I was recently commissioned to create a sculptural tree, for Middlesbrough Council, called the 'Discovery Tree', which aims to collect stories, poems, photographs and artworks to share experiences of migration and sacred place.

The Discovery Tree, which was launched at the Mela, and can be found in Central library during the weeks building up to Discover Middlesbrough and is then on display in Gallery TS1, during the Migration and Sacred Places exhibition. 

Please take the time to visit the ‘Discovery Tree’, and participate in adding your thoughts, to the blossoming sculpture.

This project is funded by Community Cohesion and Middlesbrough Council, supported by Mela, Discover Middlesbrough and Gallery TS1.

At: Gallery TS1, 57 Corporation Rd, Middlesbrough

From: Thursday, September 9 at 6:30pm - October 9 at 4:00pm

Mill Lane Primary School Art Exhibition

An exhibition of art work produced by pupils of Mill Lane Primary School was held in The Shambles, Stockton between Wednesday 17th June and Saturday 20th June 2009.

The work was produced during a project that saw young people from the school working with a drama tutor and artist on the creation of material based on Stockton's West Row.

The Year Five class initially took part in a visit to West Row led by actor Craig Thornton.  In Victorian costume, Craig led the group on a 'period' visit in which he encouraged the group to think about the heritage of the area such as its architecture, shops, businesses and past inhabitants.

Craig then facilitated a drama session with the young people developing their initial responses to the visit. The group were asked to think about things such as living conditions, costumes and what sorts of employment would have been available to them in this period.

Artist Samantha Wray then worked with the group in a series of art workshops in which these themes were explored further. The group have been able to continue to develop the themes Craig's sessions explored whilst linking it to work they had previously done in School on the Victorian period.

In doing so, the class have created large scale mural pieces, based on areas of West Row such as Hambletonian and Blue Post yards, which also reflects their perceptions of the Victorian period and the wider cultural heritage of Stockton. 

Information from www.stockton.gov.uk

On Saturday 28th March I will be holding a stall the Creative Market in Redcar, selling lots of gorgeous hand made goodies across my ranges. Some stock will be limited edition and prototype pieces, so grab yourself a bargain and some 'one off' items. The Creative Market is where local creative industries showcase their artwork. This is an opportunity to purchase original arts and crafts from local artists. Also, street entertainment and art activities for all ages to enjoy. Click here to download this file and spread the word!