INC.creative

Enterprise and the Arts

2012-01-13T05:30:00.000-08:00

Here at inc.creative in Keighley we have two events aimed at anyone thinking about, or already have, a creative business in visual arts, media and design.

Wed 15/02/2012 Approaching Retail Seminar start 5.30 - 6pm to 8pm
Aimed at artists and designer - makers or anyone thinking about taking their product to a retailer.
This seminar take you through the steps of researching a suitable shop/gallery, approaching a retailer, pitching your product, exploring Sale or Return and wholesale and agreements and contracts.

Costs: £5.00 includes refreshments To book your place please call 01535 608471 or email Jo.whitehead@leedscitycollege.ac.uk

Thur 24/02/2012 Enterprise and the Artist Networking event 5.30 - 6pm to 8pm
Join us at inc.creative for an evening of arts networking. Our guest speaker will be John Slemensek from Woolgatherartprize who will talk about Enterprise and the Artist and also about the Woolgather Art Prize.
Costs: £5.00 includes refreshments To book your place please call 01535 608471 or email Jo.whitehead@leedscitycollege.ac.uk

Get Creative with our Saturday Workshops

2012-01-03T08:24:00.000-08:00

inc.creative is holding Saturday workshops for all from January 2012 in the following:

Book binding, laser cutting, jewellery making, printmaking, contemporary textiles, glass fusing, Tiffany stained glass and so much more. Our workshops are aimed at beginners and improvers or for anyone wanting to return to a craft and brush up on their skills.

Saturday 21 January 2012 10am to 4pm Further Tiffany Stained Glass Workshop
Following our popular staineded glass workshop, students will create sculptural pieces using glass and wire. Further techniques include etching, inclusions and wire wrapping. This workshop brings a contemporary twist to the traditional Tiffany technique of stained glass.
Costs: £45/£35 (please see details below)*
Places available: 8
All materials are included but there will be a £5 charge for glass. You are advised to wear old clothes and please wear covered shoes.

Please contact us for further details. 01535 608471
E: jo.whitehead@leedscitycollege.ac.uk

Saturday 4 February 2012 10am to 4pm Recycled Log Cabin Patchwork
An excellent workshop for beginners to patchwork or sewing and for anyone interested in “make do and mend” textiles. We will be reusing shirting and other textiles to piece together traditional Log Cabin patchwork and create a table runner, patchwork pin cushions or a cushion cover.
Costs: £45/£35 (please see details below)*
Places available: 10
A list of materials will be sent and some materials will be available. We have three sewing machines for student use and you may bring your own machine.

Please contact us for further details. 01535 608471
E: jo.whitehead@leedscitycollege.ac.uk

Saturday 11 February 2012 10am to 4pm Beginners Amish Patchwork
“Diamond in the Square” is an easy introduction to Amish-style patchwork and quilting. Known for their simple way of living, the Amish people of North America choose plain dyed fabrics that are enhanced with hand quilted patterns. Our workshop shows you how to make a mini quilt or wall hanging that you will enjoy quilting at your leisure. (or leave plain).
Costs: £45/£35 (please see details below)*
Places available: 10
A list of materials will be sent and some materials will be available. We have three sewing machines for student use and you may bring your own machine.

Saturday 3rd March 2012 10am to 4pm Coptic Bound Books
Our book making expert and tutor, Kate Bowles, will take you through the process of creating an open spine, Coptic bound book with a hard cover. This note book can be used as a sketchbook, journal, keepsake or you may find it is just too beautiful to write in.
Costs: £45/£35 (please see details below)*
Places available: 8
All materials will be provided but our tutor says "you may want to bring a piece of your favourite fabric (A4 size) to make a cover.

Please contact us for further details.
01535 608471 E: jo.whitehead@leedscitycollege.ac.uk

* Your first workshop costs £45 and any further one day workshops in the “Get Creative with inc.creative” booked in 2012 cost £35. Unfortunately, due to the lack of funding for our workshops there are no concessions. If you are bringing your own materials and equipment we only send a list of what you need to keep your costs to a minimum.
Our workshops are held in a friendly, comfortable space at inc.creative and we provide tea and coffee but not lunch. Please be aware that inc.creative is also a retail space for enterprise and there will be visitors to the shop.

To book your place on our workshops please call
01535 608471 or email: Jo.whitehead@leedscitycollege.ac.uk

We accept card payments or cheques.

It's Sale Time!

2011-12-28T11:06:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year from Us to You

The first ever inc.creative seasonal sale starts today and we have 10% discounted from EVERY ITEM in the shop. That's 10% off:

Ceramics from Jodie Curley, Sally Storr, Jade Devall

and Old Brewery Pottery

Jewellery from Zinc White, Yuen Jewellery, Louise Taylor, Leigh Shepherd Designs and Ruby Spirit Designs

Prints from Sally Boyle, Alison Deegan, Print for Love of Wood, Rogers Ink, Dig the Earth, Becky Hodgson

and Caroline Pratt

Cushions from Emma Garry, McDonough and Davis, Becky Hodgson and George and Liily

Leather bags and accessories from Teazle Designs

and Catherine Edwards

Craft kits from Blueberry Park and Emma Garry

Paper crafts from Witshop and Yu Yu and so much more!

We are open from Wednesday 28th December to Friday 30th December (closed Saturday 31st December) and we re-open for New Year on Tuesday 3rd January 2012.

So here's wishing you a Happy New Year from inc.creative!

Merry Christmas to You!

2011-12-24T12:59:00.000-08:00

from the staff of inc.creative

We are open from 28th to 30th of December and our SALE starts on Wednesday 28th December at inc.creative 11 - 15 Cavendish Street, Keighley, BD21 3RB

Ho Ho Ho!

2011-12-20T12:38:00.000-08:00

Exhausted by Christmas shopping but still need that "special" gift? Call in to inc.creative and see the hand made loveliness we have in store....
and if you are in Keighley on Friday 23rd or Saturday 24th December please join us for a free festive mince pie. We are open until 5pm on Christmas Eve and we have a fine selection of original prints, recycled jewellery, fused glass pictures, ceramic pots and tableware, sewing and craft kits, pencil cases, coin purses, felt cushions and so much more.

Find us at 11 - 15 Cavendish Street, Keighley BD21 3RB

Cool Kits for Crafty Kids

2011-12-16T10:25:00.000-08:00

We have a fine selection of stocking filler kits for crafty kids (and adults too). So if you enjoy making or you are a beginner at sewing our kits are just what you need!

Eddie Bear kit £6.00

Emma Garry sewing kits are really popular here at inc.creative with four designs to choose from: Eddie Bear (our favourite), Little Dumpling, Hearts and Birdie. Each kit comes with designer fabric, stuffing and easy to follow instructions, neatly packaged in a recyclable brown paper bag.

Emma Garry kits £6.00 each

New to inc.creative are delightful craft kits from Blueberry Park that come in handy boxes, making them the perfect shape to stuff into stockings. We have Make Your Own: Christmas stocking, felt key rings and Hanging Hearts and prices start at £8.50. We also have a range of Blueberry Park printed sewing kits, sponge bags, pencil rolls and zip purses. So much choice, so little time!

Blueberry Park key ring kits £8.50 each

Blueberry Park Christmas stocking kits

Inc.creative is open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm, including Christmas Eve, at 11 - 15 Cavendish Street, Keighley BD21 3RB.

Discarded Objects of Desire

2011-12-14T09:53:00.000-08:00

Reclaim, reuse and recycling is what Zinc White is all about and we are very proud to stock their unusual and desirable Derwent Pencil Jewellery here at inc.creative.

Each item of jewellery has been remade from colouring pencils and we have a large selection of pendants, earrings, cufflinks and brooches. In addition, we also have Zinc White recycled paintbrush necklaces and typewriter key earrings too.

The Zinc White designers are off to Barcelona this week to attend the International Recycling Art Festival of Catalonia - Drap Art 2011 - to exhibit their unique jewellery, homewares and bags and we wish them every success.

Don't forget that inc.creative is open late to 7pm every Thursday up to Christmas and we are open Christmas Eve until 5pm for those last minute gifts.

11 - 15 Cavendish Street Keighley BD21 3RB

Raku for You

2011-12-08T00:54:00.000-08:00

We have virtually sold out of raku pots, supplied to us by Old Brewery Pottery, so we have been very lucky that Brian and Mary called in with more pots today.

Raku vessels with lustre £21.00

Old Brewery Pottery is in Keighley, which makes it the most local business that we work with! All the pots that Brian and Mary produce are either raku or wood fired and have a wonderfully tactile quality to them. Raku firing originated in Japan in the late 16th Century and it is this technique of firing clay that most fascinates Old Brewery Pottery.

Lidded pot with lustre £21.00

The pots are fired rapidly and removed from the kiln whilst the glaze is still molten then plunged into a dustbin of sawdust which combusts to produce carbon monoxide. This gas removes oxygen in the glaze, creating the metal sheen. The matt black of the clay is the result of the burning sawdust staining the surface.

Black and White raku pot £16.80

We now have a selection of Old Brewery Pottery black and white ceramic bowls and vases too. Raku pots make ideal Christmas presents for the "hard to buy for" but please remember that raku is very porous so it's not suitable for foodstuffs.

Mary North and Brian Evans run Raku workshops at Shibden Hall near Halifax. Call the Shibden Hall Estate Manager on 01422 352246 for more details.

Deck the Halls.... at inc.creative

2011-12-05T12:16:00.000-08:00

Peace, Love and Joy Hearts by Rachel Lee

They're here! Delicate white and gold lustre ceramic Christmas decorations from Haworth potter Rachel Lee.

Small Dove by Rachel Lee

We now have a selection of Rachel's lovely, collectible tree decs combining ceramics with beads to create that Folk Art Christmas here at inc.creative. We have large and small doves, Peace, Love and Joy Hearts and our favourite, A Reindeer called Noel. These gorgeous decorations are very reasonably priced from £3.50 to £9.00.

A Reindeer called Noel

We also have a collection of fused glass tree decorations at £3 each, including copper hearts and glass shards, But hurry, we are running out of these fast.

