Mushroom Works Blog

NEW! Exciting classes for 2012!

2012-01-24T16:01:00.000Z

We are thrilled to announce we will be hosting a new Saturday workshop in felt appliqué and embroidery, to be run by the very talented Jane Smallcombe of Applique Originals.

Jane and the Mushroom Works are old friends and Jane held a solo exhibition in our gallery space just last year, she makes beautiful and original brooches, fascinators, necklaces, scarves, bags and framed pictures by hand. If you haven’t seen her work before, you can find it on her website and other sites including Etsy and Folksy.

If you’d like to find out just how she makes her lovely brooches, this workshop will show you how. Jane will provide enough materials to make a brooch in class and to take some away with you to continue at your own pace, making this course amazing value for money. We expect places to fill up very fast, so make sure you get in quickly!

As usual, we have more of our 6 week tutored and untutored life drawing classes and have launched a variety of workshops in using metal clay to make jewellery. Our Silver Clay Ring workshop this month is fully-booked, so we've arranged another in May and there are still places available on our Metal Clay Jewellery Taster Workshop later this month and our next Silver Clay Jewellery workshop in May.

We’re also very pleased to offer a new course on 11^th February, Valentine’s Jewellery Making for Boys! This class gives you a brilliant opportunity to make a unique and original gift to cherish forever and earn you some major brownie points! Our tutor will show you how to work the clay into whatever you think your other half would love, we think heart-shaped bracelet charms will prove very popular.

You can book your place on any of our courses now on 0191 2244011 or at info@mushroomworks.com.

The Big Draw - Set Of Drawers 'Find Your Happy Place'

2011-09-27T14:12:00.005Z

October is Big Draw month and as part of Design Event 2011, local illustration group Set Of Drawers will be transforming Mushroom Works into a giant canvas! You’re all welcome to come down and help us create a happy, giant, communal doodle!

On Saturday 15^th October between 4pm-6pm, children can do something they’re not allowed to at home and scribble all over the walls! They can sit down to admire their handiwork afterwards with cake and squash.

Between 6pm-8pm, it’s the grownups turn to bring out their sharpies. If you’re shy, maybe a free drink will help lubricate the process!

The Big Draw is always fun and Set of Drawers and Mushroom Works are delighted to host this evening - we’re looking forward to seeing the variety of work and your passion for drawing! No booking needed, just come down and join us on the day.

http://www.setofdrawers.co.uk/

http://www.thebigdraw.org/bigdraw/

London Design Festival 2011 - Designed And Made

2011-09-27T14:02:00.005Z

First staged in 2003, the London Design Festival is one of the world’s most important annual design events. The nine-day Festival program is made up of over 280 events and exhibitions staged by 200 partner organisations across the design spectrum and from around the world and…

… three talented Mushroom Works residents are currently exhibiting at TENT London on the Designed and Made stand h09/h15!

TENT takes place between September 22 and 25, and is one of the largest design trade shows taking place during the London Design Festival each September.

Now in its fifth year at the Old Truman Brewery, TENT presents over 200 international exhibitors, showing the very latest in contemporary interior products - furniture, lighting, ceramics, textiles, materials and accessories.

Furniture designer/maker Michael Armstrong, sculptor Sarah Blood and product designer Bettina Nissen are all showing new work.

Sarah is showing an amazing new wall-based piece influenced by old sailor tattoos. Michael is showing some beautiful handmade furniture and Bettina is launching three fun new designs. If you’re in the area, check it out! If you aren’t, keep an eye on their respective websites for further details.

www.afiddesign.co.uk

www.sarahblood.com

www.bettinanissen.com

www.tentlondon.co.u

www.londondesignfestival.com

Get 'em whilst they're hot! New one-day life drawing workshops!

2011-08-10T15:22:00.002Z

The Mushroom Works likes getting people together, learning and sharing skills so we often run an evening class or two for you to come and learn something new, develop your talents or just have fun.

Our life drawing classes are always popular but we know not everyone can come along on weekdays or sign up for 6 whole classes at a time, so we waved our magic wand and we've organised two, 3 hour workshops to be held on Saturdays in September and October.

If you like a more structured class and want a bit of guidance from a tutor, come along to our tutored session on 24th September. If you're confident coming along and drawing the model under your own steam in your own way, come to our untutored session on the 22nd October. If you just really like life drawing, come to both!

For info or to book a place, see www.mushroomworks.com or call us on 0191 2244011.

2011-03-29T13:00:00.009Z

This Friday from 6 - 8pm our friend, and first-rate textile artist, Cassandra Harrison’s exhibition; 'The connecting thread' opens it's doors for the first time on a world tour. The exhibition showcases her two year journey of discover to uncover the story behind her ancestor's movements.

The legacy of her family is rather exciting; she has stumbled across some notes and photos left behind by her late grandfather (a former FBI agent), which formed the inspiration for the exhibition.

This exhibition is about realizing how decisions made hundreds of years ago effect who you are, how you are and where you are today and promises to be truly extraordinary. As you can see from her work, this is a show not to be missed!

Kingsland Church Studios

2011-03-01T16:27:00.008Z

2011 is the year for expansion at Mushroom Works. We have lots planned and in the pipeline for this year, mostly involving opening new studio spaces to satiate the need for affordable studios by the numerous creative people in the North East.

First up, we will be opening 9 studios in Kingsland Church in the heart of the Byker Wall. This 'jewel in the wall' has been beautifully refurbished and is now ready to be filled full of creative people.

If you are interested in a space in Kingsland Church Studios, or to find out more please contact us

Pop Up Shop

2010-11-06T15:37:00.006Z

It's been a while since we had anything in the gallery - this month saw the Pop Up Design Shop open + lots of people have been coming down and enjoying the show, some have even been spending Money.

This exhibition was a joint exhibition with Hunk y Dory Home a super cool and friendly internet company who does 'gorgeous quirky things, for gorgeous quirky people' we also invited some of our studio holders

and friend of Mushroom Works to show some of their products too.

This event is part of the Design Event North East festival which is supported by the Arts Council, England and Northern Rock Foundation. The festival takes place from 22-31 October 2010 throughout the North East region and the theme this year is Conversation. There will be a range of exhibitions and events covering all aspects of design from product design to graphics, fashion and architecture.

below - Owls teatowel by Lisa Jones Studio

Come and learn at Mushroom Works

2010-05-18T08:33:00.003Z

Our Life Drawing classes are set to start again next month at long last. It's been a while coming and we have been waiting for it to warm up a bit! Come June, Thursday nights are Life Drawing nights. places have filled up fast, but we still have a few places left if you are interested. there also may be a chance to run a Saturday morning class if people are interested, let us know if you are!

Also next month we are starting some other classes in drawing and writing. These are beginners classes for those who feel they need a little encouragement. We have teamed up with Jodi from NE:ART to bring you these classes. Jodi is a Fine Art graduate specialising in painting and drawing; she has been working in museum and gallery education for a number of years working with children and adults.

to find out more - or to book a place, check out our website

Whats been going on this April??

2010-04-20T12:19:00.005Z

Just in case you were wondering what’s going on with our resident artists this April, here’s your chance to find out…

Celebrations are in order for painter, Joanne Wishart, who’s won the Women into the Network award for Best Creative Business. This award recognizes the innovation and entrepreneurial success that Joanne’s had with her stunning coastal collection.

Illustrator, Bethan Laker is working on a little something for Newcastle Library’s upcoming birthday, has it really been a year already?

Last week saw Natalie Bell and Eva Bauer put on an impressive show at the Revolving Gallery’s Spring Collection Exhibition. If you missed it visit the Revolving Gallery website to check out what was on display.

Best of Luck to Nick James, who has just been nominated for Best Creative Business by NEbusiness

...One last thing, if you haven't already then come down to the Mushroom Works this week and take a look at Jane Smallcombe's gorgeous applique designs, they won't disappoint.

The next chapter...

2010-04-14T09:18:00.005Z

Seems like lots has been changing round our way recently, Lara left the flock for pastures new + Justin and Graeme joined the team. We were VERY sad to see Lara go but also very excited by the fresh blood and enthusiasm Justin and Graeme bring, they are already shining bright after only a few weeks!

Last week we opened out latest show Applique, an exhibition of fantastic textiles by Jane Smallcombe. The reaction to the show was great and people showed their appreciation by buying lots of the work on the opening night.

You can see more of the the exhibition on our flickr page

We are going to Living North LIVE!

2010-03-17T12:13:00.007Z

During the last weekend of March you’ll be able to catch some of our studio holders at the Living North LIVE fair held at Newcastle Racecourse. The fair, which focuses on interiors, homes, gardens, lifestyle and food, takes place over Friday 26, Saturday 27 and Sunday 28th March. As well a variety of regional exhibitors there’ll be demonstrations and talks, one of which features our very own Nick James, Sarah Blood, Michael Armstrong (AFID Design) and Bettina Nissen.

Here's some information about the artists, if you didn't know already...... Nick James is situated in Studio 1 in the Mushroom Works and is a designer maker of high quality, unique and creative furniture. Also sharing Studio 1, Michael Armstrong runs of AFID Design provides a commissioned based service producing beautiful, modern, hand-made furniture. Next door in Studio 2 you can find Sarah Blood, a visual artist whose primary medium is light, explored through neon and mixed media. The final artist taking part in this event is Bettina Nissen, a product designer who specializes in witty, thoughtful and very desirable designs!

