Final week - the exhibition is going up!

We are in the final phase! 
After months of planning, discussions, sharing ideas, designing, stitching and writing, we’re only a few days from the opening of our biennial exhibition.  This is the first time we have held our show at Sullington Manor and we’re very excited to be there – it’s a beautiful barn which we feel sure will showcase our work perfectly and it’s in the most stunning surroundings.  Even better, the café is excellent.

The last week has seen a hive of activity from each artist, with finishing touches being added, facings and hanging sleeves applied, labels prepared and each of us asking “Have I got time to make some more cards, just one more piece of artwork, to add another stitch or two …?”  At some point, we have to say “it’s finished”.

The exhibition catalogue is ready, describing each piece and explaining the artists’ inspirations. Labels are ready to go.  Cards have been packaged and priced.  All the final preparations are being completed, up to the last minute – and it all takes more time than you think!  

We’ve been delighted and grateful for the support shown to us by the wider textile world, with lots of great marketing and lovely articles in The Quilter and Contemporary Quilt Newsletter. Posters and fliers have been distributed and we even needed a reprint, which is fantastic.  We’ve been busy keeping Instagram up to date with images of our artwork and inspirational photos.  It’s wonderful to be getting our name known both locally and further afield.

Final lists have been drawn up so that we can hang the exhibition on Tuesday and Wednesday this week:  ladders, scissors, blue tack, thread, fishing line, string, labels – one of the artist’s tall husbands.  This list goes on and on, but it’s great fun and we can’t wait to see it all in place.

Apart from the fun of creating, personally it’s been a real honour to be part of this group of talented artists and, more than that, such a warm and friendly group of people.  Inevitably we’ve faced life’s ups and downs in the weeks coming up to the exhibition and the power of the group in supporting each other has been truly wonderful.

May has seen torrential downpours but it looks as though June may be bringing some sunshine – we hope so, so that visitors can make best use of the delightful courtyard café at the barn.

Liz Maddock

Come along and meet us -  on Friday 7th June we are holding a Meet the Artists day when we will all be present but some members of the group will be on hand every day to make you welcome.

We’re looking forward to seeing you.