Fused Glass Decorations

Call in and see all our Christmas goodies at inc.creative 11 - 15 Cavendish Street, Keighley BD21 3RB or call 01525 608471 We are open Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm

The Crafty Girls

2011-11-30T05:54:00.000-08:00

We have a growing range of soft furnishings and homewares here at inc.creative and we are happy to say that we have exclusive embroidered cushions by design team McDonough and Davies in stock.

Charley and Sarah are young designers who make their own products from cushions to giftwrapping, cards to notebooks. Their cushion covers are machine embroidered calico with ticking fabric backs and decorated with tassels and bobbles. The covers are removable (simple envelope fold) and washable (gentle hand wash).

We love McDonough and Davis designs because they are original, fun, simple and charming. We hope you like them too.

So pop into inc.creative and get your inspiration for your handmade Christmas shopping. We are open Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm with late night shopping until 7pm every Thursday until Christmas.

inc.creative 11 - 15 Cavendish Street Keighley BD21 3RB Tel: 01535 608471

Tick Tock with Witshop

2011-11-24T13:07:00.000-08:00

2011 Pin Board Calendar

Witshop is a Leeds based company that specialises in high quality, design led homewares, cards and gifts. Their products are all concept based and thoughtfully designed with an emphasis on environmental awareness.

Here at inc.creative we are now stocking a selection of Witshop products including their Pinboard Calendar, letterpress Clock and screen printed notebooks. Witshop uses materials from sustainable sources and, wherever possible, 100% recycled paper and environmentally friendly inks.

Call into inc.creative to find out more about Witshop products and take a look at our handmade retail shop.

Deck the Halls at inc.creative!

2011-11-22T10:53:00.000-08:00

Retail students from Leeds City College will be helping to bring a festive feel to Keighley's Cavendish Street as part of the preparation for this year’s Christmas Lights Switch-on.

The group of Level 3 Fashion Retail students have trimmed up the window of inc.creative in Cavendish Street yesterday after winning a College design competition. The new enterprise outlet was opened by Leeds City College last month to encourage enterprise and business start-up through access to facilities, services and expert help and advice.

The students, who attend the College’s Park Lane Campus, were asked to design and install an exciting Christmas display to help attract customers as part of a visual merchandising assignment. All entries were judged by inc.creative manager Jo Whitehead, who opted for students' Fern Speight, Lauren McCreadie, Hanna Warwick and Narissa Tak Won design, which will bring a splash of Christmas colour to the shop window with some traditional Christmas items including wrapped presents and baubles, sparkling tinsel strands, scattered snow and snowflakes, mannequins and a white Christmas tree to complete the scene.

inc. creative provides valuable support for budding entrepreneurs to move into and make a success of an enterprising venture including assessment of business idea, guidance on planning and viability, mentoring, access to workshops and seminars plus information on marketing, finance and networking. Its on-site facilities including some ‘test trading space’ to highlights the talents of Yorkshire designers, with an assortment of goods made locally on sale including handbags, jewellery, prints and soft furnishings.

In conjunction with the town’s Christmas switch-on event on Thursday November 24^thinc.creative will be opening for late night shopping between 5-8pm and offering shoppers a 10% discount and a cup of hot chocolate.

inc.creative is part-funded by the net315 project which in turn is financially supported by investment from the European Union's European Regional Development Fund. Run in the region by an ‘incubation and education’ consortium, of which Leeds City College is the lead college, it is developing facilities and services to provide additional support for college and community learners to move into and make a success of enterprise.

Pants for Enterprise

2011-11-16T13:04:00.000-08:00

Business Incubation Team Members show their pants!

We had a lot of fun at the net315 launch at Keighley Campus, Leeds City College today. Every student who pitched an enterprising or business idea was awarded with a pair of outsized underpants.

From a budding photographer to gardening service, software design to mobile hairdressing, the students kept those ideas coming and we kept giving away underpants. But net315 isn't all about having fun, it has a serious side too, that is to provide support, information and advice for anyone who is thinking about starting a business or social enterprise.

The overall aim of the project is to increase the number of successful, sustainable and growing businesses in Yorkshire and Humber. Leeds City College is the lead partner in a consortium of thirteen organisations, including seven colleges, working together to spread enterprise throughout the region.

inc.creative is just one of the enterprise gateways where anyone can come and seek advice about starting a business. We are in Keighley town centre so whether you are a student or not, call us on 01535 608471 to talk to us about your ideas for a business enterprise.

I Should Cocoa!

2011-11-11T05:12:00.000-08:00

Thursday 24 November is our first late night shopping event at inc.creative and your chance to bag a

pre-Christmas bargain.

We will be open until 8pm and every customer to the shop from 5pm will be offered a warming cup of hot chocolate (with optional frothy cream and marshmallows) and a discount of 10% on any handmade item purchased from inc.creative.

Here at inc.creative we have a brilliant selection of desirable gifts in our test trading space, all hand made by designer-makers.

Leather Bags by Teazle

Jewellery by Leigh Shepherd Designs

Prints from Dig The Earth

Sewing kits by Emma Garry

Exclusive china by Jade Devall

Thursday 24 November is also the night of the Keighley Christmas Lights switch on and a visit from Bjorn the Polar Bear at Church Green. This fantastic animatron and his trainer will be visiting Keighley from 5pm so that's another great reason to shop in Keighley for Christmas.

Gateway to your Future

2011-11-10T10:21:00.000-08:00

Thinking about starting your own business but don’t know what to do next?

then come and see us here at inc.creative.

We are a new Enterprise Gateway and we are here to help you with advice and support.

Whether you have a sure-fire business idea or are just want to explore your options, call us to meet for a coffee and a chat at inc.creative.

We can help you with:

· Exploring an enterprise idea

· Starting your own business

· Becoming self employed

· Social Enterprise

· Networking

So call us today on 01535 608471or call in to book an appointment at inc.creative,

11 - 15 Cavendish Street, Keighley

We’ll be happy to see you!

Time for Tea!

2011-11-08T07:38:00.000-08:00

Tea time with Jade Devall Designs

One of our designer-makers has been featured in this month's Craft and Design Magazine!
Jade Devall is a graduate textile designer who specialises in china tea sets with her delightfully delicate patterns and images. We have a selection of tea pots, cake stands, milk jugs and sugar bowls - everything you need for tea for two - apart from the cake! We also have some of Jade's lovely tea towels and we will even wrap, package and post the china ware out direct from inc.creative if you are sending it as a gift.

You can buy any of our hand made gifts by local designers by calling into our shop at 11 - 15 Cavendish Street Keighley Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm or make your purchase by calling 01535 608471. Come and see the great selection of jewellery, leather bags, home gifts and soft furnishings we have at inc.creative.

Run Your Own Workshop at inc.creative

2011-11-06T01:14:00.000-07:00

Are you a tutor or a creative person wanting to share your skill with others?

Stained Glass Workshop

Here at inc.creative we have the space for you to run your own workshop in the centre of Keighley. We can provide a work bench, chairs, soft seated area, light refreshments and some materials and equipment. We will help you to plan your workshop and help you to market it too.

We charge an extremely reasonable £20 per hour and can advise you on charging, taking bookings, preparing your workshop and attracting potential students.

We have facilities for stitching, knitting, crocheting, lino printmaking, letterpress, watercolour, acrylic painting, oil painting, machine embroidery, hand embroidery, stained glass, fused glass, jewellery making, digital photography, film making, book binding, silk painting, wax batik, fabric dyeing, mosaics and so much more.

To find out how we can help you to run your own successful workshop (and make yourself some money too) please contact Jo.whitehead@leedscitycollege.ac.uk at inc.creative or call 01535 608471

Decorative Stained Glass Workshop

2011-10-29T05:58:00.000-07:00

Here at inc.creative we are running a one day Decorative Stained Glass workshop on Saturday 5th November from 10am to 3pm. We have four places still available for anyone wishing to learn copper foiled glass (known as the Tiffany technique).

Copper foiled glass

The workshop includes cutting and grinding glass, foiling, soldering and creating a glass hanging for your Christmas tree or window. Students will be able to design their own stained glass or follow a pattern and the finished piece doesn't have to be about Christmas!

The one day workshop costs £45 per person and includes tea/coffee and biscuits. There is a charge of £5 to the tutor to cover the cost of glass but all other materials are available for free.
To save your place please call 01535 608471 or email Jo.whitehead@leedscitycollege.ac.uk

Cut It Out

2011-10-27T14:57:00.000-07:00

Here at inc.creative we are the proud owners of a brand new, super duper laser cutter, courtesy of Denford of Brighouse, and it's here waiting for you!

What is laser cutting? It is technology that uses a laser to cut materials and is generally used in manufacturing but our laser cutter is so much more. We can cut: acrylic, most plastics (except vinyl), paper, board, fabric, wood, leather, rubber, cork, neoprene and so much more. It can etch glass, acrylic, stone, leather and slate and can raster wood and mdf.

What can it do for me? Our fabulous laser cutter has a huge range of applications and uses, from creating delicately cut wedding invitations to promotional key rings, etching glass and acrylic trophies to cutting and routing wooden signs. It can cut through fabric, engrave lettering, make intricate stencils, cut jali patterns in pine and make neoprene printing blocks.

How do I find out more? Visit us at inc.creative or call

01535 608471 to see our wonderful laser in action. We will give you a demonstration and talk through your ideas and plans. We accept drawing files in DXF and we offer a design service too. Our prices are REALLY competitive as we only charge for the minutes you use and we allow you to make one test cut for free (we have an endless supply of mat board) so that you can tweak your design.

Keep checking our blog to see what has been cut at inc.creative.

Knit and Natter

2011-10-25T10:56:00.000-07:00

Knit, stitch, crochet and natter at

inc.creative

Come and join us every Monday from

12 noon to 2pm at our

Knit and Stitch Café

Refreshments available

Halloween Half Term Activities

2011-10-20T12:13:00.000-07:00

It's half term week in West Yorkshire so what are you going to do with the children? Why not bring them to a drop-in Silk Painting activity at inc.creative?
We are holding "make and take" silk painting sessions on Monday 24th, Tuesday 25th and Friday 28th October from 10am to 2pm at inc.creative, 11 - 15 Cavendish Street, Keighley where you and your family can paint a silk picture to take home.
We have a selection of hallowe'en themed silk cards for you to paint at £5 each and there will also be a cuppa and biscuit (or juice) too.