The Mushroom Works artists can be found at stands S45 & S46 in the Tattersall Hall of the Home & Gardens section, so keep an eye out if you're popping along, and make sure you say hello!

Speaking of keeping an eye out, we have new faces in and around the Mushroom Works these days! Graeme, who started just today is Mushroom Works very own caretaker, making sure the place looks spik and span and Justin, who started with us on Monday will be helping us with a few new workspace developments (more on this later!) .

Have a little nose around ...

2010-03-15T16:34:00.003Z

Ever wondered what our studio holders are up to as they beaver away … take a peak at their blogs, updating you on their latest works and ponderings here is a few snippets that might help you get clicking …

Illustrator, Bethan Laker is excited about her new project for Tyneside Cinema, working with writer Rob Walton. You can follow her latest sketches as her project develops.

Joanne Wishart lets us know about her brilliant time at the NEC Birmingham Spring Fair, where her gorgeous new coastal card designs went down a storm.

On a more peculiar note Jim Edwards gives us the background story of his latest contribution to our ‘Home Sweet Home’ exhibition, read about the tricky elements Jim came across when painting portraits on snail shells!

Sarah Blood, herself one of the featured snail portraits, chats about her thoughts of Baltic Centre For Contemporary Art’s exhibition of Jenny Holzer as well as the reopening of the Kitch-en gallery.

Nick James and Lucinda Kelly will update you on their latest work, Lucinda previews her drawings whereas Nick documents his wooden wonders.

Lee Turner, of Hole Editions updates us on his latest demonstrations of Photolithography at Northern Print giving you the chance to learn a little and maybe give printing ago.

Welcome Michaela!

2010-03-09T14:06:00.004Z

Mushroom Works welcomed a new volunteer last week! Fresh from the studios of Newcastle University's Architecture Department Michaela, is a 3rd year undergraduate looking to get some experience within the Artist/Gallery/Exhibition world. Originally from sunny old Kent, Michaela is a bit of a northern convert planning to stay in Newcastle after her degree. One of the things keeping her up here is the wide range of exciting art exhibitions shown across the city including those held by the Mushroom Works.

She'll currently be helping Lara on a weekly basis, doing a range of jobs from the fun, yet messy exhibition re-paint to essential admin jobs helping to keep everything ticking over.

We 'felt' we just had to

2010-03-06T13:21:00.004Z

This show's only been up a week and we're already wanting to blog about the next one... we're THAT excited about it! During April we welcome to the gallery Jane Smallcombe, a local designer/maker who creates beautiful and unique handmade accessories. Although Jane has previously exhibited with Mushroom Works, during our Perfect Presents show, Applique will be Jane's first solo show.

As many of our blog followers will know, Jane makes really gorgeous one off felt brooches, scarves and hair accessories. Labelled a 'creative whizz with a needle and thread', Jane has designed and made a few new pieces for the show, expanding her ranges to include cushions and framed artwork. We are really looking forward to working with her.

If you can't wait until April to see Jane's latest creations you can always check out her blog, which she regularly updates.

Something's not quite right!?

2010-03-06T12:42:00.004Z

Last week we posted a few images form the exhibition but for some reason they weren't showing up properly this week. After a little playing around to 'make it better', they disappeared completely so I am reposting them (because they were nice images!) They're from the show Home, Sweet home, which is on now. (T-B Sarah Blood, Castle in the Sky, Eva Bauer, Nostaglia, Jim Edwards, Snails)

Looking for a venue to hire?

2010-03-01T15:02:00.003Z

We might have just the thing!

Lately we've been hosting quite a few events for folks in the cultural sector as (thanks to a grant from Arts Council Engalnd, North East last year) we have now a great little flexible space for hire.

The space works really well for education workshops, seminars, meetings, courses, you name it - it can pretty much fit the bill! Last week we held Adobe Illustrator workshops (via Cleveland College of Art & Design) for mac users, a couple of months ago we held GLEAM workshops for creative businesses, we've used it for children's workshops and soon for we'll be hiring it to Women Into the Network for a series of seminars.

If you'd like to find out more, like how many people can we accommodate, what kind of set up we can offer, what kind of IT support we have on hand and how much are our rates you can check out our venue hire page or give us a ring on 0191 2244011.

Open for business!

2010-02-27T13:19:00.013Z

Afternoon folks. You'll be pleased to know that our Home, Sweet Home exhibition is now open! Ignoring yesterday's horrible weather we were joined by a few friends (some old, some new) to celebrate our first Mushroom Works / Brick Works group show in a while. The show will be on until Saturday 20th March, so you've plenty of time to plan a trip down to the Ouseburn.

Home Sweet Home

2010-02-16T11:12:00.003Z

Hello lovely Mushroom followers! We've been thinking about home a lot lately, mainly because that's the theme of our next show, Home, Sweet Home but also because we've been spending a lot more time there, what with all this super cold weather.

We've been talking about it a lot at tea breaks, whether it is actually a physical place or more a an emotional trigger such as a smell, a sound, a monument, a geographical area or a even feeling of belonging. Home is such a personal space and we each have our own special relationship with it.

Whilst home to Bethan and Lara is all about open fires and baking, Sarah B thinks home is more of a concept - it doesn't matter where she is so long as she has a skype connection she feels at home. Lee thinks of home simply as a stop off between his activities and Jim sees it as somewhere to sleep and store belongings.

We'd really like to know what you think of home. We've been asking our twitter followers to join in by marking their tweets with #HomeTweetHome. (Click on the link to see the responses, or even better, join in!) And we've been asking Facebook fans to join in on the event page. You could leave a comment here, it doesn't really matter how you comment, just so long as you do. We're planning to show all the responses during the exhibition and will be asking visitors to join in too so if you don't comment virtually you can do it pop in and throughout the show.

Right better get back to that wallpapering...

Happy Pancake Day BTW!

Start the year with a bargain or two!

2010-01-11T11:51:00.002Z

Studio Sales
Sat 9th January – Sat 6th February 2009

Banish the January blues and bag yourself a creative bargain at our Studio Sales. A once-a-year event where you will be able to purchase all the things you really wanted for Christmas at super affordable prices. Featuring work by established regional artists, designer and makers based at the Mushroom Works, including furniture designer/makers, Michael Armstrong and Nick James, illustrator, Bethan Laker and artist, Natalie Bell.

It's a great opportunity to buy work by our studio holders at a fraction of the original selling price (some up to 75% less!) – it's a great way to start buying art and design pieces from established regional artists and designers.

Mushroom Works is part of the Own Art, an interest free loan scheme designed to make it easy and affordable for everyone to own high quality contemporary works of art and craft.

Afid Design WOW! shelves (pictured): were £50 now £35

Well Done Wishart!

2009-11-23T10:17:00.005Z

It's been a great weekend for Joanne and Ross Wishart.

Last Friday night Hilton, Gateshead held the North East Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Awards 2009. The awards ceremony was hosted by Women into the Network, and was an evening dedicated to the North East's leading female business women; lots of successful women in one very large room. It was a glitzy affair.

And our Mushroom Worker, Joanne won the North East Woman Entrepreneur of the Year award in the Best Creative Business category. If you'd like to know more about Joanne (and to read her thank you speech in full! No tears though,) click through to visit Joanne's blog.

Getting excited for Ouseburn Open Studios

2009-11-16T12:29:00.004Z

There's less than two weeks now until the eight artist studios based in the Ouseburn Valley throw open their doors and welcome in the public for Ouseburn Open Studios weekend. Here at Mushroom Works, we are all very excited! It's probably one of our favourite weekends of the year. Last year over 7,000 people came to the Ouseburn to chat to artists, buy Christmas presents and commission new works.

All the artists at Mushroom Works have been working hard and late into the night to have as many 20x20s ready as we can get on the walls. (It all gets a bit competitive, really, but it's great fun nonetheless). For the uninitiated, 20x20s are original artworks that won’t break the bank! They're now considered an Open Studio tradition, a fantastic opportunity to purchase artworks (measuring 20cm by 20cm) by leading North East artists for the special price of £20, making them perfect for unique Christmas gifts!

But you've got to be quick, we have people queuing up to get one (or 10!) on our preview night (which is Friday 27th November 6pm. See you there?)

A Tall Order for Fiona’s Short

2009-11-05T14:36:00.000Z

Brick Works’ studio holder Fiona Birkbeck has certainly got a lot her plate this coming month! She has bravely decided to make a ten minute film in the space of a month with no official funding whatsoever! We wish you the bext of luck Fiona – it sounds like a wonderful project. For those of you who haven’t heard all about the film from the lady herself the official synopsis for the film goes a bit like this...

A stunning stretch of golden sand. The beach is deserted except for an odd looking shape half way up the beach. A beached whale? When Jimmy, a nine-year-old boy trips over it whilst flying a kite, he thinks he's discovered a dead body. But then the mysterious man stirs and a battle of wits begins as the boy must try and save him from the tide. Not easy when the man is twice his size and has gone there to die.

This determined little kid doesn't know it yet but he's just stumbled on his greatest hero. Now all Jimmy's got to do is trick him to his feet. That and give this brutish, has-been of a man a reason to live...

