Hundreds of origami swans will be seen in Lichfield later in the year, following a mammoth effort by artist Celia Houghton.

Celia is one of the cities most enduring artists, who is at the forefront of delivering access to the arts through her role as Lichfield District Councils Arts Officer. She is however also an artist in her own right, and as part of a major community arts project funded by Tesco, developed a fantastic project to young budding artists to inspire them to embrace creative thinking.

Tony Fletcher (Tesco Corporate Affairs Manager) said “We are delighted with the outcome of Celia’s latest workshop event. The response of the Children, schools and local community together with the commitment of the artists’ has been overwhelming. We look forward to seeing the results of all of the projects in due course”

During June and July Celia visited 6 local primary schools, including St James Primary. Longdon, St Josephs, Chadsmead Primary, Charnwood Primary, Lichfield Willows Primary, and Greysbrooke Primary, Shenstone and offered an insight into one of Lichfield’s most significant figures – Anna Seward – ‘The Swan Of Lichfield’.

As part of the workshops children were invited to follow Stewards footpath and write their own poetic verse, and then convert their poem into a beautiful tribute in the shape of an Origami Swan. In total 545 children participated in the project, which also saw Celia introduce the children to Dr Johnson, asking them to create their own word and definition for a children’s dictionary for the city, which will be on show soon.

The project and exhibition are one of a number of art based workshops projects and exhibitions in the city over the next 4 months of art which have been funded by Tesco. The Origami Swans will form the centre of a much larger collection, which will be displayed in Lichfield soon. The project will also see further art activities about Seward carried out, and other tributes to the ‘Swan of Lichfield’ produced as a result of community involvement.

Peter Walker Project Coordinator “At the centre of the art projects we are running, is the objective to get people involved in the arts. Art is far more than just drawing a picture of something you see, and by involving children in creating art we are introducing them to a plethora of imaginative ways to look at the world. In Celia we have a perfect artists, skilled in opening the eyes of children to the possibilities of art, and I am delighted that her commitment has resulting in such beautiful results”.

A collection of 26 large scale artworks has been seen around the city over the past month. The artworks produced by artists from around Lichfield and which have a Lichfield theme have adorned the facades of numerous buildings through the city centre.

Copies of the artworks are available with profits from the sale of the limited edition prints going to Lichfields new arts foundation. For more information click here.

Come and encounter Kirsty E Smith’s intruiging mixed media sculptures displayed within this beautiful Georgian setting.
Since graduating with a first class honours degree in 2006, this prize-winning artist has exhibited throughout the UK. In 2009 she was awarded Arts Council funding to stage solo shows in London and the Midlands. Later this year Blink UnBlink, her two person show with fellow Midlands based artist Olwen Holland, will be part of the prestigious Liverpool Biennial.

For Inventions of the Mind, the artist has placed five of her otherworldly sculptures alongside the 18th century artefacts and furnishings of the Erasmus Darwin House.
Erasmus Darwin, Charles Darwin’s grandfather, is recognised as one of the most influential polymaths of his time. He was the linchpin of the Lunar Society and had wide ranging interests which included: Medicine, botany, engineering and natural history. He also had his own thoughts on evolution.
Like Darwin, Smith is a free thinker who is happy to draw inspiration from all facets of life. Her sculptures are made from surprising combinations of textiles, wood, metal and obscure fragments of vintage machinery. Each piece is completely unique, some having quite surreal qualities.
During the period of the exhibition Kirsty E Smith will be running several sculpture and textile workshops with local groups. The art produced in these sessions will be part of the 52 Weeks of Art community exhibition at The Erasmus Darwin House on 21st August.
The exhibition and workshops have been made possible thanks to funding from Tesco PLC.
ENDS
More information about Kirsty E Smith at www.frillipmoolog.co.uk
For further information or images contact Kirsty E Smith on
01543 257609, mobile 0773 995 9951 or e mail kirsty@frillipmoolog.co.uk

Erasmus Darwin House, Beacon Street,
Lichfield, WS13 7AD

31st July - 23rd Aug 2010
Tuesday to Sunday: 11 to 5pm last admission 4.15pm

Admission: £3.00 adult, £2.00 Concessions
Children £1.00, Family £6.00

One of Lichfield’s most talented artists recently gave an insight into the world of professional fashion photography to local residents during a workshop funded by Tesco.