Where to find us: we are opposite Sainsbury's car park entrance on Cavendish Street, next door to Blockbuster Video in Keighley.

We're HERE!

2011-10-19T13:05:00.000-07:00

Shop Window, Keighley

An exciting new enterprise outlet has opened its doors inKeighley, providing people with the opportunity to turn their creativity into aviable business.

inc.creative offers support to anyone looking to start anew business by giving them an outlet to test trade their products in a retailenvironment located on a busy high street. We encourage enterprise and businessstart-up through access to facilities, services and expert help and advice. We also provide valuable support for budding entrepreneurs to move into and make asuccess of an enterprising venture including assessment of businessidea, guidance on planning and viability, mentoring, access to workshops andseminars plus information on marketing, finance and networking.

We're talking about... knitting (really)

inc.creative, a Leeds City College initiative, is part-funded by the net315 project which in turn is financially supported byinvestment from the European Regional Development Fund. Run inthe region by an ‘incubation and education’ consortium, of which Leeds CityCollege is the lead college, it is developing facilities and services toprovide additional support for college and community learners to move into andmake a success of enterprise. Practicalsupport will be the form of on-site creative facilities and include a lasercutter and 3 Apple Macs with the latest design, publishing and film-makingsoftware for manufacturers, designers and students to use as well as workshops,meeting space and a programme of networking events.

They're talking about ..... cake

Thereis the opportunity for co-working for creatives, enabling people towork in a professional creative environment alongside like-minded people.

In addition, there is ‘test trading space’, highlighting thetalents of Yorkshire designers, with an assortment of goods made locally onsale including handbags, jewellery, prints and soft furnishings. The outlet will also accommodate some exhibition space, withinc.creative opening with a display of silver gelatine prints by YorkshireDales photographer and fine art printer Gary Keat.

Find out more about us HERE

Save the Date!

2011-10-06T13:55:00.000-07:00

We are launching our new Enterprise Gateway, INC.creative, on Tuesday 18 October at 11 - 15 Cavendish Street, Keighley BD21 3DR.

INC.creative

We will be open to the public from 9am to 12 noon and 2pm to 4pm with a cuppa and a piece of cake for all. (We will be closed for a private event from 12 noon to 2pm).
So what is INC.creative and why should you call in?

We are a retail space for Yorkshire designer-makers and a laser cutting service for creatives, manufacturers and education.
We also have a brand new MAC suite and facilities for creative co-working and hot desking. We are also planning the first Sewing Café in Keighley for 2012 and we have facilities for tutors to deliver their own art and media based workshops.

In addition we are a gateway for enterprise and new business and we are here to help anyone who is thinking of starting a new start up venture.
We can offer:
• Initial assessment of your business idea to help you to explore your potential business
• Guidance on business planning and viability
• Mentoring programme with access to business seminars and clinics
• Information on test trading, marketing, finance and networking

Our 2 year enterprise and business incubation project is funded by the European Regional Development Fund and supported through Leeds City College and is a great opportunity for creative people to access help in starting their own business.
So why not call in and see for yourself? or contact Centre Manager Jo Whitehead to make an appointment to discuss your business idea.
T: 01535 685060
E: Jo.whitehead@leedscitycollege.ac.uk

Approaching Retail

2011-09-30T12:51:00.000-07:00

We are holding a free seminar for creatives at Factory 4 on "Approaching Retail" Thursday 13 October from 2.30pm to 4pm.

We will be looking at ways for artists and designer-makers to approach shops and galleries, how to pitch your product, understand your price point and get those all-important repeat orders. This seminar is FREE to all creative businesses and start ups at Factory4, Sheepscar House, 15 Sheepscar Street South, Leeds LS7 1AD.

To book your place please call 01535 685060 or email: Jo.whitehead@leedscitycollege.ac.uk

Are you thinking about starting a creative business but afraid to take the plunge? We can offer you a free consultation to discuss your business idea and help you to make the first steps to starting a creative enterprise. Find out more about our business support and mentoring programme, supported by Leeds City College.

Product Photography for Artists and Makers

2011-09-05T02:36:00.000-07:00

Struggling to take great pictures of your artwork? Need great images of your handmade products for your website? Join our one day workshop on Product Photography at The Arts Factory, Cavendish Street, Keighley, West Yorkshire.

Our tutor is a professional photographer with years of experience in close up photography. He knows how to take a brilliant photograph and will help you get the best shot for your product. He will talk you through the stages of camera settings, position, lighting and distance to create images that show your work to its best advantage. You bring your camera - he'll do the rest! (We have a professional lighting kit available).

Date: Saturday 17 September 10am to 3pm

Costs: £45 (includes a £10 registration fee)

To enrol by phone: call 01535 685008 (you mat get the answerphone but someone will call you back)

To enrol by post: call 01535 685060 with your postal details and we will send you a form and return envelope

To enrol in person: call in at Leeds City College Keihgley Campus, Bradford Road, Keighley BD21 4HQ (next to the train station) from Mon - Fri 9am to 5pm and visit Student Services

Release Your Inner Artist

2011-08-28T05:29:00.000-07:00

Salvador Dali

We have an excellent programme of Acrylic and Watercolour Painting courses as well as Drawing and Painting for all abilities. Here are the details:

Acrylic Painting Tuesday 6 September 2011 6 weeks

10:00 - 12:00 £80

Watercolour Painting Tuesday 6 September 2011 6 weeks 13:00 - 15:00 £80
Drawing and Painting Tuesday 6 September 2011 6 weeks 18:00 - 20:00 £80

Acrylic Painting Tuesday 1 November 2011 6 weeks 10:00 - 12:00 £80
Watercolour Painting Tuesday 1 November 2011 6 weeks 13:00 - 15:00 £80
Drawing and Painting Tuesday 1 November 2011 6 weeks 18:00 - 20:00 £80

There is an additional one-off payment fee of £10 for registration and you can enrol by telephone (call 01535 685008) or in person by visiting Keighley Campus, Leeds City College, Bradford Road, Keighley, BD21 4HQ Mon - Fri 9am to 5pm

About our Tutors: our staff are subject specialists with experience of teaching a range of abilities. Our courses are relaxed and friendly and our class numbers are not too big!

Book Binding at the new Creative Space

2011-08-26T05:25:00.000-07:00

We are holding a one day Book Binding Workshop at our new creative space in Keighley on Saturday 22 October 2011 from 10am to 3pm.

Handmade book by Kate Bowles

Our book making expert and tutor, Kate Bowles, will take you through the process of creating an open spine, Coptic bound book with a hard cover. This note book can be used as a sketchbook, journal, keepsake or you may find it is just too beautiful to write in.

Costs: £35 + £10 one-off registration fee
All materials will be provided but our tutor says "you may want to bring a piece of your favourite fabric (A4 size) to make a cover for your book".

Find Out More: Contact Jo Whitehead by email to find out how to enrol.

Hand bound journal by Kate Bowles

Our new Creative Space is at 11 - 15 Cavendish street Keighley West Yorkshire BD21 3RB

Kick Start Your Creativity!

2011-08-15T12:25:00.000-07:00

Here is a run down of all our wonderful creative courses and workshops at our new Cavendish Street premises and starting September 2011. Please visit our Creative Workshops page for more details about enrolment etc.

Laser Cut Jewellery Monday 5 September 2011 6 weeks 13:00 - 15:00 £80

Jewellery Design Monday 5 September 2011 6 weeks 18:00 - 20:00 £80

Acrylic Painting Tuesday 6 September 2011 6 weeks 10:00 - 12:00 £80

Watercolour Painting Tuesday 6 September 2011 6 weeks 13:00 - 15:00 £80

Drawing and Painting Tuesday 6 September 2011 6 weeks 18:00 - 20:00 £80

Introduction to Textiles Wednesday 7 September 2011 6 weeks 10:00 - 12:00 £80

Printmaking Wednesday 7 September 2011 6 weeks 13:00 - 15:00 £80

Contemporary Quiltmaking Wednesday 7 September 2011 6 weeks 18:00 - 20:00 £80

Make the Most of your Digital Camera Thursday 8 September 2011 6 weeks 13:00 - 15:00 £80

Make the Most of your Digital Camera Thursday 8 September 2011 6 weeks 18:00 - 20:00 £80

Laser Cut Jewellery Monday 31 October 2011 6 weeks 13:00 - 15:00 £80

Jewellery Design Monday 31 October 2011 6 weeks 18:00 - 20:00 £80

Acrylic Painting Tuesday 1 November 2011 6 weeks 10:00 - 12:00 £80

Watercolour Painting Tuesday 1 November 2011 6 weeks 13:00 - 15:00 £80

Drawing and Painting Tuesday 1 November 2011 6 weeks 18:00 - 20:00 £80

Make Do and Mend Textiles Wednesday 2 November 2011 6 weeks 10:00 - 12:00 £80

Printmaking Wednesday 2 November 2011 6 weeks 13:00 - 15:00 £80

Contemporary Quiltmaking Wednesday 2 November 2011 6 weeks 18:00 - 20:00 £80

Feltmaking Thursday 3 November 2011 6 weeks 13:00 - 15:00 £80

Handmade Christmas Thursday 3 November 2011 6 weeks 18:00 - 20:00 £80

One Day Workshops
Glass fusing - Introduction Saturday 10 September 2011 10:00 - 15:00 £35

Feltmaking Saturday 17 September 2011 10:00 - 15:00 £35

Product Photography Saturday 17 September 2011 10:00 - 15:00 £35

Knitting Basics Saturday 1 October 2011 10:00 - 15:00 £35

Make Do and Mend Textiles Saturday 8 October 2011 10:00 - 15:00 £35

Laser Cut Jewellery Introduction Saturday 15 October 2011 10:00 - 15:00 £35

Book Binding Saturday 22 October 2011 10:00 - 15:00 £35

Stained Glass Decorations Saturday 05 November 2011 10:00 - 15:00 £35

Fused Glass Jewellery Saturday 12 November 2011 10:00 - 15:00 £35

Shibori Silk Saturday 19 November 2011 10:00 - 15:00 £35

Jewellery Design Saturday 26 November 2011 10:00 - 15:00 £35

Textile Christmas Gifts Saturday 3 December 2011 10:00 - 15:00 £35

There is an additional one-off registration fee of £10 and glass workshops have a £5 fee, payable on the day, to cover the cost of glass. A list of materials will be sent to students before courses and workshops begin. Find out more about our textile workshops HERE

Textiles for Artists

2011-08-02T11:52:00.000-07:00

Coming Soon: once we have settled into our new premises on Cavendish street, Keighley we will be holding a regular sewing cafe where you can meet up with friends, drink coffee (or tea) on our sofas and use our fabulous sewing machines.

