Group B - 21/5/10, Session two

Similar to Wednesdays session we explored paint and what we could achieve with it. We are really starting to plan the content of the wall pieces and this is what we will focus on in the next sessions. Next week we have sessions on Tuesday 25th 12 - 3 and 3.30 - 6 and Thursday 27th also 12 - 3 and 3.30 - 6. Do come along and join in painting and designing the panels.

These examples show individuals in the groups ideas beginning to come together. There are some really inventive techniques used which will hopefully make their way to the final pieces.

These examples will be our source materials for the final pieces. They should give us ideas and techniques to use; This includes our collages, painted texture squares and photographs.

Group A Session two - 19/5/10

Nice to see lots of people back today for the second instalment. We played around with paint using sticks, brushes, sponges and combs to make marks. The aim was to experiment with lots of ideas and then begin to combine these to create some initial designs for the wall panels. Same again on Friday with the other group. We are sorting out dates for next week too, so we can make and finish the panels.... getting close!

Group B - 7/5/10, Session one

Much the same as Wednesdays session here, just with a different group of people. Numbers are looking up too, I'm glad the community is coming to take part, it will make all the difference to the project, more the merrier.

We took some photos around the community centre and also did some quick sketches of the things we could see. We then spent a fair bit of time creating some collage work based on these. I have included more images of this this time, so you can see the sort of thing people have been doing. As you can see it's pretty varied. Next we need to get thinking as to how these are going to turn into the final wall pieces for the cafe. That is the plan for me this week!

Also good news, the special board for the walls has arrived all the way from Poland. It's a sound absorbing board so will hopefully cut down some of the echo in the cafe space. Glad that we have got it in plenty of time, we can really start planning now.

Group A Session one - 5/5/10

Much bigger turn out today, which was great. We had a good mix of age groups, both under 25's and over 50's. The group worked well together. We had a few students back from Chilton Trinity Technology College and Margaret came again, this time bringing her friend, also called Margaret.

These people were able to help and guide the new people a bit, but also add to their ideas, ready for the next session with them in a fortnight. We began again by drawing and photographing in the garden of the community centre. We were looking at things very close up, observing textures and patterns.

After recording our findings we began to collage our ideas together. A lot of people had not done this before, or if they had, it hadn't been for a long time.

We stopped for a bit of lovely fruit cake , a cuppa, and a natter, then continued on with our art work... looking even more closely. This will help us for next time when we are going to start playing with paint and begin to create designs for the wall panels.

Next session is Friday morning, where we will be doing something very similar just with a different group of people. hoping to have a good mix again. Do get in touch if you are interested in coming along. Again we are looking for over 50's or under 25's.

Session Two - Group C 28/4/10

Today we got messy with paint, we used acrylic and played around with creating different textures, being fairly experimental with what we could achieve. The aim today was to create a number of ideas / samples that we can refer to for the later work and sessions. We used the photos we took last week as a start to inspire us. Julie will create a display of all of these for everyone to work from in the forthcoming sessions.

We also had lots of assistance today from Lucy and Aaron (thanks for all your help) and again had a lovely cake baked for us by Sally (mmm delicious), I could get used to this!

We even managed a quick trip to the swings/ climbing frame too as a short break between all the messy painting. I really wanted a go on the swing, but unfortunately all young people were at the front of the queue... next time.

Next time (Weds 5th May 1-4, or Friday 7th 10-1) we will be working with a new group (mainly) and doing some very similar activities, building up the resources to work from for our final pieces. Do come along, or encourage others you know to (you need to be under 25, or over 50).

Session one Group C 21/4/10

Well we have now officially got going with the first group today (group C- not logical lettering sorry!). We began by talking about the project and what we are aiming to achieve. We then went outside to explore the immediate surroundings, its was great that it was a lovely sunny day. We used cameras to record details outside as well as small sketchbooks.

After a lovely piece of home made cake (thanks Sally) we began some collage work based on what we had just seen, some of us did some more abstract pieces, others based theirs on larger views. Next time we are going to begin playing round with paint and I am looking forward to that one.

Taster Session 21/4/10

The beginning... we set up camp in the foyer of the centre this morning to provide the community with the opportunity to find out more about the sessions we are running at Victoria Park. A fair few people came along and had a go at some print making. We now have a some more people signed up and ready to go with our first proper session this afternoon.