"We are delighted with both the response from the people who took part and must commend both Rebecca Parker and also Peter Walker for devising and delivering an outstanding array of workshops with the funding provided by Tesco" Tony Fletcher (Tesco Corporate Affairs)

Rebecca Parker is a leading light in modern photography, whose work graces the front covers of many significant national and international publications. The project, based on research into Lichfield’s eminent polymath, Erasmus Darwin, saw Rebecca run a series of studio based workshops with NCFE Photography Students from South Staffordshire College. The workshops addressed issue of composition, lighting and computer editing.

'We are delighted that such an opportunity has been given to part time evening class learners, the take up has been excellent. We look forward to some of their work being exhibited later on in the Summer'. Sophie Cartwright Curriculum Manager Art and design (SSC)

“Rebecca's workshops have been a great success. Rebecca has shown the students her working process, giving insight into some professional tricks and finishes. Students have learnt how to produce artistic but realistic composite images, in a style inspired by Pre-Raphaelite paintings” Richard Pickup Tutor SSC

The project also saw students kindly allowed to access Erasmus Darwin House, for an evenings photography, with Rebecca and her special guest, photography consultant Patrick Anderson, the official photographer for Zandra Rhodes turned up to help students photograph the professional models Eva Rose and Karenza from Liverpool and Lincoln.

‘ I appreciate the effort you went to in order to give us the opportunity of gaining more experience and knowledge of working with some 'proper' models. “Dave (student)

"I had so much fun last night! I took about 60 images and I am really pleased with the way they have turned out! Cant wait to get stuck in and editing them. " Zara (Student)

Rebecca has also conducted another photo shoot herself at Darwin House, with Port Talbot based model Amelia Kate Thomas who is one of the current contests on the Living TV show Britain Next Top Model. Amelia was very impressed with how beautiful Lichfield is she posed for Rebecca in costume from the Museum’s collection. Rebecca is currently working on the results of this shoot and the final work alongside images from students involved in the project can be seen at an art exhibition at Darwin House on the 21st August.

“.....for the evening of the photo shoot the Gardens here at Erasmus Darwin House were transported back to Georgian times. Beautifully costumed, elegant ladies appearing from behind the scented roses and purple lavenders. It really was breath taking.' Erasmus Darwin house Spokesman,

The project and exhibition are one of a number of art based workshops projects and exhibitions in the city over the next 4 months of art which have been funded by Tesco.

Peter Walker Project Coordinator “ Its great to expose to the city a talent that lives hear but works around the country, and to allow local people to work with her and to learn elements of her trade. Everyone is excited about the final work she will produce and we hope people will come and see it on the 21st August at Darwin House”.

The Watercolour Challenge was one of three events being run in the 2010 Lichfield Festival under the auspice of a new arts foundation being set up for the City of Lichfield. The event saw 11 artists from around Staffordshire come together within a 3 hour period to paint an original artwork within the cinfines of the Close around Lichfield Cathedral. Artists included Mac McCoig, Pat Jones, Pat Brennan, Georgina Shepherd, Barbera Durham, Christine Lanchester, Chris Hughes, Keith Gabb, Edwin Onions,Jennie Speck and Beryl Evans.

The winning artwork was selected by Fiona Stewart, Director of the Festival, with the prize going to Georgina for her depiction of the facade of the Cathedral, whilst a Peoples Choice Award, voted for by festival goers was presented to Pat Brennan

The event was sponsored by 52 Limited Fine Art, who are also publishing prints of public art posters which are being displayed in the city during the festival with part of the profits from sales going to the Foundations art development fund. Visit their site at www.52-limited.com.