Not really one of our sewing machines, honest!

Meanwhile, we have ane exciting programme of Textile-based courses and workshops starting week commencing 6th September.

Contemporary Quiltmaking Wed 07/09/2011 6pm - 8pm 6 weeks £80
Forget about cut out paper pieces and laborious hand sewing, we will teach you to whizz up a beautiful mini quilt using modern tools to speed the process along. Then you can hand quilt at your leisure (or not, if you prefer).

Felt Making Sat 17/09/2011 10am - 3pm 1 day workshop £35
Transform fleece to cloth and then make a decorative item at our exciting one day workshop on carding, fulling and felting.
(Also a 6 week course - please see our prospectus).

Knitting Basics Sat 01/10/2011 10am - 3pm 1 day workshop £35
Knit one, purl one - master the skill of knitting with our beginners' workshop of knitting for the terrified. Start on the journey to creating scarves, cushion covers and even blankets! (Just how much can you knit in one day)?

Make Do & Mend Textiles Sat 08/10/2011 10am - 3pm 1 day workshop £35
Recycling, upcycling or reusing - whatever you want to call it we can show you how to make something beautiful from scraps and charity shop finds.
(Also a 6 week course - please see our prospectus).

Shibori Silk Sat 19/11/2011 10am - 3pm 1 day workshop £35
We will be teaching the Japanese craft of tying, wrapping and binding silk to create different textures and patterns such as Ori Nui and Arashi. An exciting workshop not to be missed!

Shibori Silk Scarves

Textile Christmas Gifts Sat 03/12/2011 10am - 3pm 1 day workshop £35

Delightful pin cushions, delicate bags, appliqued pictures make the ideal Christmas gift - particularly as it has been made by YOU.

We are enrolling now at Leeds City College for these courses and workshops. There is an additional registration fee of £10 but you will only be charge this once and you can enrol on as many workshops as you wish. To book your place please contact Jo Whitehead on 01535 685060 or email Jo.whitehead@leedscitycollege.ac.uk

Creative Workshops for Creative People

2011-07-29T01:46:00.000-07:00

We will be delivering an exciting programme of Creative Courses and Workshops from September 2011 in our new premises at 11 - 15 Cavendish Street, Keighley.
AcrylicPainting

06/09/11Tues 10:00-12:00 6 weeks £80.00

01/11/11Tues 10:00-12:00 6 weeks £80.00

ContemporaryQuiltmaking

07/09/11Wed 18:00-20:00 6 weeks £80.00

02/11/11Wed 18:00-20:00 6 weeks £80.00

Drawing& Painting

06/09/11Tues 18:00-20:00 6 weeks £80.00

01/11/11Tues 18:00-20:00 6 weeks £80.00

Feltmaking

03/11/11Thurs 13:00-15:00 6 weeks £80.00

HandmadeChristmas

03/11/11Thurs 18:00-20:00 6 weeks £80.00

JewelleryDesign

05/09/11Mon 18:00-20:00 6 weeks £80.00

31/10/11Mon 13:00-15:00 6 weeks £80.00

LaserCut Jewellery

05/09/11Mon 13:00-15:00 6 weeks £80.00

31/10/11Mon 18:00-20:00 6 weeks £80.00

MakeDo & Mend Textiles

02/11/11Wed 10:00-12:00 6 weeks £80.00

Makingthe Most of Your Digital Camera

08/09/11Thurs 13:00-15:00 6 weeks £80.00

08/09/11Thurs 18:00-20:00 6 weeks £80.00

Printmaking

07/09/11Wed 13:00-15:00 6 weeks £80.00

02/11/11Wed 13:00-15:00 6 weeks £80.00

Introductionto Textiles

07/09/11Wed 10:00-12:00 6 weeks £80.00

WatercolourPainting

06/09/11Tues 13:00-15:00 6 weeks £80.00

01/11/11Tues 13:00-15:00 6 weeks £80.00

BookBinding 1 Day Workshop

22/10/11Sat 10:00-15:00 £35.00

FeltMaking 1 Day Workshop

17/09/11Sat 10:00-15:00 £35.00

FusedGlass Jewellery 1 Day Workshop

12/11/11Sat 10:00-15:00 £35.00

IntroductionTo Glass Fusing 1 Day Workshop

10/09/11Sat 10:00-15:00 £35.00

JewelleryDesign 1 Day Workshop

26/11/11Sat 10:00-15:00 £35.00

KnittingBasics 1 Day Workshop

01/10/11Sat 10:00-15:00 £35.00

LaserCut Jewellery Intro 1 Day Workshop

15/10/11Sat 10:00-15:00 £35.00

MakeDo & Mend Textiles 1 Day Workshop

08/10/11Sat 10:00-15:00 £35.00

ProductPhotography 1 Day Workshop

17/09/11Sat 10:00-15:00 £35.00

ShiboriSilk 1 Day Workshop

19/11/11Sat 10:00-15:00 £35.00

StainedGlass Decorations 1 Day Workshop

05/11/11Sat 10:00-15:00 £35.00

TextileChristmas Gifts 1 Day Workshop

03/12/11 Sat10:00-15:00 £35.00

Fees and Finance: there is a £10 registration fee and students will receive a list of materials to bring (some materials will be provided).

How to Enrol: please call 01535 685060 or email jo.whitehead@leedscitycollege.ac.uk to find out more. (We will be updating with a short synopsis of each course/workshop so watch this space!)

Exciting Changes to the Arts Factory!

2011-07-28T03:56:00.000-07:00

WE ARE MOVING!

Yes, we are packing up all our furniture, our equipment, our art materials and our personal belongings and relocating to 11 - 15 Cavendish Street, Keighley.

It's with great sadness that we will be shutting the doors on the Arts Factory at North Street but the old building is crumbling about our ears and it's time for a change.

So what will we be? The new premises will be a gateway to support start up businesses including arts enterprise and co-working. In addition we will have the space to sell new work by designer-makers and exhibit emerging contemporary artists.

And what will we have? A super duper shop window and gallery wall to sell products both made at the Arts Factory and by individual designers. We will have a mac suite for any creatives out there wishing to co-work and use the facilities. We will have a cafe area for hot desking and a squishy sofa area for relaxing. We will have a workshop area for delivering fun and informative workshops in arts based learning. BUT we are most proud to announce that we now have a LASER CUTTER and we will be offering a cutting service as bespoke, cut-it-yourself and mail order.

When will this happen? We can't wait but we will have to. We will be having a launch party on Tuesday 13 September although we hope to be operational before then and will be releasing details nearer the time. We are currently having a refurbishment and decorating so that we will be open for business as soon as we can.

If you would like to be invited to the party on the 13 September (times to be arranged) please email Jo.whitehead@leedscitycollege.ac.uk

Creative Workshops

2011-03-02T12:49:00.000-08:00

We are offering an exciting new programme of visual art workshops at The Arts Factory, North Street, Keighley

Our workshops are offered to anyone interested in the arts and at any skill level. This spring we are offering Japanese Shibori textiles, Wax Batik, Creative Mosaics, Silk Painting and Stained Glass. If we don't offer a workshop you would like please contact us as we are continually updating our workshop programme.

To book your place please call 01535 685060 or email jo.whitehead@leedscitycollege.ac.uk

Tuesday 15 March 6pm to 9pm Japanese Shibori Textiles
Create sumptuous silk scarves using traditional Japanese twisting and tying techniques of Arashi and Itajime.
Cost: £25 + £10 materials charge

Thursday 17 March 6pm to 9pm Exploring Wax Batik
Explore Indonesian wax batik using tjaps and tjantings on paper and silk.
Cost: £25 + £5 materials charge

Saturday 19 March 10am to 3pm Creative Mosaics
Design and make a sophisticated mosaic for your home.
Cost: £40 + £5 materials charge

Tuesday 22 March 6pm to 9pm Introduction to Silk Painting
Make your first silk painting using gutta resist and silk paints.
Cost: £25 + £10 materials charge

Saturday 26 March 10am to 1pm Copper Foil Stained Glass
Learn to cut glass and foil your first stained glass decoration.
Cost: £25 + £10 materials charge

Tuesday 29 March 6pm to 9pm or Tuesday 5 April 6pm to 9pm
Further Japanese Shibori Textiles
Explore Miura and Mandala Shibori techniques wth habotai silk and silk chiffon.
Cost: £25 + £10 materials charge

Thursday 31 March 6pm to 9pm or Thursday 7 April 6pm to 9pm
Further Wax Batik
Create a picture by layering wax and dyes directly onto silk.
Cost: £25 + £5 materials charge

Saturday 9 April 10am to 3pm Further Silk Painting
Learn to create a sophisticated painting with steam-fix dyes and gutta resist.
Cost: £40 + £10 materials charge

Farewell to the Pop Up

2011-02-24T00:59:00.000-08:00

The Love Keighley Gallery closed today as the exhibition "Endings and Beginnings" came to an end.

We had a record number of 989 visitors to the gallery during the 3 weeks we were open. We collected £130.60 on behalf of Manorlands and gave away 200 free Love Keighley shopping bags.

We showcased 91 pieces of art from 40 artists and also showed off two sheep left over from our Shorn Keighley Project. So, after all the excitement, we are back at The Arts Factory on North Street, planning an exciting programme of business seminars for artists and workshops for anyone feeling a bit creative. (Find out about them here).

Before we go, we would just like to thank the Keighley Town Centre Association Management team and its members including, the Airedale Shopping Centre Management, Sainsbury's, Sign and Design and W H Smith.

Pop into the Pop Up!

2011-02-09T12:33:00.000-08:00

There's still time to pop into our Pop-Up Gallery and see the latest exhibition,

Endings and Beginnings.

Over 40 Yorkshire artists are displaying their work in the Love Keighley Gallery in Keighley Town Centre (behind the bus station), supported by Keighley Town Centre Association and Keighley Town Centre Management. The exhibition finishes on Wednesday 23 February so come and visit our temporary exhibition space.