An uplifting tale about discovering heroes on the very day we need them most

For those of you who aren’t big football fans, fear not, this film’s not really about football, it’s a about courage, love and hope - all in the space of ten minutes. Fans, friends and fellow studio holders can support Fiona and her team by buying a ticket for the screening.

To find out more about Fiona’s new venture you can visit the Substitution website www.substitutionfilm.co.uk/ or follow its progress by following Substitution09 on Twitter

Ouseburn Open Studios - only a few weeks away!!

2009-11-04T16:55:00.003Z

Artists from the Ouseburn are opening their doors and welcoming people to come and have a chat about their work! The studios in the Ouseburn Valley are home to a wide range of creative people including artists, jewellery and furniture makers, graphic designers and printmakers. With a free bus service to get you around, you have no excuses to get yourselves down and have a great day out at Ouseburn Open Studios!!

HANDmade

2009-10-28T13:03:00.003Z

There is very nearly only 2 weeks left of Nick's HANDmade exhibition! So if you haven't already had the chance to see Nick's hand-crafted delights, come along today and enjoy!!

It's out of this world!!

2009-10-21T12:48:00.005Z

Come and see Sarah's new heat protection outfit! She needs it to stop the heat from burning her when she is pouring molten glass to make her works.

Nick's Mid-point preview tonight 6 -8!!

2009-10-17T16:18:00.002Z

Come join us at Mushroom Works tonight for Nick's mid-point preview! We have wine chilling in the fridge, ready for your arrival. See the progress Nick has been making since the last preview evening.

Well Done, Wor Bettina!!

2009-10-16T10:46:00.010Z

Last night was the opening of the Design Event 09 Design Mart at Baltic. Quite a few of the Mushrooms were there exhibiting their beautiful products, namely Michael Armstrong (Afid Design), Sarah Blood, Nick James and Bettina Nissen.

Bettina, whose been based at the Mushroom Works for just over a year now, had a particularly good evening. Her beautiful Rustic bench won the Design Network North prize for most innovative item in the mart.

The Mart is on Friday Saturday and Sunday (16th-18th October) and there are some super pieces for sale. Definitely worth a look!

Nick will be right back!

2009-10-14T14:15:00.003Z

If you wondering where Nick has gone on the webcam, he has just gone for a cuppa! But in the meantime here's a video he made earlier. Enjoy!

Have a 'flickr' through the new pics!

2009-10-14T11:08:00.007Z

Our gallery is full of Nick's HANDmade delights today! If you want to explore more of them, there are brand spanking new pictures on this link HANDmade photos. Alternatively if you want to see HANDmade for real come visit us today!

Watching progress

2009-10-08T12:57:00.005Z

Remember Nick is the process of making a commissioned piece of furniture in the gallery space right now. And he invites you to come and watch his progress either by popping down to the Mushroom Works or taking a sneaky peak at his live webcam.

HANDmade will be exhibiting at the Mushroom Works until Sat 14th November. So don't miss out and come visit us!

...in the workshop

...in the gallery

We're growing trees at Mushroom Works

2009-10-03T12:17:00.005Z

Yes it's true if you come down to the Mushroom Works not only will you be able to see Nick James new range of furniture and see him at work but you'll also be able to make your own plant pot, plant an acorn in it and watch your oak tree grow!

HANDmade preview evening!

2009-10-01T13:39:00.002Z

Just a quick reminder that tomorrow night will be the preview evening for Nick James' first exhibition at the Mushroom works.

Come on down for the 6pm opening to grab a glass of wine. Look forward to seeing you there!

Spy on Nick!!

2009-09-23T15:38:00.002Z

To coincide with Nick's new (and first ever Mushroom Works) show, HANDmade, Nick has set up a live webcam so as visitors can keep abreast of his developments over the duration of the show. Check it out on his website www.jamesdesign.co.uk.

The print has arrived!

2009-09-23T12:42:00.002Z

Katie and Nicola are hard at work sticking and stuffing envelopes with our new Selected Works and the invitation for Nick's show. Keep an eye out for Mr Postie! (and if you're not on our mailing list you can join it at www.mushroomworks.com)

Design Event 09

2009-09-19T11:57:00.006Z

To celebrate design across the North East this festival takes place between 16-25^th October. Design Event began in 2005 as a festival and has grown to be an organisation delivering an annual programme of design based exhibitions and events across the North East. Included in the events is a programme of talks with leading designers in their fields. We are holding Design Event as part of Nick James Solo exhibition HANDmade on Saturday 17th October 6-8. Nick will host a special in progress evening to show the piece midway through the commissioning process. Come along to this and look out for many more design events in the region.

NewcastleGateshead Art Fair

2009-09-19T11:52:00.003Z

From 1^st – 4^th October the Largest Commercial Art Fair in the North East returns to the Sage Gateshead. This is an opportunity to see the wealth of creative talent in the region as well as from across the globe, including the Mushroom Works very own Joanne Wishart, Amada Rabey, Eva Bauer and Jim Edwards. An exciting range of artwork will be on sale. The event also includes print workshops and seminars about collecting art!

Perfect Presents - Call for Work

2009-09-17T14:22:00.001Z

Mushroom Works are planning a spectacular Christmas selling exhibition and are looking for regional artists, designers and makers to exhibit - commission FREE!

We have a limited number of 4x4ft spaces, which can be rented from the beginning of December until the lead up to Christmas. The stall won’t require manning as the gallery will be invigilated at all times. Spaces will cost a mere £40 (remember it's commission FREE and your work will be on display for over two weeks) and we will be holding several special events to entice shoppers, including a preview evening and two make your own baubles and wrapping paper workshops (with mulled wine and mince pies of course).

The theme of this year’s Christmas exhibition is affordability! We are looking for lower end price ranges (anything from £5 to £50 - although the odd higher priced item may be able to creep in).

If this sounds like the perfect Christmas selling opportunity for you then please send a quick line about you, an outline of your work and two images of what you'd like to exhibit (or similar) and a web link if you have one to Lara Robinson - lara@mushroomworks.com.

Deadline for expressions of interest is Friday 9th October 2009. The exhibition will open on Saturday 5th December and will run until Saturday 19th December (preview Fri 4th December). As spaces are limited there will be a selection process. If you've any questions or queries please speak to Lara on 0191 2244011 or email her at lara@mushroomworks.com.

Please feel free to forward this message.

Mushroom Works is fast establishing itself as the most eclectic, interesting collection of artists and designer makers in the North East. Home to a diverse range of creative businesses and a newly refurbished gallery, Mushroom Works offers the public and the arts community a vibrant programme of exhibitions, special events and courses.

The Mushroom Works gallery is open to the public five days a week offering an exciting and diverse programme of exhibitions. For more information please visit www.mushroomworks.com

Newsflash

2009-09-12T11:38:00.005Z

Artist Talk: Lee Turner

This Tuesday 15th September 6-8pm Lee will be holding an informal talk about his collaborations and publications. This will be a unique insight into Lee's world of printmaking, (There is more to this than meets the eye!) we'll even get to have a peep inside his studio. Booking required, get in touch with us now so you don't miss out.

PRINT It's here

2009-09-05T12:14:00.005Z

Today (5th September) - 26th September PRINT is our new exhibition showcasing printers proofs of collaborative projects by Lee Turner and other artists including Ruth Root and Ellen Birkenblit. There is a fantastic variety of styles and techniques tied together beautifully in this exhibition so what are you waiting for...

Drink and Draw and Drink and Draw and Drink ...

2009-09-05T12:06:00.005Z

Drink and Draw was fantastic the walk in drawing tunnel a real highlight. Hope you all came along and enjoyed the evening as much as we did!

Newcastle Artists Society

2009-08-25T15:17:00.005Z

Several of our studio holders, (including Jim Edward s, Eva Bauer, Sarah Blood and Lee Turner of Hole Editions) have recently become members of the Newcastle Artists Society so we thought we'd give them a shout on our blog!

They've got a great site filled with artists interviews, upcoming and current exhibitions and mailing lists sign ups. And they've very kindly linked our blog to their news feed. Thanks NAS!

things we forgot to mention

2009-08-22T12:02:00.011Z

Our current show Quite the Character is on for one more week. The exhibition is dedicated to illustration, includes animation and some other treats worth seeing. If you've not come along yet, what have you been doing? This is a very popular show and an intriguing insight into the minds and working methods of illustrators so come on down the gallery is open from 12-5 Wednesday through till Saturday.

The hugely popular storytellers from Seven Stories came along for our story time back in July. A creative imaginative and colorful time was had by all. Great fun! Little Betsy Armstrong (pictured) certainly had a lovely time. (Betsy's mum, Clare is one of the exhibitors.)

Up and coming events Drink and Draw next Saturday evening ... Get sharpening those pencils! Bring your friends, neighbours and the children this event can be enjoyed by all the family. A selection of all sorts of drinks and drawing equipment will be provided.

For more information see our Facebook events page.

it's nice being talked about!

2009-08-21T08:35:00.004Z

If we get the chance we usually ask all our visitors how they found out about our shows. This week one of our visitors mentioned that they'd read a review on northeaststreet.co.uk. Mushroom Works hadn't heard of this site before so we had a little look, and we're pleased we did. The article features our Quite The Character show and has some very nice things to say, particularly of two of the artists exhibiting, The Cloud Commission and Jack Fallows. Thanks northeaststreet.co.uk!

