LAS Summer Show at the Usher Gallery

The Summer Show for the Lincolnshire Artists' Society is now on and when attending their exhibitions I always feel pleased and proud to have been accepted by a group that has such an interesting history.

The group began as the Lincolnshire Drawing Club in 1906 with the emphasis primarily on drawings and watercolours from the Grand Tour and from locations around Britain. The original members were predominantly female members of the clergy, titled ladies or gentlemen of leisure whose work was 'of good standards' and who had a constant desire to improve it. Artists were attracted to the L.A.S. encouraged by the professionalism of a group that welcomed the talented amateur but set very high standards for exhibitions.

Fast forward over a hundred years and the basic ideals for the group have not changed.Whereas they now accept a much wider variety of work to include contemporary 3D and sculptural pieces (luckily for me!) the emphasis is still on quality. The members now span a much broader range of society (not so many titled ladies) and much of their work is already amazingly professional, yet they are encouraging to talented amateurs and continue in their endeavours to improve.

I was amused to learn that the Annual Exhibition originally took place in the loose boxes of the stables at Monks Manor in Lincoln - the home of it's founder Miss Elsie Ruston and her art collecting industrialist father Joseph. Thankfully we no longer have to cope with large four-legged animals and bales of straw when we display our work for the Summer Show as it is now held in the rather more prestigious rooms of the Usher Gallery in Lincoln.

I have been pleased to have my work selected for L.A.S. exhibitions in the past and being a Lincoln local (or 'Yellerbelly' as we say around here) it was a very proud moment when I saw my work in the Usher for the first time. I submitted my work yet again this year in the hope that it would be deemed of  'good enough standard' to be included in the 2013 Summer Show, and it gave me great pride and a sense of the rich tapestry of the group when I found that both my pieces had been accepted and my glass work will be on display alongside the other most accomplished pieces from the group.

Hidden Treasures (detail) Adele Billinghay

The Show runs from 6th July until 1st September with the preview starting at 2pm on Saturday 6th July.
More details about the group can be seen on their site. It's well worth a read.

1000 Years of Traditional Crafts

This weekend 22nd and 23rd June I will be taking part in 1000 Years of Traditional Crafts at Lincoln Castle. This will be the third year I have been there and it has always been a great event to be part of not only because of the lovely setting in the Castle, but also due to the numbers of visitors who are genuinely interested in the work that we do.

The ground will be filled with crafts people demonstrating skills that originated many years ago such as blacksmithing, willow weaving, glass work and silversmithing. Some of these crafts use the very same techniques that they always have - as my grandad would say 'if ain't broke why fix it' - whilst others have been brought bang up to date to enable the creation of some unique and highly skilled pieces that will be on show.

Although I am unable to take my trusty kiln with me to these events (a bit too heavy!) I will be on hand in the large marquee on the lawn to explain in more detail about the work that I make using recycled glass. I will be revealing my processes from beginning to end and have a large range of pieces that can be purchased from my stall. Some of my pieces have been made specially for this venue and include my designs of local landmarks. I often get asked about how I put the detail in the glass and have on more than one occasion been asked by children if there are real butterflies inside! This is great as it gives me the opportunity to show why I love what I do and introduce people to the art of kiln formed glass.

There will also be a children's marquee with a a range of activities for them to try and the opportunity for adults to have a go at one of the short courses that will be taking part in the Heritage Skills Centre.
As if that weren't enough to entertain everyone the European Stone Festival will be taking place over the same weekend at the Cathedral with stone masons from across the continent showing off their skills. My only regret is that as I will be on my stall I won't be able to see everything else that is going on!

This promises to be another great event, both educational and fun, and the friendly staff at the Castle are always helpful and informative in their efforts to improve it year on year. Even if the weather isn't good most of the stalls are under cover in the marquees so everyone can take their time looking around. Of course if the sunshine does make an appearance it will make it even better so here's hoping!

.

CCN Celebrate Their 25th Anniversary!

All that glitters is not gold - the CCN celebrate their 

Silver Anniversary  

The Contemporary Crafts Network will be celebrating 25 years of beautifully crafted work in the ‘Silver’ exhibition at the Sam ScorerGallery, Drury Lane, Lincoln from 23rd July to 4th August.

The CCN, originally called Lincolnshire and Humberside Contemporary Crafts, formed in 1988 with an aim to create a self supporting exhibiting group. Over time their numbers grew and they achieved notable success exhibiting in galleries across the East Midlands and Europe so changed their name to reflect their expanding catchment area. The members now encompass a wide range of ages from talented new graduates to skilled and experienced crafts people, all specialists in their chosen fields which include an extensive variety of materials such as glass, silver, ceramics, metals, paper, felt and textiles.

Adele Billinghay - Moonlit Meadow

The group is always inspired by new themes and members are encouraged to use many different methods and techniques in their own individual interpretations. The ‘Silver’ exhibition promises a sparkling collection of unique and finely crafted items and the group has been working hard to produce items in celebration of this special event.

One of the founder members Peter Moss, a well known Ceramicist and Arts and Creative Industries Consultant, will officially open the exhibition for the Private View on Saturday 27^th July between 2 - 4 pm. Entrance to the gallery is free - all welcome.