Out and About
Happy Holidays!
Firstly I would like to welcome- and say thank you- to all my new subscribers. I promise I won’t keep you too long.
We got away in early July for a fantastic short break at Center Parcs, Longleat…gosh the hills there defeated me on the bike! I ended up catching the land train more than using the bicycle. We were super lucky with the weather. Rain had been forecast most days, but we escaped with only the occasional splatter. On our last day, we decided to visit Bath. I hadn’t been since childhood and I really wanted my daughter, Charlotte to get a quick taste of what a beautiful place it is. We booked onto one of the free Mayor’s walks which was fabulous. A wealth of history and local facts during a two hour-plus walk. We felt justified in our rewarding ourselves afterwards with cake and tea on the famous bridge over the river.
Out and about – Cambridgeshire church’s-stained glass depicts Covid-19 scenes
I was scrolling through my phone a few days ago when this news story popped up. Stained glass has been used to illustrate significant events throughout for thousands of years, and the COVID pandemic is no different. Such a good example of the medium capturing the very recent past, and how quickly our ‘now’ becomes history. Click here for full BBC article.
Workshops
RHS Hyde Hall Mosaics
I had another great group of learners at my ‘Mosaic mirror in a day’ workshop last week at RHS Hyde Hall. It is always such a surprise how differently everyone responds to a simple rectangular base and a circle of mirror. I am sure you will agree, when you look at the photos, each and every piece is a joy.
I am incredibly lucky to have been asked to put on some Xmas themed workshops at Hyde Hall again.
Mini Mosaic Christmas Decoration Workshop
First there is ‘Mini Mosaic Christmas Decoration’ on Thursday the 16th of November, where students spend a full day immersed in creating four different mosaic decorations. I ran this workshop last year at a different venue and it went down a storm.
Mosaic Star Workshop
Then, on Wednesday 29th November, the ever popular ‘Mosaic Star workshop’ returns. During a 2-hour event, students make an unusual and sparkling centrepiece decoration for Xmas, which can also go on a door instead of a wreath. Please tell anyone you know about these, as they are likely to book up fast, if experience is anything to go by!
Recent Mosaic Classes
In late June, on the hottest day so far this year (well that’s what it felt like!) students Lesley and Vanessa arrived at Mosaic Paving Slabs, full of energy and excitement and got to straight to work. A few hours -and a lot of elbow grease and sweat- later we wrapped up their lovely pieces to cure for 7 days. It was much cooler day in early July for the big reveal. An hour later, and with some buffing and polishing they left with these two stunning pieces for their garden.
Classes payment policy From September, I will have a more rigorous policy for booking and paying for classes. Booking and payment for classes will be due 7 days prior to the next class. In addition if cancellation is less than 48 hours there will be no refund. Ip to 48 hours before, if I am able to fill the place booked by advertising the spot then I am happy to refund.
Christmas Workshops!
Over the next month I will be scheduling Christmas Mosaic Workshop dates & times. For those of you who have never participated before, this is a two-hour session decorating a Mosaic Star which is also suitable outdoors, once grouted. This is a fun session to do with a friend, whilst supping a glass of mulled wine to get you in the mood.
This year there will also be workshops of a similar length and style where you can decorate a Robin (it is on a wooden base so will be suitable indoors only) And there is a one-day workshop where you will make a range of 4 mosaic decorations, accompanied by a delicious vegan lunch from a local outlet. If you would like to pre-register for early notice of these dates prior to them going public.
Exhibitions
Leigh Art Trail July 2023
It was a belter heat wise at the beginning of my visit to the trail, but I managed to dash around and squeeze in since many venues as possible and supporting lots of my local artist friends. My favourite venue was the pontoon between Old Leigh and the boatyards, where the artist Barry Andrews was exhibiting his beautiful seascapes, here is the view from the window. Breathtaking! I want to live there! During the same period, two of my family members performed in Southend Shakespeare’s Company’s “As You Like It” at outdoor locations around town. By the second week the weather had change and the massive downpours and high winds resulted in the last show at Library Gardens being cancelled.
Leigh Town Council Mosaic Exhibition - November 23
Many students have collected their special summer project boards, and a few have already come back…see images below. If you are a student who wants to take part, there is still time. It is a £5 donation which will go towards insurance. Email Nicola@mrsmosaicart.co.uk for more information.
Old Leigh Artist Market
The next Old Leigh Artist Market is on Monday August 28th, so if you are not away (and why would you want to be stuck in bank holiday traffic?) do please pop down. What makes this market so special is the number of artists who are working live and giving demonstrations at the event. I have been working on some new pieces for this including necklaces and standing birds (or are the running or even dancing?)
That’s all folks! Here’s to a bit more sunshine!