Hard at work...

2009-08-20T16:00:00.004Z

Our lovely and very helpful Ashley hard at work this afternoon

Eva's talk

2009-08-19T12:19:00.005Z

Had a lovely night last night hearing all about Eva's work, what inspires her and what her future plans are. Thanks to everyone who came along - we're sure you found it as interesting as we did and thanks to Eva for being such a good speaker (and good sport!). If you'd like to find out more about Eva you can visit her website www.evabauer.eu/

Home of the Turner prize!?

2009-08-18T12:34:00.006Z

Who'd have thought you could find winners of the Turner prize down in the Ouseburn Valley? Well, you can! Winners of the Lee Turner, (Hole Editions Publishing) Prize that is!

Studio Holder, Lee has been running his own business, Hole Editions, an independent printing and publishing organisation, producing hand printed original lithographs, from Mushroom Works since it's opening back in 2005. Over the past three years, Lee has collaborated with a large number of national and international artists, including Jonathan Lasker, Julia Jacquette, Ruth Root, Ellen Birkenblit, Larry Brown, Jock Mooney, Alex Charrington, Jaune Quick-To-See Smith, John Morris and Mark Dion. Lee also works with emerging artists and recent graduates. Having completed a Masters in Fine Art at Newcastle University, Lee has maintained good relations with the University's arts department and in 2008 he launched the Publishing Prize. Lee is currently working with prize winner, Carla Bromhead (pictured).

Lee and Hole Editions will be exhibiting as part of the Northern Print Biennale festival, running until 4 October. His show, here at Mushroom Works, (4th – 26th September) will include a display of printers’ proofs of collaborative projects whilst at Tamarind; and a number of publications from the Hole Editions catalogue, which include the work of Andrew Wilson (BA Fine Art 2008), who won the first Publishing Prize in 2008.

If you'd like to know more about the Publishing Prize there's a super article on Newcastle's Alumni site and if you'd like to know more about Lee you can book a place for his Artist Talk, taking place on Tuesday 15th September (6-8pm) at Mushroom Works Gallery (and Lee's studio).

Mushroom Works is Expanding

2009-08-15T15:35:00.002Z

The Mushroom Works is expanding south of the river with two new ventures. The demand for affordable creative spaces reminds high and Mushroom Works are leading the way in providing for this need. The two projects in Gateshead are Brighton Road Studios and Starter for Ten.

Brighton Road Studios is the conversion of an old church creating 17 studio spaces housing creatively vibrant people transforming the building into an inventive hub. This is currently at the planning stage and will hopefully be ready for people to move into by Christmas.

www.brightonroadstudios.com

Starter for Ten is a Gateshead Council initiative to release the region’s creative potential, innovative practitioners are to be given rent-free workspace to help support them in difficult economic times. Gateshead Council approached Mushroom Works and asked us to manage the project for them because of our expertise in managing creative studio spaces of this sort. There will be spaces for twenty creative people. The lucky people have already been selected to move in and the project is set to happen in the next 6 weeks. The people range from Graphic Designers to Fashion Photographers.

http://www.gateshead.gov.uk/Business%20and%20Industry/support/starter4ten.aspx

Creative Swap Shop

2009-06-19T13:08:00.002Z

This Thursday we're holding a creative swap shop.. come and exchange your unusual and quirky things for someone else's unusual and quirky things!

Bring along creative items on the theme of art, design, photography, music, film, fashion and other quirky objects for this creative exchange. (High quality swaps only please. No broken/damaged or electrical items, the better swaps you bring, the better swap you'll get!)

Thursday 25th June 6 – 8pm

Sustainable Environments preview

2009-06-19T12:43:00.003Z

A good time was had by all last week as we opened our new show Sustainable Environments (see earlier post for info about the exhibition).

The show features work by several of our studio holders including Amanda Rabey (painter), Liam Newton (architect) Jim Edwards (painter), Nick James (deigner/maker) and Sarah Blood (sculptor).

There's also work by Swedish artist, Helen Edling (her work is featured in the photograph), ceramic artist Helena Seget and a glass piece by Mike Lees.

Pop o down, it's well worth a trip along to Spillar's Quay.

Our latest show... Sustainable Environments

2009-06-19T12:42:00.001Z

With World Environment day taking place on 5th June, Mushroom Works asks, should creative practitioners consider the environmental, sustainable and ethical concerns of modern day society within their work?

Good design, within and of our buildings and homes, is an important way forward in addressing the environmental challenges of today. Too much waste, not enough energy, too many people, not enough resources, complaints and worries we all hear. This exhibition investigates how sustainability, climate change and visions of Utopia are considered by artists, architects and designers in the 21st century and gives us ideas as to how innovative design can intervene for the better.

The show will exhibit the works of UK based practitioners with an emphasis on local talents. Eco Architects, Newton Architects are an award winning environmental practice producing uncompromising good design. They will be exhibiting plans, materials and models of their work with a particular focus on ‘Eco Refurbs’ as well as new builds.

Fine Artist, Amanda Rabey will also be exhibiting in the show. Amanda’s paintings take a simultaneously beautiful and beguiling look at man's impact on the environment, at the relationship between macrocosm and microcosm and between the natural and synthetic.

Let Them Eat Cake!

2009-03-14T16:33:00.006Z

Preview Evening - Friday 17th April (6pm - 8pm)

In this credit crisis of 2009, the Mushroom Works celebrates the frolicsome side of life during a difficult time by hosting an exhibition exploring the frivolousness of food. We'd love you to join us in raising a tea-cup (filled with fizz) to the mighty cup-cake and all its sugary goodness!

Special events include a Tea dance (18th April) and sugar craft workshops- Have your cake and eat it! During the Late Shows (Friday 15th and Saturday 16th May, 5-11 pm) Catherine Hodgson will be hosting sugar craft workshops for all ages. Come along and craft your very own culinary masterpiece and then watch it disappear! Exhibition sponsor, Lottie McPhee, will also be selling her amazing cupcakes during the Late Shows.

Just don't eat the gingerbread men. Don't tell anyone but they're made of fabric.

Sustainable Environments

Preview Evening Friday 5th June (6pm - 8pm)

A show which looks at how designers, artists and architects are responding to our current environmental conditions.

A call for work will go out late March via several regional channels. If you would like to take part in Sustainable Environments please speak to Lara.

The Works 6 - March 2009

2009-03-14T14:39:00.036Z

New Faces

George Munton

By George!

George joined us at Mushroom Works back in November 2008. The talented young man shares a studio with his fiance, Lucinda. He can usually be found (often napping) in his studio and working on his landscape paintings.

www.georgemunton.co.uk

Luke Bevan

Luke at that!

Brick Works welcomed another talented studio holder into the mix last month. Jewellery designer/maker Luke Bevan moved into the Brick Works this february. Luke's planning on moving in lock, stock and barrel during March/April time. Pop in and say hello if you see him about.

Volunteers

We're putting together a bank of volunteers to help out with a variety of things related to the gallery. This includes, technical help with exhibition changeover, admin support, marketing assistance, event stewarding and gallery invigilation. If you know of anyone who may be interested in gaining some experience of working in a gallery please give them Lara's details.

Who do you think you are?

Mushroom Works looks into its past...

Nick's been doing a lot of digging over the past few years, he's been looking into the previous lives of both buildings, trying to find out what they were used for before they were filled with creative peeps!

Whilst the Brick Works name is an obvious one, the naming of the Mushroom Works still remains a bit of a mystery. Nick's managed to trace the history of the building back to the 1800s, when the building was a Wesleyan Methodist Chapel.

Although we know that the St Lawrence Road area was called the Mushroom, we still don't know why. Some say the name mushroom was given to the area because of a large mushroom shaped crane which dominated the area. Others say it's because of the shape of the river, the mushroom shape allowing boats to turn around. There's even the

suggestion that the name came from the exportation of mushrooms from the area, setting off for foreign lands via the Tyne. Who knows!

To help Nick with his plight we have recruited Amy, an MA Museums and Galleries student. Working mainly from the archives and record office, Amy will be popping in and out of the building over the next month or two, reporting back on what she's found out about the Mushroom Works.

We'll also be approaching the press to see if they can help by putting out a call to the public for memories, general information and even objects relating to the Mushroom Works.

The fruition of the history project will be displayed for all to see. As soon as Amy has enough information, she's going to produce a series of interpretation panels which will hang along the corridor leading to studios 1 and 2.

Bridge Room with View

Jim has finally put the finishing touches to an epic four panelled painting (polyptych), commissioned by Gateshead council. Measuring 50 x 160", it took the best part of two months to paint, and stretched from one end of the studio to the other. The painting is Jim's interpretation of Gateshead, featuring familiar landmarks such as the Shipley art Gallery and the Tyne Bridge with Newcastle in the background. As with all of Jim's paintings, the composition is worked out from memory. Certain buildings are altered, moved or forgotten, giving the painting a unique perspective. Over the next month, Gateshead Council will be unveiling the painting in their newly refurbished 'Bridge Room', at the Civic Centre.

Culture Club

As of this march we're starting a partnership with the Journal's Culture Club. The club has a diverse membership of around 1,5000 members. This month the club is re-launching, removing the annual fee to encourage even more members.