We are open from Monday to Thursday 10am to 4pm, Fridays 10am to 12 noon and Saturdays 10am to 3pm. Please note that we are closed all day on Monday 21 February.

The Love Keighley Gallery

2011-02-04T13:38:00.000-08:00

"Endings and Beginnings"

An exhibition of new work by contemporary Yorkshire artists at The Love Keighley Gallery, 39 Queensway,

Airedale Centre, Keighley, West Yorkshire BD21 3PY

from Saturday 5 Feb to Wednesday 23 Feb 2011

Gallery open: Mon - Thurs 10am to 4pm Fri 10am to 12 noon Sat 10am to 3pm

Creative Consultation

2011-01-18T13:34:00.000-08:00

The Arts Factory and Leeds City College would like to invite you to a "Creative Conversation" evening with wine, food, chat and networking on Tuesday 1 February at 15 Cavendish Street, Keighley, BD21 3RW (formerly The i-Store) from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.
This is an opportunity to have YOUR say about the creative use of the shop space on Cavendish Street, Keighley. Artists' studios? Ceramics? Printmaking? Arts Business? Graphic Design? Workshops? Retail? What do YOU need?
There will be a presentation at 7pm plus a chance for you to meet other artists and be part of a creative process. Everyone welcome. To find out more please contact Jo by email at Jo.whitehead@leedscitycollege.ac.uk
or call 01535 685060

Look forward to seeing you there!

Endings and Beginnings

2010-11-23T05:19:00.000-08:00

Arts Factory Open Exhibition 2011 “Endings and Beginnings”

Saturday 5 February to Wednesday 23rd February 2011

The Arts Factory is very pleased to announce that the Open Exhibition for 2011 will be held in a pop-up gallery in the Airedale Shopping Centre. If you are unfamiliar with the term “pop-up” it is an empty shop that has been temporarily converted into a gallery.
We would like to invite all artists/photographers living or working in West Yorkshire to submit your art to the 2011 Open Exhibition. By holding this exhibition in an empty shop we will have the opportunity to expose Yorkshire artists to a wider audience and promote local artists too. We very much hope that you will want to take part.

The Arts Factory has a selection panel and you may submit up to 3 pieces of work. There is a submission charge of £5 per item and you will be asked to bring a short statement to show how your work relates to the theme of Endings and Beginnings.

If you wish to submit work for this exhibition please email me HERE, confirming your interest and stating how many pieces of work you will submit. I will then email the form to you.

Please note that our postal address is not the same as our gallery address. All correspondence should be sent to;
The Arts Factory, Leeds City College, Bradford Road, Keighley BD21 4HQ Tel: 01535 685060
The Gallery is situated at North Street, Keighley BD21 3DF

Paper Exhibition - Nicola Dale

2010-11-20T06:04:00.000-08:00

As part of our current PAPER exhibition we are showcasing the eight contributing artists. Nicola Dale is exhibiting two deconstructed books, A Secret Heliotropism and The Ultimate Book of Bones.

A Secret Heliotropism

Nicola’s work usually begins with a perplexing idea and an existing object through which this puzzle can be illuminated. The objects she uses are often things which are neglected, or undervalued; several pieces have their basis in objects rescued from skips. The original object is often a low-grade, mass-produced item which she manipulates, decorates or sculpts into a unique piece of art.

The artist’s working methods are intentionally repetitive and deliberately painstaking, reflecting her ongoing pre-occupation with Time as a subject matter. She has many questions about this subject and uses her practice to think them through: What’s the difference between History and the past? How might time take on a physical form? Are we doomed to repeat the mistakes of earlier generations?

PAPER is open until Wednesday December 8, 2010. The Gallery is open from Mon - Thurs 10am to 4pm, Fri 10am to12 noon and Saturdays 10am to 3pm.

More information about the artist is available at: http://nicoladale.wordpress.com/

Paper Exhibition - Margaret Crossley

2010-11-18T05:54:00.000-08:00

As part of our current PAPER exhibition we are showcasing the eight contributing artists. Each artist has a different approach to the medium of paper and here is the work of waste paper artist Margaret Crossley.

"My chosen medium is waste paper. This is partly for environmental reasons, partly because I find it fascinating to fragment, manipulate and recombine sheets of discarded paper in the hope of discovering unexpected qualities of expressive life. Chapterpillar, Phonebookerpillar and Butterflier are all typical examples of this approach. As their names imply, they are sourced from magazines, junk mail and directories.

"Paper craft is one great love of my life, another is literature. Many of my pieces recall or suggest a story. A cheerful one in the case of the little fleet based on the traditional carol "I saw three ships come sailing by".
"The Lost Boys takes up a much darker theme. Mrs Basket is a monstrous Victorian baby farmer, so intent on profiteering from her cheap, nasty Karry-kots, that she cares nothing for the miserable discomfort of the poor babies. The little boy clings desperately to his pretty but useless paper boat. Only the kitten has a devoted carer, growing a basket out of her own flesh to keep him safe.

PAPER is open until Wednesday December 8, 2010. The Gallery is open from Mon - Thurs 10am to 4pm, Fri 10am to12 noon and Saturdays 10am to 3pm.

Margaret Crossley is a member of PaperWEIGHT

Paper Exhibition - Page Paper Stitch

2010-11-15T06:02:00.000-08:00

As part of our current PAPER exhibition we are showcasing the eight contributing artists. Each artist has a different approach to the medium of paper and here is the work of textile artist group Page Paper Stitch.
This group was set up at the beginning of 2010 by three textile artists, who all have a love of bookmaking. Annwyn Dean, Elizabeth Shorrock and Joan Newall are all textile artists and all have many years experience of exhibiting as individuals and with groups, they have all taught within their fields and been involved with a variety of allied activities surrounding their textile art. Each expresses their ideas and methods of working in different ways, exploring varying formats and styles that are found in the art book field.

ANNWYN DEAN Gained her C&G Creative Embroidery in 1989 and since then has taught C&G and Local Authority classes, written articles for the embroidery press, had work featured in several books and exhibited widely throughout the UK, both as an individual and with groups. She describes herself as an Embroiderer Bookmaker – paper, which she paints, prints and embellishes with stitch, has always been her preferred medium of expressing herself. Her work derives inspiration from her collection of fragments of C18th embroidery. These fragments evoke memories of the textiles former glories and through them send us messages from the past.

JOAN NEWALL is a textile artist based in Skipton. She has a First Class Honours degree in textiles and printmaking and is a member of the Society of Designer Craftsmen. She teaches Contemporary Textiles for North Yorkshire Adult Learning as well as running workshops and courses at Number 6 Studio gallery in Pateley Bridge.
She has recently taken part in The Darwin Project at The Craven Museum in Skipton working with women recovering from serious illness and has just finished a project with a Cancer Group at Looking Well in Bentham. She exhibits her work widely in public and private galleries and is part of Page, Paper, Stitch a newly formed group specializing in work on paper and book forms.
Her own practice focuses on the presence of breast cancer in our culture, how we perceive it and how we deal with it. Her new body of work is about knowing what to say (or, more importantly, knowing what not to say) to someone who has cancer and then realizing that listening is all that is required. She specializes in the use of waxed papers, incorporating machine and hand stitch.

ELIZABETH SHORROCK is an established textile artist who has been exhibiting with Textilia III since the mid 1990’s at a number of galleries including Farfield Mill Sedbergh, Signature Gallery Kendal, Platform Gallery Clitheroe, and the Piece Hall Halifax.More recently she has also exhibited with Green Door Studios, a Kendal based artists’ group and in the Beach Hut Gallery in Cumbria.

Having worked with a variety of media, including her own photographs, she has come to use mainly paper as a basis for her work incorporating various printing techniques as well as stitch. Elizabeth’s new work is based on recycled maps and guide books and is a mixture of small folded books and wall pieces and is turning her attention to paper structures as a basis for a new collection.

PAPER is open until Wednesday December 8, 2010. The Gallery is open from Mon - Thurs 10am to 4pm, Fri 10am to12 noon and Saturdays 10am to 3pm.

Paper Exhibition - John Stell

2010-11-12T05:49:00.000-08:00

As part of our current PAPER exhibition we are showcasing the eight contributing artists. Each artist has a different approach to the medium of paper and here is the work of artist John Stell.

"I am interested in the ways by which images are transmitted and communicated. The means of transmission or the technology of reproduction is often seen as subservient to the image itself. but can these become the primary focus of the work iteself?
"In the piece shown here marks found in the immediate environment have been copied, enlsrged, reproduced and take on a new form. It is possible to decode aspects of the processes which have been used in the work and also the processes which created the original marks in the first place. A line in one place is transmitted to another. where will it go next?"

John has created a dynamic piece of art, using stencils and spray paint with imagery taken from the gallery and made to be site specific. This piece measures 10m x 1.5m.

PAPER is open until Wednesday December 8, 2010. The Gallery is open from Mon - Thurs 10am to 4pm, Fri 10am to12 noon and Saturdays 10am to 3pm.

Paper and Lettering Artist Elizabeth Forrest

2010-11-09T05:44:00.000-08:00

As part of our current PAPER exhibition we are showcasing the eight contributing artists. Here is Elizabeth Forrest talking about her work and her inspirations.

"I am a Welsh born lettering artist and paper maker, now living in Derbyshire. I have exhibited widely and in 2006 was runner-up in the prestigious Welsh Artist of the Year Open competition in Cardiff. Work may incorporate hand made paper, paper pulp, found objects, acrylic and gouache paint and pastels. Lettering may be painted with a fine brush or written using a metal nib.

"My work is based on a love of words, combined with a passion for colour, texture and visual drama. I respond to language in a very emotional way. The themes of love and relationship figure heavily in my work. I am interested in exploring human relationships and what happens when things go wrong. I am attracted to using text which describes or hints at powerful emotions which may surface during a relationship - jealousy, mistrust, hurt, loneliness, desire and physical longing. I recognize the tremendous power of love but I am not afraid to contemplate and explore what happens when things go wrong - the darker side of things.

