We are delighted to have been granted funding from the National Lottery Community Fund, allowing the Makers Group (over one year) to explore partnerships, grow its ability to welcome and support newcomers, especially those in recovery from mental ill health and continue to bring their creative skills into exchange with the beautiful landscape around the farm. With the help of a Makers Group Assistant and very soon, the provision of minibus transport from the centre of Exeter out to the organicARTS site on West Town Farm, enabling those without their own transport to access the massive benefits of creating in a luscious natural setting.
The project began last month as the Makers met round the fire to explore the rich creative properties of plants through their fibres and use of colour to make inks. This month, we’re excited to be working in partnership with St Sidwell’s Community Centre. Beginning with a tour of their ‘secret vegetable garden’, members of the St Sidwells Community and the Makers Group reflected on what the natural, outdoor spaces of each of our sites give to us, and expressed these feelings in colourful felted panels. Last week, both groups met at organicARTS to share, walk, explore and work into our felt work with stitch. Oh yes, and eat cake.
Bit by bit, these panels have become a collective hanging offering a window into the outside world. It will finish up on display at St Sidwell’s Community Centre after our final gathering and ‘handover’ event next week.
You can find out more about the Makers Group here. If you or someone you know would like to join the Makers Group, or you are a community organisation curious about partnering with us for a small project, please contact makers@organicarts.org.uk