Nick's first up, giving a talk and small demonstration about his designs, his career to date and a little about what the future holds for him as a designer/maker. The talk's taking place on Tuesday 17th March (6-8p.m) and will be advertised in the Culture magazine and the journal's daily Culture pages.

A few people expressed interest in giving artist talks during the 1-2-1s. If you are interested please let Lara know as she's putting together a programme of talks for the next six months.

Congratulations!

Janet Collin and her partner have given birth to a lovely little boy! And he is gorrrrrrrrrrrrrrgeousssssssss!!!!

James Sebastian Edward James was born on the 2nd December 2008. Janet tells us he has a lot of creative genes from two very creative parents!

Finlay Jobe (aka Galactic Jobe) was born January 28th at 12.10p.m weighing 7lb 10 ounces. His hobbies mostly include drinking milk and sleeping. So far his super powers have not been fully established but we have our suspicions.

There was this weird incident where out of the corner

of my eye I could swear his moses basket was levitating...

Mark Jobe

Set of Drawers

Bethan Laker's been very busy of late, not only exhibiting her work, taking on commissions and planning a wedding, she's also the founding member of a NE group of illustrators. Set of Drawers is a small community of regionally based illustrators of all different styles and sizes. The community came about to promote their love of cutting, sticking and drawing to the North East of England (and beyond!).

New (Hole) Editions

Lee has quite a few new additions of late. these include work by Anne Vibeke Mou, Laura Lancaster and Andrew Wilson (image right). Both Anne and Laura's work can be seen on Lee's website right now, however Andrew's work will be a little later in coming as he's creating it live at his preview event on Tuesday 3rd March at the Hatton Gallery. Andrew was awarded a Publishing Prize at the 2008 Fine Art Degree Show. This prize allowed him to come into the studio and make a series of lithographs.

Check out the new works at www.holeeditions.co.uk

Well done, Sarah!

Sarah Blood has had her work selected for publication in New Glass Review 30. New Glass Review is an annual global survey of contemporary glass art and is published every year by the Corning Museum of Glass, New York. This year a total of 1,047 artists from 43 countries submitted 2,974 images of their work for consideration, as only 100 pieces are published in the Review, the selection process is rigorous and to be included is a great accolade.

This will be the second time Sarah's work has been included in the review, the first being two years ago (New Glass Review 28) where she was given special mention by Tina Oldknow, Curator of Modern Glass, Corning Museum of Glass, New York.

New Glass Review 30 will be published in April 2009

Digital Developments

Congrats to Joanne and Jim on their new blogs. You can keep up to date with all their going ons here...

http://www.joannewishart.blogspot.com/

http://jimedwardspaintings.blogspot.com/

Show me the money!

Excuse the big smiles in the office this week. We've just been awarded a grant by Arts Council England, North East to deliver our pilot programme over the next year.

The grant will help us develop the public spaces in the building, create a flexible education space, contribute towards marketing costs and fund the first phase of our children's art club for 2009.

Thanks to everyone who helped shape it during our consultation meetings. We're already thinking about next year's programme and all ideas are welcome!

If you have any ideas for what you'd like to see in the Mushroom Works gallery please speak to Lara in you 1-2-1s.

Studio Surveillance

2009-03-14T14:20:00.006Z

Ever felt like someone's watching you?

Paranoid Big Brother's spying on your every movement?

Well, for studio holders Bronwen Deane and Michael Armstrong, that would certainly be the case! Both studio holders are participating in Surveillance, the first in a series of exhibitions that offer an insight into the inner workings, practices and methodologies of Designer Makers in the North East. The exhibition provides a real-time view into the daily activities of a select group of Designed and Made Members via live webcams set up in their workshops and studios. These projected images will be presented alongside members products.

Surveillance will be showing at Designed and Made Gallery, Live Theatre, Quayside, Newcastle upon Tyne from Friday 6th March until Friday 8th May

Love is in the Air...

2009-02-07T15:59:00.004Z

Having just opened our latest Exhibition Roses are Red we have been visited by the Byker Romeo. We put a call out for artists to respond to the colour red and all of its conotations and this is how one gentleman from Byker contributed. He painted and pasted his message on our wall for all to see [including the local TV cameras] he just wanted to make people smile he said. we he has done that + the cars slow down as they pass now to look at it. [better than a sleeping policeman!]

we are exhibiting work by 15 local artists and the show is open through to 21st March. For more info visit Roses are Red

The Works 5 - January 2009

2009-01-26T11:40:00.002Z

Happy New Year!

2009 promises to be an exciting year, particularly for the Mushroom Works gallery. We have a new programme (which will be announced officially with it’s launch in the March edition of The Works), we’ll be working with Business Link to ensure we’re running on all cylinders and we’ll be developing our partnerships and relations with other regional organisations to help raise our profile and increase our reach. Happy New Year!

New Faces

Bettina Nissen

Mushroom Works welcomes another new girl

Bettina joined us in mid November (just after the November issue of the works went to print). Bettina, a product designer, shares a studio at the Mushroom Works with Eva Bauer.

Bettina’s work is inspired by observations from daily life, she is curious about how we shape our routines and habits as well as how they shape us. She creates products and furniture that combine humour with functionality. For more information on Bettina visit her website www.bettinanissen.com

Iris Priest

We’d like to offer a really warm welcome to Iris Priest to The Mushroom Works

Since November Iris has been volunteering at The Mushroom Works every Saturday, helping to make the tea, greet visitors to the gallery and any other little jobs that you can throw her way!

Iris graduated from Fine Art at Cumbria Institute of the Arts this year and is currently exhibiting a solo show of her paintings at the new contemporary art space ‘Supercollider’ in Blackpool.

www.irispriest.co.uk

News from the studios…

Now we are four!

Happy Birthday Mushroom Works!

This January will be the fourth birthday for the Mushroom Works and to celebrate we’ll be holding a birthday bash on evening of the last Saturday of the month. Join us from 6pm on Saturday 31st January as we pop a few corks and scoff some cake.

No presents required, just your presence!!

Perfect Presents

Last December we Toon red, well the walls of the gallery anyway with a group show of over twenty regional artists, illustrators, designers and makers.

As well as exhibiting work by studio holders the show featured work by Yvette Hawkins (book sculpture), Idiot Savant (digital prints), John Parkin (drawings), Deborah Snell (prints), , Jane Smallcombe (jewellery), Richard Short (illustrations), Larissa Robinson-Joice (craft), Much Ado (limited edition cards), Helen Schell (drawings and glass), Val James (jewellery) and Rainbird & Wright (bags and jewellery)

The show also brought new art forms into the building with live music by the Cornshed Sisters, on the opening night, and two evenings of flute and harp music by Echo for our late night shopping events.

The Sundance Kids

Mark Jobe and partner Kelly Richardson have hit International headlines with their recent collaboration (no, not that one, not yet, read on for more news about Jobe junior!). As well as the being shown at the Sundance Festival the piece has been acquired by two major museums in North America for their permanent collections. These are the Art Gallery of Ontario (Canada's version of the Tate) and Albright Knox in Buffalo. It was also voted 3rd best Art Show of 2008 by Now Magazine, Toronto.

“Richardson’s magnificent glowing green stag preening in a nighttime forest was one of this year’s most arresting art images in any genre. Richardson used her consummate skill as a videographer and animator to construct videos that cleverly subverted and toyed with our ideas of what is natural and actual in both nature and art.” Now Magazine 2008

For more info visit http://festival.sundance.org/2009/film_events/films/twilight_avenger/

AA greaat opportunity!

Bettina Nissen was selected for this year’s Artists Access to Art Colleges Scheme (AA2A) at the University of Sunderland Glass and Ceramics Department. Bettina will be working in a new medium, ceramics, to develop an innovative tableware design.

The project looks at tableware and cutlery from a different angle. The use of fork and knife as fundamental tools of eating in western society is the basis for Bettina’s experiments in ceramic and clay. Inspired by the butter knife and the patterns it leaves on its counterpart, the tableware will be carved and marked with fork and knife.

Exhibtions

January Sales

This January Mushroom Works gallery presents a group exhibition of work by several of its studio holders, including furniture designer/makers, Michael Armstrong and Nick James, Illustrator, Bethan Laker and Jewellery artist, Bronwen Deane

Mushroom Works is offering the chance to purchase original artwork, design classics and rare pieces by its studio holders at a fraction of their original selling price (some up to 75% less!) – a great way to start buying art and design pieces from established regional artists and designers.

10th – 31st January 2008

Roses Are Red

Our second show of 2009 falls on February, the month of love. To celebrate St Valentine’s day we’ll be hosting a red themed exhibition, showing work by studio holders and other artists, designers and makers from the region.

A call for work will go out early January via several regional channels. If you would like to take part in Roses Are Red please email Lara with details of the work you’d like to include by Friday 23rd January.

Other news

Welcome Baby Jobe-Richardson

Not long now! Mark and Kelly’s little boy is due late January (21st to be precise) and as you’d expect, they’re both very excited. Mark has entertained fellow facebookers on a daily basis with his soon to be fatherly updates.

"Mark Jobe is gonna be a Dad and a husband by the end of the year! Stuntman would make it three....rawk on"

Good luck guys, can’t wait to meet the little fella!!