"Sometimes words and quotations suggest their own visual imagery, while at other times, textures and colours influence my choice of words. I find inspiration in industrial landscapes and nature and in the concepts of time and decay. I am drawn to words and quotations which hint at the transience and vulnerability of life. Recent work includes six pieces based on Derbyshire gravestones, trying to capture the colours and textures of the time eroded stones and their fading words, - all that is left of these past lives".

Much of Elizabeth's paper is framed and wall mounted with the exception of "I beheld the Earth Jeremiah 4, King James Bible" which is a beautiful hand crafted concertina book.

PAPER is open until Wednesday December 8, 2010. The Gallery is open from Mon - Thurs 10am to 4pm, Fri 10am to12 noon and Saturdays 10am to 3pm.

Rebecca Strain - paper artist

2010-11-06T05:38:00.000-07:00

As part of our current PAPER exhibition we are showcasing the eight contributing artists, starting with Rebecca Strain.

Rebecca Strain has been making art from paper since 2000 when she was introduced to the medium by artist Carol Kane. Kane had used paper making in a series of work with the community of Omagh after the tragic bomb in 1998. For Strain the practice of gathering materials, processing them and forming sheets has come to symbolise the way we deal with complex and challenging emotions in our daily lives.

In May 2010 at Polymer Culture Factory Estonia, Strain made 1000 sheets of paper. Her residence at the time was an old toy making factory and her process refers to the buildings former use. Each day materials were gathered from various sources sometimes suggested by other residents or visitors to her studio, prepared, and the following day she would make a batch of 100 sheets. Each sheet is a unique handcrafted object and yet a repetition of the last. It represents a day’s work, a series of actions repeated ten times ten times.

Rebecca is currently showing three wall mounted pieces, Blue Day, Garden Day and Rainbow Day, 300 pieces of hand made paper. She is also displaying 5 paper pulp characters, The Von Bloch Family.

PAPER is open until Wednesday December 8, 2010. The Gallery is open from Mon - Thurs 10am to 4pm, Fri 10am to12 noon and Saturdays 10am to 3pm.

Paper Diorama Workshop

2010-10-26T11:28:00.000-07:00

Delightful Dioramas

A workshop in creating art from paper

Saturday 6 November 2010, 10am to 3pm

As part of our "PAPER" exhibition at The Arts Factory there will be a one day workshop to create your own diorama or miniature theatre.

Tutor Jo Whitehead will show you how to design and make a paper sculpture using paper, scissors and glue. Your diorama can be on any theme from Kabuki Theatre to Little Red Riding Hood!

Where: The Arts Factory North Street Keighley BD21 3DF

Cost: £25 (£20 for concessions - over 60 & students)

Early booking is recommended as places are limited to 15. Workshop available for age 16+ only. All materials are provided and tea/coffee. Please bring a packed lunch.

To book your place please call 01535 685060 or email: Rifat.bashir@leedscitycollege.ac.uk

Small Gallery - Big Ideas

2010-10-01T12:37:00.000-07:00

The Arts Factory will be celebrating 10 years as Keighley's only contemporary art gallery at the launch of a new exhibition on Thursday 28 October from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.

PAPER is an exhibition showcasing the work of eight contemporary artists who work with paper. The show starts on Friday 29 October until Wednesday 8 December and the gallery is open Mon - Thurs 10am to 4pm Fri 10m to 12 noon and Saturdays 10am to 3pm.
To celebrate a decade at The Arts Factory the gallery has big plans for the future including: showing a wider range of exhibitions, longer opening hours, more arts workshops and promoting contemporary artists through its arts markets.

Come and join our party atThe Arts Factory on Thursday 28 October!

Workshop/Studio Space to Rent

2010-09-26T12:25:00.000-07:00

The Arts Factory has a self contained studio space available for rent by the hour.

We welcome artists and tutors who wish to work alone, in groups or deliver their own workshops. The studio has 10 large tables, lockers and a large sink. Please contact

Jo Whitehead for details of cost and availability.

Artist Submissions Wanted

2010-09-22T09:28:00.000-07:00

The Arts Factory is currently open for submissions in the following:

Illustrators and graphic artists whose work has a narrative theme. Deadline: Monday 1 November 2010

Designer-makers for an exhibition on British Craft and Design in May 2011. Submission deadline: Monday 10 January 2011

Contemporary textile artists who specialise in woven textiles. Deadline: Monday 1 November 2010

Photographers to exhibit in our Link Gallery. Submissions: on-going
Contemporary Artists who work in the following disciplines: fine art, sculpture, installation, media, textiles, ceramics and mixed media. Submissions: on-going
How to apply for submission:
The Arts Factory accepts submissions in the following ways:
Email - please send the following to Jo.whitehead@leedscitycollege.ac.uk :

A statement about the direction of your work, explaining your exhibition proposal

A CV or resume listing previous exhibitions, reviews, education etc
up to 20 low res jpegs of your work (these should be labelled with title and measurements).

Post - please send the following to Jo Whitehead The Arts Factory Leeds City College Bradford Road
Keighley West Yorkshire BD21 4HQ :

A statement about the direction of your work, explaining your exhibition proposal
A CV or resume listing previous exhibitions, reviews, education etc
A disk with up to 20 low res jpegs of your work (these should be labelled with title and measurements)
A stamped addressed envelope to return your work.

We do not accept the following:

Slides, photographs or photocopies of your work
Referrals to your website as a substitute for images

We will notify you immediately when we receive your application.

'An important message about the arts' - an animated video by artist Davi...

2010-09-13T10:19:00.000-07:00

PAPER

2010-09-01T02:21:00.000-07:00

The Arts Factory is seeking submissions for exhibition from artists who work with (or on) paper.
We will select five artists whose work is paper-based in the following disciplines: printmaking, sculpture, textiles, books, paper clay, mixed media and illustration.
In addition, The Arts Factory has a small gallery shop dedicated to selling "Hand Made". We are looking for submissions from designer-makers to sell their paper based work in the gallery shop during the exhibition.
About the gallery:
The Arts Factory is a gallery space in the centre of Keighley, West Yorkshire. We hold up to seven exhibitions a year and we support emerging contemporary artists through exhibitions, seminars, workshops, arts markets and community arts projects.
How to Apply for Submission
The Arts Factory accepts submissions in the following ways:
Email - please send the following to Jo.whitehead@leedscitycollege.ac.uk :
A statement about the direction of your work, explaining your exhibition proposal
A CV or resume listing previous exhibitions, reviews, education etc
up to 20 low res jpegs of your work (these should be labelled with title and measurements).
Post - please send the following to Jo Whitehead The Arts Factory Leeds City College Bradford Road
Keighley West Yorkshire BD21 4HQ :

A statement about the direction of your work, explaining your exhibition proposal

A CV or resume listing previous exhibitions, reviews, education etc

A disk with up to 20 low res jpegs of your work (these should be labelled with title and measurements)

A stamped addressed envelope to return your work.

We do not accept the following:
Slides, photographs or photocopies of your work
Referrals to your website as a substitute for images
Submission deadline: Monday 27 September 2010
We will notify you immediately when we receive your application.
Exhibition dates: Preview Thursday 28October 2010 from 6.30pm to 8.30pm
Exhibition opens Friday 29 October to Wednesday 08 December 2010.

Arts Market Information

2010-08-16T14:15:00.000-07:00

We now have a website dedicated to our Arts Markets where you can find all the information in one place. By clicking on the link you can find out where, when what and who is exhibiting at our indoor events in Ilkley and Haworth.

If you are interested in displaying your original hand made art or craft at one of our events you can find our how to apply too.

Contemporary Arts Market

2010-07-12T10:53:00.000-07:00

Come and see us this Saturday (17 July) at the Contemporary Arts Market at

Riddings Hall, Christchurch, The Grove, Ilkley, LS29 9LW.

Entrance is free and there will be twenty tables with professional artists selling their work direct to the public. We also have a fabulous tearoom courtesy of Trufood Catering with home made cakes, scones, soup and refreshments.

Who else will be there?

Vincent the Sheep will also be making a guest appearance in Ilkley so why not pop along and say hello?

Folksy Fun Day

2010-07-01T06:12:00.000-07:00

Saturday 26 June was a busy day in The Arts Factory as we hosted a "Find out about Folksy" Day and all were welcome!

10 Folksy designer/makers set up their table displays for the public and we held two art workshops in the studio - Wax Batik with Jo Whitehead and Letterpress with Jacqui of Print for Love of Wood. It was a fun day with plenty of home made cake, cups of tea and chat.

Letterpress workshop

Wax Batik Workshop

To see more pictures of who was at this fabulous event find us on Flickr and Facebook.

Shorn Keighley Exhibition Ends Today

2010-06-30T05:35:00.000-07:00

Today is the last day to see all the sheep in the gallery as our exhibition closes at 4pm this afternoon. However, five sheep will be attending the Keighley Gala on Saturday 3 June at Victoria Park, Keighley from 1pm to 4pm.

You can find out more about our Sheep Project - Shorn Keighley - HERE and follow the flock as they make guest appearances at different localities throughout the year. for more images of the sheep click HERE.

Find Out About Folksy

2010-06-20T00:26:00.000-07:00

As part of our Shorn Keighley Exhibition, the Arts Factory will be open on Saturday 26 June for a Find Out About Folksy day!

12 designer/makers will be selling their craft and handmade items in the gallery from 10am to 3pm. They are all members of Folksy.com, whose aims are to "reclaim craft and showcase talented makers."

We hope you will come and join us and support Hand Made.

Ilkley Summer Showcase

2010-06-15T11:55:00.000-07:00

The Arts Factory will be taking a trade stand at the Ilkley Summer Showcase at Kings Hall Ilkley on Saturday 19 June.

This event, organised by Ilkley Business Forum, is an opportunity for LS29 businesses to promote their businesses to local people. As The Arts Factory holds regular arts markets at Riddings Hall, Ilkley we are taking part to promote both our markets and our sheep project.

Riddings Hall, Christchurch, Ilkley - venue for our Contemporary Arts Markets

Why not pop in on Saturday to say hello? Entrance is free and we will be bringing three of our fabulous sheep along. We will be selling handmade designer/maker ceramics, fimo and textiles. There will be lots of other LS29 businesses there too so there will be

something for everyone.

Sheep Exhibition!

2010-06-10T02:40:00.000-07:00

The Arts Factory would like to invite you to Shorn Keighley, an exhibition of sheep!

