Create your own maps, wands, dragon eggs and castles. TUE 27TH OCT DRAWING FANTASY ANIMALS £4.50 2+WED 28TH OCT CERAMIC CASTLES £6.50THU 29TH OCT WANDS + MAPS £4.50

CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS: DIY DECORATIONSIt’s time to get festive! Join us to make your very own Christmas decorations this December. SAT 19TH DEC XMAS PUD POMPOMS (10.30am-12pm) £4.50 PINE CONE ANGELS/ROBINS (1-2.30pm) £4.50

CRAFTY TALES (AGES 2-5)CRAFT MAKING AND INTERACTIVE STORYTELLING

Tuesday mornings in Autumn

Join award-winning Crafty Tales from Story Craft Theatre! Craft making and interactive storytelling sessions, filled with music, songs, games and more, based on a different picture book each week. Ask staff or check online for session dates and times!

1110

10

NT LIVE: FLEABAGFri 18th Sep, 7pm (1hr26m)Age guidance: 15

See the hilarious, award-winning, one-woman show that inspired the BBC’s hit TV series Fleabag, recorded from London’s West End.

OLIVIA MULLIGANFri 13th Nov, 7.30pm

An evening of poetry and spoken word with local poet, Olivia Mulligan, whose daily poems – tacked to her garden gate – took the internet by storm during lockdown.

“Marvellous poems, fantastic writer. Here are poems that speak to us all.” – Ian McMillan, award-winning poet and broadcaster

LEONARDO: THE WORKSFri 20th Nov, 7.30pm (1hr42m)

Marking the 500th anniversary of Leonardo da Vinci’s death, for the first time ever see all of his paintings in Ultra HD quality with insightful commentary from fine art experts and historians.

The best events from near and far, happening right here at The Courthouse. Adults: £10, Concessions: £8

PERFORMANCES + SCREENINGS

COVID-19 UPDATE: At the time of going to print, it wasn’t clear how Rural Arts could make more live performances possible, either at The Courthouse or via ON Tour, our scheme that programmes professional performance into village halls.

Keep an eye on our website or speak to staff to learn more about our plans!

EXHIBITIONSOur exhibitions are free, and promote the best of regional and national artists. Closed Sundays.

HEART AND CRAFT ONLINE

Tour our virtual gallery to experience a wonderful range of artworks, from painting and collage to jewellery and ceramics created by the attendees of our older people’s groups, Heart and Craft (p.8).

The exhibition blends pieces created during lockdown - from our fortnightly craft packs or reflecting on the theme ‘The World In Which We’re Living’ - with favourite creations from the last 12 months of the project.

Check it out online at bit.ly/HACOnline

THE ARTS COLLECTIVE Fri 2nd – Sat 17th October

A showcase of some of the fantastic variety of creative work our Printmaking and Ceramics groups have produced over the last year, including some done at home during lockdown. Meet the artists when you visit!

THIRLBY ART GROUP ANNUAL EXHIBITIONSat 31st October – Fri 6th November

A diverse exhibition of work, including watercolours, oils, acrylics, collage, pastels wood and linocut. This group of 15 artists have been meeting in Thirlby Village Hall for more than 20 years. Preview: Friday 30th October by invitation only.

1312

12

EVENTS

CAFÉ COLLECTION: ARTIST OF THE MONTHAUGUST: CAROLYN HIRD ROGERS

Carolyn’s landscape images, cards and hand-stitched books are inspired by the landscape of the Dales and Moors, plus an interest in 1950s Scandinavian pattern design.

SEPTEMBER: ALISON BRITTON

Alison’s work represents journeys through landscapes in non-traditional ways. Dragging prepared etching plates across the ground, she integrates elemental properties of place into her work.

OCTOBER: LUCY SAGGERS

Lucy is a photographer fascinated by how we live, compelled by the rhythms of everyday life and how humanity shapes and is shaped by the landscape.

NOVEMBER: KIMBERLI WERNER

Working with a variety of paints and mixed media, Kimberli’s colourful, self-taught techniques originate from the blurred world she sees when taking off her eyeglasses.

CHRISTMAS MARKETSat 28th + Sun 29th December, 10am-4pm, Free entry

Pick up some perfect Christmas gifts - and festive decorations along the way - at our annual showcase of contemporary art and craft by local makers. Now over two days!

VISIT US!On top of the brilliant events in this brochure, Rural Arts is home to:

Station Rd

A61

Sowerby Rd

Westgate A61

B144

8

Chapel St

The Ritz

CinemaTownHall

RuralArts

TescoFilling

Station

Tesco

PLANNING YOUR VISIT

▶ a short walk from Thirsk market place ▶ local parking (Blue Badge on site)▶ free WiFi ▶ family friendly (see p.12)

▶ a CRAFT AND GIFT SHOP featuring unique, handmade items by designer-makers from across Yorkshire and beyond

▶ an award-winning CAFÉ, offering the perfect place to catch up with friends, bring the family or soak up some 'me time'

COVID-19 UPDATE:

▶ Enhanced cleaning ▶ Sanitisation systems▶ One way system ▶ Perspex screens▶ Staff temperature

checks

1514

The Courthouse, Westgate Thirsk, YO7 1QS

www.ruralarts.org

01845 526 536

@RuralArts

@RuralArtsNorthYorkshire

@RuralArtsThirsk

OPEN TUESDAY – SATURDAY, 10am – 3pm

Charity registration number: 1081007

We hope to return to our Monday - Saturday, 10am - 4pm opening hours as

soon as possible. Check our website, social media or call us for updates!

‘Blooming Summer’ by Emily Bell, 10 and Under Winner, Thirsk School and Sixth Form Community Art and Photography Competition