The Works 4 - November 2008

2009-01-26T11:36:00.003Z

News from the studios...

Doodletastic!

A doodle for a drink, a fair swap indeed! October saw the first of Mushroom Works’ BIG DRAW events.

Nearly two hundred visitors came to see Bethan’s doodles, drawings and paintings and to make their mark on Bethan’s gigantic room shaped canvas. Bethan’s exhibition provided the perfect opportunity for young and old to get involved, some even came with their own doodling apparatus!

Thanks to everyone who donated to the paper amnesty. If anyone’s stuck for a surface to scribble on please feel free to pick up a sheet or ten from the corridor at Mushroom Works.

Mushroom Works were one of over 1000 UK venues participating in the Big Draw, the national campaign to get everyone drawing.

New Faces

Ilana Mitchell

We’d like to offer a really warm welcome to Ilana Mitchell to The Brick Works

Ilana is literally moving into studio 12 as the newsletter goes to print. Ilana ‘s an artist working in Live Art. She’s currently working on several projects , one of which is as a freelancer developing the new as yet unnamed festival for the North East. More details on this can be found at www.myfiercefestival.co.uk

More information on Ilana will follow shortly as she’s in the middle of updating her website and contact details.

Lara Robinson

October saw the start of a new Development Manager for the Mushroom Works.

Lara’s settling in nicely after joining the Mushroom Works just over a month ago. Her role is to help to develop the gallery and both studios whilst supporting the creative folk that inhabit them.

Lara joins us from the North East office of Arts Council England where she worked as both Visual Arts Officer, Media and as part of the Cultural Sector Development Initiative team.

Lara has also worked at Tyne & Wear Museums, Museums, Libraries & Archives North East, DLI Museum & Art Gallery and Globe Gallery.

She loves being surrounded by creative types so if you’re walking past the office and have a spare five minutes she’s love you to pop in and say hello.

(Oh, and she likes baking… keep an eye on the MW kitchen!)

Exhibitions

People Places

The Mushroom Works gallery presents a joint exhibition of work by Newcastle based painters Claire McAlister and Jim Edwards from Saturday 8 November to Sunday 30 November. The exhibition will consist of previously unseen work by both artists.

Jim Edwards is best known for his depictions of iconic buildings and bridges of the North East. His work falls into two genres, contemporary cityscapes and abstract paintings inspired by manmade forms and buildings. Both styles follow a theme of architecturally inspired structures and dominating linear form. In this latest exhibition, his paintings are looser, more abstract, whilst holding onto a sense of familiarity

Claire McAlister’s new body of work focuses on the human form. Each piece of work has been strategically composed to accentuate light on the figure within the frame. Claire wants to create contrast between decorative detail on the clothing with a soft, more blurred background. It is not the artist’s intention to focus on the figure’s character or facial expression; more so the environment and moment in which the figure is placed.

Claire and Jim’s preview is Friday 7 November. Hope to see you there!

Other News

Ooh la la!

We say bon voyage to Nick James this month as he packs his bags and heads off to St Etienne on a designer/maker research exchange for four days at the end of November. Designed & Made and Collectif Designers+ have coordinated the 10˚N 10˚S Design Exchange project, which supports the exchange of four British designers with four French.

The French research trip coincides with the 5^th International Design Biennial whilst the Brits will return their hospitality during DE09.

St Etienne University has generously offered to provide interpreters and a film crew for the exchange. The film will be shown at the 2010 biennial.

More info on Nick’s adventure can be found on the exchange blog http://designexchange.wordpress.com/

There’s a new boss in town…

Joanne Wishart is expanding her business one hundred percent with the introduction of a new employee. Joanne’s husband, Ross will be providing the extra pair of hands from now on. Ross’ role is to develop the business side of things allowing Joanne to pick up her paint brush and do what she does best! By all accounts the pair look to make a fantastic creative/commercial duo! Congratulations Joanne, we wish you all the best!

Celebrations all round

Firstly, Happy Birthday Tonto! Tonto Books is now officially three years old! (I’m told all cards, cake and alcohol will be generously accepted).

A second congratulations on all the marvelous press The Non-Beardy Beer book has been attracting, 4 star reviews in The North East Times and features in The Crack name a few.

Third and finally, all the best with your latest venture,, The NUFC TOON DAIRY. A must-have for Newcastle United fans, this useful and fascinating diary is packed with facts and information compiled by NUFC.com's Mike 'Biffa' Bolam. Tonto have book signings taking place across the region at Borders book stores. Check out there website for more details www.tontobooks.com.

The Toon Diary is available from Tonto’s website and Amazon.co.uk  (and all other good bookshop of course!)

A GLOWing profile

The Preamptive boys are planning to be all over the toon this winter. Well, their impressive work with the Northern Lights Film Festival will be. They’ve won the commission to create an ident to promote the NLFF in the month leading up to the festival (30^th November – 6^th December) The ident will be shown before all screenings at the Tyneside Cinema, Star & Shadow as well as being screened on a loop in the Tyneside Cinema lobby and Box Office.

In another of their guises, NOVAC, the boys are participating in one of NGI’s most successful annual events, The Winter Festival. As part of Glow, the boys have converted a van into a truly audience engaging mobile wonder. The van will have three plasma screens, a Nintendo Wii and participatory projects such as art graffiti. It recently went through a child friendly MOT as part of Juice, the first North East festival for children and young people

Sarah Blood update

“Sarah is heading into kathmandu in search of a hot shower and the first beer in a loooooong time…”

For those of you who aren’t on Sarah’s list of facebook friends she looks to be having a fantastic albeit rather chilly time. Sarah’s currently spending three month trip to Nepal where she will help girls who have been rescued from Human Trafficking. For more info visit Sarah’s blog www.sarah-in-nepal.blogspot.com

What's coming up?

Perfect Presents - Mushroom Works’ Christmas Show

In the run up to Christmas we will be have a show which has been advertised as having ‘stunning and individual Christmas Presents’.

The exhibition will aim to provide unique Christmas presents with an element of affordability. A present bought at the show could mean the world to someone but not cost the earth.

To encourage as many visitors as possible we’ll be having three late night openings – Friday 5 (preview), Thursdays 11 and 18. We’ll have live music and a glass of fizz on offer so tell as many people as you can.

This year the front gallery and corridor will be open to residents and non-residents (for a fee non-residents can rent a 4x4ft sq area however there will be a selection process). These spaces, front gallery and corridor, will be for lower price ranges around £5-50 mark. Spaces are free of charge to residents.

If you would like be involved with the exhibition please contact Lara lara@mushroomworks.com. Please be able to have the work ready by 1^st December.

Living North Fair

Joanne Wishart is again exhibiting in the Art and Craft Hall at the Living North Christmas fair, Newcastle Racecourse. The fair is an annual event full of fabulous food, interiors, art and gifts for all types of visitors

Joanne creates quirky images inspired by her love of the British coast. Her cheerful paintings are rich in texture and splashed with colour.

Open Studios 2008

Probably the most creative weekend 2008 has to offer!

The last weekend in November sees the return of the much-anticipated Ouseburn Open Studios event. The annual opening, which promises to be bigger and better than before, offers the rare opportunity to go behind the scenes at several of the region’s leading studios and galleries. Over a hundred artists from the Ouseburn Valley will open their doors to welcome the public into their working environment.

This year, the eight partners have organized a coordinated approach to opening their doors. The new identity for the weekend (see below) has been featured in various regional publications. Due to the diverse nature of the partners involved we’ve adopted a simple brand with flexibility that doesn’t compete with the artwork. Look out for the new leaflet – A2 in size, it provides a great guide to the weekend, for visitors old and new with a map, venue information and details of special events.

January Sales

We’re opening our doors to all those frenzied sale shoppers who are out to grab a bargain or two in the cold month of January. We’re inviting people to banish their January blues by visiting the Mushroom Works, where they’ll be able to buy all the yummy things they really wanted for Christmas at super affordable prices

If you’re interested in making a bit more room in your studio get in touch and we’ll sort you out with some wall space and a couple of neon stars! (No, seriously! Sale banner and bags a-hoy!).

Our January Sale will open on 9th January.

The Works 3 - September 2008

2009-01-26T11:06:00.002Z

News from the studios

Love is in the air…

There is somewhat of a mystery in our two favourite Ouseburn buildings and questions are being asked. Is there something in the water? Has someone called Cupid secretly taken up residence?

Six, yes SIX different couples have got engaged in recent weeks : Nick and Bronwen, Mark and Kelly, Fiona and Jim, Bethan and Matt, Lucinda and George and Eva and Ross. It may not have been much of a summer weather-wise but to this lot it’s been one hell of a summer of love.

New Faces

Angela Kennedy

We’d like to offer a warm welcome to Angela Kennedy who has just moved into The Brick Works. Angela works as a Multi-Disciplinary Artist and, as well as painting, her practice includes sculpture, installation, movement, dance, performance and site specific work.

See Angela’s work at Chroma, a solo exhibition of paintings at the new atrium space at Dance City. These recent oil on canvas paintings are an attempt to make connections between the use of improvisation as a device to make movement and dance, and the exploration of that inner process through mark making, gesture and colour. CHROMA is a manifestation of these investigations.

