The end of a great project.

On Monday I will be taking part in my final Vital communities research project at Wisbech St Mary Cof E school. Over the last four years I have worked in many schools with many artist on projects as part of this research.

http://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/leisure/arts/vitalcommunities.htm

I have learnt a lot from being a part in this project, made many friends, experienced a wealth of emotions and helped the children, families and community to create wonderful works of art. My best memories have been with a group of elderly ladies at (Crossways Gardens ) in Trumpington. These ladies are wonderful, full of life and humour with lots to give and share with the younger generations. I will always have very fond memories of them. Another memorable event took place at WSM a few years ago when the children put on a fashion show modelling T - shirts which they had designed. Parents came in, decorated the hall, helped the children with hair and make up, then also helped with the clearing up. They were an amazing bunch of people.

Having been artist in residence at the school before, the staff and children have always made me feel welcome and appreciated. I am pleased that I am with them again for the final event.

The end of celebration event on Monday will consist of a performance by the children reading poems which they wrote with writer Joel Stickley and their teachers. In addition to this on display will be a giant book made by the children (with my help) which includes all of their Quest stories, poems and paintings.

My favourite thing!

I have been in the studio today and I enjoyed the time I had to create. In addition to this I played around on my Bernina 440QE and although I have had it for over a year, it is still the best sewing machine I have ever had. Today I experimented with sewing on sequins using a decorative stitch and the results of this can be seen in the photo.

I missed Textiles in Focus for the first time in many years but I could not fit it in this year maybe I will be able to arrange to visit another textile event later in the year.

Going slowly!

I have been away for ages but I have not been able to put any time into my last idea. My time has been spent planning and organising my workshops and classes. It is amazing how much time it takes to prepare for a class. In fact, today one of my year 5 /6 groups painted a still life of sweet peppers with wonderful results. I returned home inspired but time and motherly duties did not allow me to indulge, maybe tomorrow I will get something done.
I must admit that I am riddled with guilt when I am unable to post a blog. I am always thinking of what I should include if I have no work to show.
I did not expect to feel this sense of commitment and obligation to get my work done and to share it with the blogging community. I am glad that I am a part of that community.