Please come to the Private View on Thursday 17 June 2010 from 6.30pm to 8.30pm at

The Arts Factory, North Street, Keighley, BD21 3DF

Exhibition dates: Friday 18 June to Wednesday 30 June.
Gallery open times: Mon - Thurs 10am to 4pm
Friday 10am to 12 noon

We are also open on Saturday 26 June 10am to 3pm! We will be holding a "Find Out About Folksy" day - showcasing 12 designer/makers.

New photography in the Link Gallery

2010-05-17T10:25:00.000-07:00

Photographer Mel Spencer will be exhibiting a selection of her portraits and photo-journalistic images in The Link Gallery from Friday 28 April . More information about Mel coming soon - meanwhile please view her current work here.

Wee Creatures!

2010-05-13T02:44:00.000-07:00

We are now stocking Quernus Craft Wee Creatures in the gallery shop.

We have a cute selection of cats, horses, piglings and moles as well as highland cows. Wee Creatures are collectable polymer clay creations, each made by hand by Kirsten Miller. Prices start at £4.00 to £15. They make ideal gifts for children and grown-ups (!) as each Wee Creature has its own character. There's something to suit everyone.

Western Front - what the visitors said

2010-05-07T06:12:00.000-07:00

The RifT Exhibition Western Front has now been extended until Wednesday 12 May. If you haven't been to see it yet we hope you will pop along.

Here is a selection of comments from the Visitor's Book so far:

"Impressed by the dedicated seriousness of approach & thinking of bed-rock. Have left thinking.... hard".
"a brilliant comment on life's twist + turns. All very talented and very different artists, all worhty of great praise."
"Fantastic, evocative images. Beautifully presented."
"Why is art aimed solely at the middle classes? The language used in the artists' statements are both elitist and excluding. This exhibition is not directed at a general audience but for a minority who believve that art can only be appreciated if you can speak the "language"."
"Art should inspire and provoke the imagination this exhibition does that Excellent work well presented."
"Love the light boxes. also, excellent photography show by Alex Marsaud - an added bonus!"

Ilkley Arts Market on 8 May

2010-04-29T05:07:00.000-07:00

Our next arts market in Ilkley will be Saturday 8 May at Riddings Hall, Christchurch, The Grove. There will be a great selection of artists and makers selling their creative products including jewellery, ceramics, textiles, fimo, photography and painting. All items are original and hand made.

We have something for everyone including a fun silk painting activity for all the family and our wonderful tea room with cakes, scones and other goodies.

So pop in and see us. Entrance is free to all and we are open from 10am to 4pm.

Your Opinion Needed!

2010-04-27T02:38:00.000-07:00

The Arts Factory is Keighley's only contemporary art gallery and creative space. We exhibit the work of emerging contemporary artists, deliver community arts, work with community groups and young offenders and support local artists with seminars, workshops and arts markets.

We are currently assessing the needs of the artistic community and how we can meet those needs. We are looking at several projects that may be of benefit to artists, makers and art businesses. (The term "artist" also applies to digital media, photography and other forms of visual art).
We need your opinion and we have devised a short survey. If you would like to receive an email version of the survey please email here and we will send you one. Your comments could make the difference to our future vision.

Keighley Sheep Fair

2010-04-20T10:19:00.000-07:00

The Arts Factory will be hosting a Sheep Fair for St George's Day weekend on Saturday 24 April. This is an outdoor market on Church Green, Keighley and there will be a flock of original artists, photographers, jewellers, ceramicists and hand made artisans selling their wares.

What makes this market so different?

This is an arts and craft fair with the added attractions of the Medieval Food Fayre, wandering minstrels, hog roast and St George celebrations. We shall also be bringing a flock of sheep from our project Shorn Keighley. The event is FREE and everyone is welcome. The market will be open from 9am to 4pm. For more details please contact Jo Whitehead on 01535 685060

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter too.

Western Front

2010-04-10T10:30:00.000-07:00

(Exhausted from sorrow, 2008, Daniel Jackson).

In a small provincial gallery in a small provincial town an unknown collection of creative young people will be showcasing their latest work, based on the mundane aspects of modern western living ...

The Arts Factory in Keighley, West Yorkshire is proud to present Western Front, an exhibition of installation, photography and graphic art. The private view will be held on Thursday 15 April from 6.30pm to 8.30pm and the exhibition will open on Friday 16 April to Wednesday 5 May.

Spring Arts Market

2010-03-28T10:18:00.000-07:00

Our next arts market in Ilkley will be Saturday 10 April at Riddings Hall, Christchurch, The Grove. There will be a great selection of artists and makers selling their creative products including jewellery, ceramics, textiles, wood, photography and painting. All items are original and hand made.

We have something for everyone including a fun silk painting activity for all the family and our wonderful tea room with cakes, scones and other goodies.

So pop in and see us. Entrance is free to all and we are open from 10am to 4pm.

Don't forget our Sheep Fair on Saturday 24 April on Church Green, Keighley. Twenty stalls of art and craft, medieval food fayre, punch and Judy, wandering minstrels and our own sheep sculptures from Shorn Keighley.

Contact us for details.

New Ceramics at the KAF

2010-03-23T06:26:00.000-07:00

We have some lovely new ceramics showing at th KAF Gallery this week. Farnhill Pottery has a fine display of chunky, practical stoneware posts including jugs, mugs, bowls and platters.

Farnhill Pottery is a traditional working pottery making earthernware and stoneware for the kitchen and garden. All pots are hand thrown or slab built so no mass production here! All glazes are in solid, muted tones of white, grey, blue, brown and my favourite, sange de boeuf (a kind if ox-blood red).

This pottery is highly tactile, practical and affordable. Pop in and see our selection of craftsman made pots (now showing alongside jewellery and glass).

Vantage Point

2010-03-18T08:36:00.000-07:00

New exhibition of photography now showing in the Link Gallery at The Arts Factory. Self taught photographer Alex Marsaud show his black and white photography exploring the beauty in architecture.

About Vantage Point:
"Every time I wander around in our busy streets, I cannot help but be struck by Man’s many attempts to recreate awe‐inspiring Beauty as Nature probably intended it to be. How do they think they can achieve that, I’m not so sure anymore: maybe by generating emotions through contemplation? We all lead very busy lives and are all craving to be able to stop and be moved, if only for a second. It’s in our Nature, isn’t it? But what is Beauty anyway? Is there such a universal thing that could unite us all? I think we can all agree to disagree on this one… Through “Vantage Point”, I wanted to study this elusive concept of Beauty by, hopefully, allowing you to reflect, through a series of timeless Black and White architectural images".

contact@alexmarsaudphotography.com

Call in and see Alex's stunning exhibition in the Link Gallery from Monday 15 March until Friday 30th April.

End of the Exhibition

2010-03-14T06:39:00.000-07:00

Our Open Exhibition, My Yorkshire, ends on Wednesday March 17.
We would like to thank all the artists who have submitted their art and a bigger thank you to all the visitors who have come to the gallery to see it. If you haven't seen it yet it's not too late!
Message to all exhibiting artists: don't forget that collection of work is on Thursday 18th March (10am to 3pm) and Friday 19th March (10am to 12 noon). KAF doesn't have secure storage space for any unclaimed art work and the next exhibition "Western Front" will be setting up from Monday 22nd March.
Please remember to bring your packaging materials.

Save the Date!

2010-03-05T11:24:00.000-08:00

Saturday 13 March will be our first Ilkley Arts Market of 2010. We will have a great selection of photographers, artists, jewellers, textile artists, ceramicists and paper crafters selling their wares direct to the public.

We will also have our regular tea room, catered by Trufood Catering, serving fresh scones (they come straight from the oven onto the plate), cupcakes, chocolate brownies and, for the more health conscious, home made soup and sandwiches.

Door open 10am and close at 4pm. This is a great event for all the family so why not pop in and say hello? Find us at Riddings Hall, Christchurch, The Grove, Ilkley, West Yorkshire. See you there!

Craft and Design Magazine

2010-03-02T15:10:00.000-08:00

We are featured in the March/April issue of Craft and Design magazine!

We have a quarter page advert for our Ilkley Arts Markets and a half page write up about the gallery. Craft and Design is a beautifully puiblished magazine showcasing new work by handmade artists and artisans. It has a comprehensive guide to galleries and fairs, features on courses and workshops and business adive for artists. The magazine is published every two months and is a must-have for the craft lover.

I Made That!

2010-02-27T01:57:00.000-08:00

This week in the Arts Factory we have been delivering art workshops to school children centred around our current exhibition, My Yorkshire. The aims of the workshops was to explore the themes within the exhibition and to create a block print of "My Yorkshire".

So how do you start a workshop that will capture children's imaginations and fire their enthusiasm? Many of these children have never set foot in a gallery and art galleries can have a reputation of being child-unfriendly. Whilst we don't encourage running and jumping in the gallery we DO encourage creative thinking and challenging what you see. The most effective way of delivering to this audience is to imagine yourself in their shoes - would you know what to expect? How uncomfortable might you feel? Will you be asked to do something beyond your perceived capabilities? Are you out of your comfort zone?

We began with a gallery talk and exploring the work of six artists.

Five Trees by Phil White

We talked about the use of paint and how oil paint has a distinctive smell (we all sniffed the painting)! What can you see in the picture apart from Five Trees? what is the weather like? How do we know this?

The Miner's Strike 1984 by Malcolm Scott

This painting was used to explain what narrative art is and how art can tell a story. Sometimes you don't need to read the label to be able to make up a story that you can see in the painting - and it doesn't have to be the story that the artist intended.

Paintings by Katrina Avotina

When an artist paints something that looks real but isn't - is this abstract art or fantasy art? Is the artist wrong to paint the world in these colours or is the artist showing us how she feels about the world?

Dales Thaw by June Russell

This painting was the ideal choice for talking about colour in the landscape and how white is not just white and black is not just black.

Bradford City Hall by Tony O'Connell

We had fun talking about reflection and distortion and how the image of the reflected building looks as if it is under water. Most opinions were that the photographer was clever to be able to change how we see something.

Scarborough Rock by Carol Coleman

We examined how texture can make pictures more interesting and that texture in landscape such as rocks, trees, grass and walls makes us want to experience them by touch.