Amanda Rabey

Also this month, Amanda Rabey moved into Mushroom Works. Amanda is an oil painter who trained at the Slade. She is returning to the world of painting now her little boy is going to school.

Her work investigates the varying aspect of micro and macro scales in the universe.

Amanda also has work in the Collection of 20^th Century Women artists

Other News

Newcastle Gateshead Art Fair

Jim Edwards and Joanne Wishart are joining forces with ex Mushroom Works painter Bernie Wisniewski to exhibit at the NewcastleGateshead Art Fair. Their stall will be called Edwards Wishart and will be situated in the Northern Rock room in the Sage.

The NewcastleGateshead Art Fair will be a must for all visitors, art lovers and collectors along with those interested in browsing for their first investment. Visitors can look forward to an extensive range of unique art works. Exhibitors can expect thousands to view their works, with collectors and art lovers looking for a deal and the next new thing.

This year’s event will also feature a seminar programme in the run up to the Fair. A series of talks on buying art and building a collection will be held in conjunction with the BALTIC centre for contemporary art. Details will be placed on the website www.ngartfair.com

Edwards Wishart. Joanne Wishart creates quirky images inspired by her love of the British coast. Her cheerful paintings are rich in texture and splashed with colour. Jim Edwards paints recognisable cityscapes of raised perspectives and bright colours, and newer work of bold outlines and dominant abstracted forms. Bernie Wisniewski is a self taught artist. As a native of the region, he paints things as he sees them. His work is simple, well executed and full of vitality.

The Big Draw

Big plans are afoot for one of the most ambitious Mushroom Works projects to date, The Big Draw. Bethan Laker, Nick James and helpers will transform parts of the building into one giant canvas. Schools will be asked to submit drawings for the corridor walls and families will be invited to attend Make Your Mark, a special drawing workshop for children from 10 – 4pm on 11^th October.

There will also be an evening session for grown-ups called Drink and Draw. Participants will be given a drink for every drawing they do. 6-9m on 11^th October.

The Big Draw is part of a national campaign to get everyone drawing. It was inspired by the visionary Victorian artist and writer, John Ruskin whose mission was not to teach people how to draw but how to see. The Campaign for Drawing proves that drawing can be an enjoyable public activity as well as a private passion and is the perfect medium for observation, self-expression and fun. Over a thousand UK venues from scout huts to national museums will take part.

As a build up to the Mushroom Works events on October 11^th Bethan and Nick will be announcing a paper amnesty calling for scraps of paper, wallpaper, etc. from a variety of local businesses including printers and of course YOU! So get saving all of your paper.

Open Studios

Open Studios this year will be, as usual, on the last weekend of November 29th and 30th. We will opening Mushroom Works starting with a preview on the Friday night of 28th. This year there will be 8 venues taking part with the bus running between them all over both days.

Based on the success of previous years we will be doing 20x20 again, so get those thinking caps on to come up with some new ideas and make as many as you can! We will be doing teas and coffee in Studio 4 and hope to provide some colouring sheets for children to do whilst they are here. Any of you who would like to contribute an image which we can use as a colouring sheet please email it to nick@mushroomworks.com

Opportunities on a plate

There are a limited number of places still available for the Opportunities on a plate dinners. The dinners provide an innovative way to bring people from different walks of life together for debate in an informal setting.

Whilst being wined and dined guests will be given the opportunity to discuss new opportunities and ways to deal with the environment, apathy and learning. Guests include not only people from the MW and the BW but also from universities, funding organisations and other creative fields including architecture, performance, etc. The ideas discussed could be anything from big commercial initiatives to small projects involving individual artists but the intention is that these brainstorming sessions will only be the start of the process. The participants will be invited to attend a series of workshops on 30th September to learn how to put some of the ideas generated into practice.

The dinners started last Thursday with the ‘environment’ where a selection of invited guests, Mushroom and Brick Workers enjoyed a few glasses of wine a some food whilst discussing what was getting their knickers in a twist. This made for and enjoyable and thought provoking evening where we talked everything from bike rides to builders.

Who knows where these ideas could lead? Don’t miss out on this excellent opportunity to give your input into ways to change the world. The remaining dinners are on 11th and 18th September at 7 pm and only have a few places left. If you are interested in booking please contact Nick on nick@mushroomworks.com

Neil Wilson Design strikes again!

Following on the huge success of Le Beado's flagship store in Durham a second store also designed by Mr Wilson will open in a month's time on Acorn Road in Jesmond.

Neil has had a great year as he is also enjoying a double life as a design associate for the Design Council's Design and Demand. He is also a director of A: Design Association which promotes the use of design in the North East.

The Non-Beardy Beer Book

Tonto’s latest offering - ‘An alternative to beardy and boring real-ale guides, The Non-Beardy Beer Book is a humorous and no-nonsense guide to Booze Britain's favourite drinks, featuring irreverent reviews of 100 of the UK's bestselling brands of beer, lager and cider, plus bluffer's guides to the most popular wines, alcopops, spirits and cocktails, lovingly put together by a panel of completely independent (possibly inebriated) reviewers.

Following on from Tonto’s news in the last newsletter Ashley Hames, TV presenter and author of ‘Sin Cities, Adventures of a Sex Reporter’ will be speaking at Cambridge Union Society in October. Paralympian and writer Stephen Miller is currently in Beijing competing on 11th and 15th September. Tonto Press’ Toon Diary will be released in October.

The Lost Rainbow

The Lost Rainbow' a children's book illustrated by Bethan Laker, was launched on 27th August at Seven Stories with Helix Arts and YNOT? If you didn't make it to the preview the book is available from Seven Stories and Baltic.

Canvas & Cocktails

It’s official. Art and alcohol do mix and rather well if Sarah Blood’s recent ‘Canvas and Cocktails’ fundraiser was anything to go by. Sarah said, “It was a pretty relaxed evening and everyone got stuck in with no inhibitions, even the ‘non-arty’ attendees although I think the margaritas may have helped with that! Everyone took home canvases that they were happy with and some even had time to paint two. Most of the feedback was about how nice it was to do something different that you wouldn’t usually make time to do.”

This event was put on by Sarah Blood who is fundraising for a three month trip to Nepal where she will help girls who have been rescued from Human Trafficking.

Other fundraising is also being supported by Cohda Design who have donated two specially made red chairs from the RD Legs series which are to be auctioned with all monies being donated to Sarah’s trip. For more information visit www.cohda.com.

Further a field, Leicester bands are holding a benefit gig and donating all profits. Further details can be found on Sarah’s blog (see web news).

Special Mention

Congratulations also go to Mark Jobe and Kelly Richardson who are expecting their first child in January. They have just returned from a trip to Canada for Kelly’s exhibition Twilight Avenger at Birch Libralato in Toronto.

The Works 2 - July 2008

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News from the studios

Tonto Books - Launching two books in time for summer

Paul and Stu have two new books out just in time for us to pack them in our beach bags.

Stephen Miller, a paralympain and writer is having a busy summer, he is competing in the 2008 Beijing Paralympics and his autobiography is out at the end of the July. Stephen, who has Cerebral Palsy has won three Paralympic gold medals for field athletics including the club (javelin/hammer), discus and shot put.

Sin Cities, Adventures of a Sex Report by Ashley Hames is out on Monday 7^th July. Ashley is probably better known for presenting on Bravo TV but has venture in to the literary quarter for this investigation into sexual habits of some of the most extraordinary people on the plant.

Both books are available form Tonto Books, Studio 7, Brick Works. www.tontobooks.com

The return of the Childrens’ Art Club.

Over the school summer holidays we are running six workshops for children aged between 7 and 11. These workshops are being run by the Brick Works very own Jane Armstrong, Bethan Laker from Mushroom Works and Clare Armstrong.

Sarah’s off..

In October Sarah Blood will be leaving the UK for three months and heading for the heights of the Kathmandu, Nepal where she will be working with the Ester Benjamin Trust, teaching sculpture to girls who have been rescued from people trafficking.

The EB Trust rescues trafficked Nepalese children from Indian circuses where they were exploited as slave labour in dangerous and abusive conditions.

Sarah’s role while there will to be to contribute to the rehabilitation and education of these girls on their long journey back into Nepali society, teaching art and sculpture skills which will enable them to gain employment in the creative sector, reducing the risk of re-trafficking or the girls becoming involved in the sex industry.

Sarah is planning a number of fundraising events over the next 3 months to raise £2000 for the EB Trust including ‘Canvas and Cocktails’, a social evening of painting, music and of course, cocktails at the Mushroom Works. Date TBC.

Hole again

It’s all going on for Lee at Hole Editions. Back in May Lee held Hole Editions 3^rd birthday draw. If you bought a ticket, but haven’t checked if you a winner, or your just curious you can find the list of winners at www.holeeditions.co.uk

Lee has also been doing work with Allenheads Contemporary Arts Gallery – he has been printing a book to accompany the exhibition “Draw a line, follow it” opening on the 4th July. The book includes prints by the seven artists in the exhibition; Alex Charrington, Rachel Clewlow, Nick Kennedy, Anne Vibeke Mou, Tuesday Nesbitt, Ginny Reed & Richard Rigg. The exhibition is supported by Northern Rock Foundation, Northern Cultural Skills Partnership, Arts Council, ACA & Dovetail. There will initially 70 books for the exhibition (5 text pages & 7 image pages), it is hand printed on a direct litho press from positive working photo-litho plates in one colour; the pages are hand torn and is hand bound with linen thread.

Respect!

Just in case you haven’t heard our very own Nick has been listed as one of the Journal’s 500 most influential people in the North East.

Unfortunately the list was compiled alphabetically not numerically, so we will never know just how important Nick actually is…

Exhibitions

Comfort Zone

Comfort Zone is by the resident artists of the Brick Works and Mushroom Works. Exploring the idea of comfort zone has meant that artists are stretching their creative practice and exploring unfamiliar territory, for others this has meant staying within their comfort zone and showing the best of their work. Whilst some have taken it in its literal sense and are examining what and how we find comfort.

The exhibition features, Nick, Sarah Blood, Bethan and Jim who has, stretched his comfort zone and ventured into a figurative subject matter in an illustrative direction, and is very good!

Natalie has created a new sculptural instillation entitled ‘Herd’, where multiple, near identical soft sculptures roam the room. She hopes the viewer will find her generic animals both familiar and discomforting.

Architect Liam has shown a series of experimental line drawings of a family. Liam looks at the family as providing an environment in which a person can retreat and be him or herself.

Nick has tackled the comfort zone challenge from a literal perspective and is showing a unique piece of furniture. The Clothes Bench (left) is made from black walnut and ash, this bench provides not only comfort through creative design also has a dedicated place for you hang your clothes or, even your comfort blanket.

There are 13 people exhibiting in total, they are: Jim, Susan, Natalie, Bethan, Kate, Lindsay, Lee, Lucinda, Nick, Bronwen, Liam and Michael.

The exhibition looks great, a big thank you to everyone who took part.

13 artists are exhibiting in total, they are: Jim Edwards, Susan Macbride Stewart, Natalie Bell, Bethan Laker, Sarah Blood, Kate Sweeney, Lindsay Duncanson, Lee Turner, Lucinda Kelly, Nick James, Bronwen Deane, Michael Armstrong and Liam Newton.

Harbour Day

An exhibition of new paintings by Joanne Wishart.

Harbour Day is the August exhibition at the Mushroom Works, which opens on Friday 1^st August, and everybody is welcome.

Inspired by the coast Joanne portrays shoals of fish, colourful tug boats and quirky habour village scenes in her own fresh and imaginative style. Joanne will be exhibiting a selection paintings and prints.

Joanne’s paints onto canvas creating texture using tissue paper and gesso. She has a very individual and highly recognisable style, using strong colours and simplistic imagery to create her own take on the British coast line.

The exhibition is open until 16^th August. Opening hours are:

Wednesday – Friday 12-5pm

Saturday 10am – 5pm

Bronwen at Contemporary Applied Art in London

Bronwen has a focus exhibition at the prestigous Contemporary Applied Art in London opening on the 17^th July. The exhibition will showcase Bronwen’s work as a new member of CAA.

Bronwen will be exhibiting her Architectural series along side some new work celebrating the delights of St.Lawrence café! (the greasy spoon next to the Mushroom works).

The exhibition is on until 30th August 2008.

What’s going on?

Shipley Lates

The Shipley Gallery in Gateshead is offering a free culture fix.

Shipley Lates 2008 offer an exciting after hours experience a one of the North East’s leading galleries of design and contemporary craft. Each event will include performances, exhibitions, artist’s talks and even a bar! And they are even providing a free bus to and from the Shipley.

THe next Late is on Friday 25^th July, and the theme is China. The Shipley will be hosting Out of China, an exhibition of Fecicity Aylieff’s monumental pots made during her stay in China.

DJ Lucasz Haras will be providing the Music and Gigi Chang, Assistant Curator of the V&As exhibition China Design Now will talk about the new culture of design at the heart of modern China.

Artist Lip Lee will lead workshops in Chinese lantern making.

There is something for everyone.

Yoshitomo Nara + graf

A-Z project at the Baltic.

Exhibiting for the first time in a UK public gallery, Japanese artist Yoshitomo Nara and creative design team graf present the latest installation of ongoing A-Z Project. Nara’s work embodies the defiant spirit that comes with a youthful optimism and belief that we can the world. He is best known for his deceptively simple drawings, paintings and sculptures of the children with apparently innocent, ‘kawaii’ or cute expressions. Nara is influence by popular culture including punk, rock ‘n’ roll, Manga and the American cartoons from his childhood.

For Baltic, Nara and graf have constructed three houses. The third house, Baltic Castle, is specially designed and constructed for the exhibition using local reclaimed materials.

The exhibition is open until the 26^th October and is well worth a visit.

The Works 1 - May 2008

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The first in a series of bi-monthly newsletters to keep you up to date with what is going on around you.

Brick Works 1st Birthday

Twelve months ago the Brick Works opened, hard to believe a year has gone by so quickly! Since opening, the Brick Works has provided a home for over 20 creative people, most of whom have been there since the beginning.It is only right that

we celebrate this momentous occasion in style. Please come and join us for a drink or two on Friday 23rd

May at 8pm at Brick Works [refreshments will be provided!]. All welcome. Then we may even stray into the depths of the Ouseburn Valley if the mood permits…

Award Winning Liam

Architect Liam Newton from the Mushroom Works has just received an award for The Round Theatre on Lime Street. The RICS Renaissance Awards took place on Friday18th April. The Round Theatre, was awarded a Commendation in the Design and Innovation category, and was also shortlisted in Tourism and Leisure category. The theatre space is ‘in the round’, seating 180, six-metres below ground level.

Dressing rooms, toilets, bar/foyer, admin offices etc are around and above the theatre space. It sits behind and below the one existing Listed external wall, with a new roof that floats over its parapet. All other walls are the surrounding buildings, some requiring light to windows, solved by an atrium. The design principles were to just ‘touch’ the existing with all new work distinct, contemporary, of modern, hard, industrial materials. The depth of the hole gives the theatre isolation from noise and light its two main enemies. It also provides a thermally heavy, stable environment, which is ventilated by assisted stack ventilation, avoiding air conditioning.

Exhibitions

Bronwen Deane & Natalie Bell

The exhibition programme for the summer starts with two shows A Few of My Favourite Things by Bronwen Deane and Natalie Bell’s Microbots.

The main gallery will host A Few of My Favourite Things by jewellery designer and maker Bronwen . This show explores Bronwen’s passion for collecting and how it influences her work. The exhibition takes you on a journey of nostalgia through objects, books and images, ultimately coming together in a selection of innovative jewellery. This exhibition visually represents Bronwen’s excitement and enthusiasm about collecting.

We also have an exciting new space in which to exhibit. Natalie is the first to show in the space with her exhibition Microbots, a collection of paintings and sculptures that explore the world of tiny artificial life.

Natalie’s paintings are inspired by nano science and ‘inner space’; she creates miniature landscapes, as if viewed through a microscope. Creating cybernetic microenvironments, where the organic and mechanical meet. By exploring the idea of mutation through repetition Natalie manipulates her own synthetic ecosystems. The paintings will be accompanied by a selection of mixed media sculptures that develop and realise the imagery of her two dimensional work.

Jim at the Biscuit Factory

Jim Edward is exhibiting at the Biscuit Factory in June. The exhibition is a collection of paintings of iconic buildings and bridges in the north east and his more abstract work inspired by man made forms and buildings. The exhibition previews on the 6th June and runs for three months.

Michael and Eva

Furniture designer Michael Armstrong and painter Eva Bauer are exhibiting together in June at the Mushroom Works. The show has yet to be given a formal title but it will compliment both practices, with a selection of furniture sitting along side Eva‘s intricate paintings.

The show opens on Friday 6th Jne and will run until Saturday 22nd Jun

What's on?

The Late Shows

Saturday 17th May 2008 sees the return of the Late Shows to Newcastle and Gateshead. This is the evening culture crawl, which has been going for years across Europe but reached our shores last year.

This year 20 venues from the Newcastle and Gateshead area are opening their doors and putting on spectacular events.

The Mushroom Works is no different. We are hosting meet the artist through open studios. The public will be able to enjoy a free glass of wine and a chat with you – their favourite local artist. Visitors will also get to see some work in progress from Mark at Quay Animation Studios, he will be working on a mural on the fence opposite the Mushroom Works throughout the evening. Please be in your studio from 7 – 11pm – if you can not do this please let us know.

Glass bead making workshops with Sarah Blood.

Sarah Blood is running a series of 1 day workshops, which will teach you the basic techniques of glass bead making through a combination of demonstrations, and hands on practical experience. Participants will learn how to use the flame as a tool to melt and shape glass to create their own beautiful beads.

Workshops are taking place at the Mushroom Works on Sat 17th, Wed 21st and Sat 24th May and Sat 28th June.

The workshop costs £80 per person and includes all materials, safety equipment and lunch. To book

A little insight into The Works..

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Since may 2008 we've been producing an in-house newsletter, The Works so as to share the good news and general goings-on in both the Mushroom Works and Brick Works studios. We thought it only fair to share it with our visitors (old and new) and what better way to do it that through a blog!

So, here's the last eight months' nuggets of news about our studio holders. Read on...

In the beginning...

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Mushroom Works Blog - with news of all interesting things that go on in the Mushroom Works.

now to be kept up to date by Lara!!!