Armed with some initial ideas, children then spent some time exploring the exhibition and making notes of ideas they might like to put into their own drawing of "My Yorkshire".

Next it was off to the studio to learn about making prints. skills learned were:

designing for printmaking
developing skills in drawing and materials handling
using tools realting to printmkaing
employing good studio practice

And then we were making marks into our foam blocks and pulling prints! Here are just some of the results.

Watcha Doin' Saturday?

2010-02-24T05:26:00.000-08:00

Why not pop in and see our latest exhibition "My Yorkshire"? Forty Yorkshire artists are displaying their artistic interpretations of Yorkshire including painting, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, textiles and photography.

The Arts Factory is open from 10am to 3pm on Saturday 27 February. You will find our entrance in the college car park on North street, Keighley.

Look forward to seeing you!

New Arts Markets for 2010

2010-02-19T05:36:00.000-08:00

We are very busy organising our arts markets and we still have a few stalls left for the Ilkley Arts Market on Saturday 13 March at Christchurch, Ilkley. Fees are £25 a table with free electricity if you desire it. (Just let me know by email).

The Grove, Ilkley

Publicity.
We have been talking to the Tourist Information Centre in Ilkley and they are now listing our events in their bulletin as well as giving out our postcards. We have also joined Ilkley Business Forum and we are making more direct contacts in the town. We have registered with local sites such as Ilkley Town Talk and Ilkley.More to publicise our events and we are taking a stand at the Ilkley Business Fair in June to promote the markets and make more connections with the public.

Advertising.
We bit the bullet and, after looking hard at the best way to invest in some publicity, we will have a 1/4 page advert in the April edition of Craft and Design Magazine. By taking out this advert we will also have a free listing in their events listings both in the magazine and on-line, a feature in the gallery section in their September edition and I am going to write an article and send it to them too.

New Venue!

High Corn Mill, Skipton

We are very excited to say that we were approached by a PR company to put on an outdoor market in Skipton on behalf of
High Corn Mill on Saturday June 26, 2010. High Corn Mill has a working water wheel which will be supplying a small amount of electricity to Skipton via the National Grid and will open officially at the begninning of June. Here are the details:
Venue: High Corn Mill car park (opposite Skipton Castle)
Stalls: 20 farmer's market stalls (similar to image attached) @ £25.00 each - you will need to bring your own chairs.
Publicity: We will be doing the marketing in collaboration with AKA PR and High Corn Mill.
If you would like to book a stall for this exciting new event please contact me at Jo.whitehead@leedscitycollege.ac.uk

My Yorkshire

2010-02-13T06:08:00.000-08:00

You are warmly invited to the preview of the Open Exhibition "My Yorkshire" at Keighley Arts Factory on Thursday 18 February from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.

The exhibition showcases new work by Yorkshire artists including textiles, print, photography, fine art and ceramics.
Exhibition dates: Friday 19 February to Wednesday 17 March 2010

Gallery open times: Mon - Thurs 10am to 4pm
Friday: 10am to 12 noon
NEW DATE Saturday 27 February 10am to 3pm

Where to Find Us: Keighley Arts Factory North Street Keighley BD21 3DF

Tel: 01535 685060

Last Call for Keighley Open Exhibition 2010

2010-02-03T07:55:00.000-08:00

Keighley Arts Factory would like to invite you to submit your art to the 2010 Open Exhibition. This annual exhibition is open to artists working or living in Yorkshire who specialise in painting, sculpture, photography, print, ceramics, mixed media and textiles. This year’s theme is “My Yorkshire” and you may submit up to three works of art. All art must have been produced within the past 2 years.

There is a charge of £5 for each submission and, as an art space promoting contemporary art, KAF does have a selection process. Please note that this will not be refundable if your work is rejected. Handing in day will be on Monday 8th February and Tuesday 9th February from 10.00am to 3.00pm. All work submitted should be clearly labelled with a title (if appropriate), your name, address and contact telephone number.

"My Yorkshire" is an open brief and can be explored artistically in many ways and with many disciplines. It doesn't need to be tied to landscape or city scape. What does Yorkshire mean to you?If you live or work in Yorkshire and would like to submit your art for exhibition please contact Jo Whitehead for an application form. Jo.whitehead@leedscitycollege.ac.uk

Exploring Painting

2010-02-01T14:36:00.000-08:00

We were fortunate enough to get a visit from pupils of St Anne Catholic Primary School to see the exhibition, "Nature and Humanity". 60 Year 1 pupils spent a morning in the gallery looking at the paintings of an emerging contemporary artist.

Of course, the pupils would not have got so much out of the visit if we had just let them browse so we had planned a structured visit with fun things to do too. We talked about abstract art and how the artist sees the world and invited our visitors to make their own sense of the work by exploring for themselves.

How children see art (and ours were 5 -6 year olds from a range of socio-economic backgrounds) is powerful stuff in itself. To start them off we asked the young people to find a dragon's tail and a dinosaur claw in a painting. They also reported back all the different imagery they could find. Imaginations were fired up as they saw earthquakes, volcanoes, monsters, storms, tornadoes, sunsets, ice, water, faces, angels and, surprisingly, Alton Towers!
We sometimes think that children can only see things that are within their experience but many did a lot of arm waving and face pulling to try and express what they could see but not describe. It was very exciting!

Two themes came over during our discussions - how the earth can create and destroy itself and the disaster in Haiti. We also talked about the techniques the artist used to create the paintings such as materials, application of paint and colour. Children were amazed that, what looks grey from a distance, was a mix of vibrant colour. They could pull out the yellows, pinks and blues that gave depth to the whites used.

But the purpose of the visit wasn't just to expose young people to different ways of making art but to give them the opportunity to create their own art. We organised a short drawing exercise which created a non-competitive atmosphere (it's all about who can concentrate on the task rather than who can make the best drawing) and encouraged young people to use the right hand side of their brain. Art is fun and this activity helps children to relax and to focus.

After that the young people were given thick paper and drawing materials to make their own art based on an idea (or several) they had seen in the paintings. If you have never seen or experienced something in real life how can you depict it in an image? Well they could. Much of that arm waving and attempts to verbalise what they saw was put into pictures that were frantic, calm, vibrant, muted, busy, minimal, spontaneous and considered.

Children and young people view art differently to most adults. Thery arrive without any preconceptions, they are not cluttered with the expectation of how art "should" look or the formula of how to learn to make it. They do not see a painting as something that should be made to go on a wall at home - rather they can explore concepts and ideas without really knowing that this is what they are actually doing. Our task, as facilitators, is to give them the "clues" and encouragement to challenge what they see and to want to find out more.

Keighley is a small town with a wide range of people from different socio-economic, ethnic and diverse backgrounds. Those children who have taken part in the Keighley Festival have visited the KAF before but many local families have not visited an art gallery. This is why we feel it is vitally important that the gallery remains in Keighley to serve the community.

Before we finish, you will see there are several close-up images of the paintings here. Did you find the Dragon's Tail and the Dinosaur Claw?

If you would like to book a school visit to Keighley Arts Factory please call Jo on 01535 685060

Nature and Humanity

2010-01-30T14:22:00.000-08:00

Our latest exhibition, Nature and Humanity finishes on Wednesday 3 February. It's not too late to call in and see this fabulous show.

Artist's Statement.

"My images invite viewers to share boundless pictorial spaces inspired by nature and humanity. The compositions draw emotions and feelings alongside thems of birth/death, creation/destruction, regeneration and constantly changing structures such as fire and the universe. My work is heavily influenced by the effects of light, from cosmic Big-Bang to the glow of a desert city in the last throes of a scorching sunset".

"Communicating through suggestive rather than representational pictures, with colour as the central force of the creative process, and by charging my work with symbolic meaning, I attempt to give the paintings a physical presence that is both abstract and referential. The works are completed solely in oils using a variety of techniques and implements".

Barry Spence 2010

INC.creative

Enterprise and the Arts

Get Creative with our Saturday Workshops

It's Sale Time!

Merry Christmas to You!

Ho Ho Ho!

Cool Kits for Crafty Kids

Discarded Objects of Desire

Raku for You

Deck the Halls.... at inc.creative

The Crafty Girls

Tick Tock with Witshop

Deck the Halls at inc.creative!

Pants for Enterprise

I Should Cocoa!

Gateway to your Future

Time for Tea!

Run Your Own Workshop at inc.creative

Decorative Stained Glass Workshop

Cut It Out

Knit and Natter

Halloween Half Term Activities

We're HERE!

Save the Date!

Approaching Retail

Product Photography for Artists and Makers

Release Your Inner Artist

Book Binding at the new Creative Space

Kick Start Your Creativity!

Textiles for Artists

Creative Workshops for Creative People

Exciting Changes to the Arts Factory!

Creative Workshops

Farewell to the Pop Up

Pop into the Pop Up!

The Love Keighley Gallery

Creative Consultation

Endings and Beginnings

Paper Exhibition - Nicola Dale

Paper Exhibition - Margaret Crossley

Paper Exhibition - Page Paper Stitch

Paper Exhibition - John Stell

Paper and Lettering Artist Elizabeth Forrest

Rebecca Strain - paper artist

Paper Diorama Workshop

Small Gallery - Big Ideas

Workshop/Studio Space to Rent

Artist Submissions Wanted

Illustrators and graphic artists whose work has a narrative theme. Deadline: Monday 1 November 2010

Contemporary textile artists who specialise in woven textiles. Deadline: Monday 1 November 2010

'An important message about the arts' - an animated video by artist Davi...

PAPER

Arts Market Information

Contemporary Arts Market

Folksy Fun Day

Shorn Keighley Exhibition Ends Today

Find Out About Folksy

Ilkley Summer Showcase

Sheep Exhibition!

New photography in the Link Gallery

Wee Creatures!

Western Front - what the visitors said

Ilkley Arts Market on 8 May

Your Opinion Needed!

Keighley Sheep Fair

Western Front

Spring Arts Market

New Ceramics at the KAF

Vantage Point

End of the Exhibition

Save the Date!

Craft and Design Magazine

I Made That!

Watcha Doin' Saturday?

New Arts Markets for 2010

My Yorkshire

Last Call for Keighley Open Exhibition 2010

Exploring Painting

Nature and Humanity