Tany Raabe-Webber on her visit at Project Ability

"As you all may or may not know, back in Shrewsbury where I live, I have set up and run ArtStudio01, an artist collective. In January 2016 we had a trip to Project Ability to see an exhibition of our work in the Project Ability gallery. This has made us realise that we also have artistic ambitions, and since then our studio group had increased to 9 artists, including myself as an artist and artists’ facilitator.

Because ArtStudio01 has grown and the artists want to show their work and develop their skills and creative practices, I wanted to visit and learn about what other learning disability art studios are doing so that I can develop our studio collective into an inclusive, thriving and successful artists’ hub.

I was recently awarded an Arts Council England, Grants for The Arts Award to do a research and development project into Learning Disability Arts, studio models and artists’ practice. I’m presently touring around on a series of #StudioVisits with my Producer on this project Jennifer Gilbert and Jackie Cooley as an associate artist of ArtStudio01. Project Ability was on our list and it was great to catch up with everyone in the studio too.

We talked, and talked, and talked with Elisabeth Gibson, the Director of Project Ability, who told us loads about the organisation, who does what, what exhibitions you do, how you sell work in the shop and all about the volunteers that support you and all about the artist residencies that happen in and outside of Project Ability. Omg you guys do so much!

A big part of my project is for ArtStudio01 to run our first artist in residence at our studios in Shrewsbury. So we also came to talk to Cameron Morgan who’s going to exhibit his work with us and join us for a short 3 day residency in March next year. We are very excited about this!

I also caught up with Simon McAuley who’s doing a research into identity, labels and self-defining or not as a Disabled Artist. I could have talked and debated all afternoon on this with Simon. It’s really fascinating research and at the core of my own practice as an artist and Disabled Artist. Hope to catch-up again to see where this takes you.

It was so lovely to be back in the studio at Project Ability, and thank you all for such a warm welcome. I’ve realised that as an Associate Artist of Project Ability I’ve lost touch with what you’ve all been doing so I must visit more often to keep in touch. I shall be making an annual visit from now on. See you all next summer!"
-Tanya Raabe-Webber

Posted on 21st August 2018 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  Exhibitions  News  Residency  Trongate 103  Workshops 

Call out for artworks: 30 x 30

Project Ability’s 2018 Annual Christmas Exhibition                                       
24 November – 22 December

Calling ALL artists!

Our annual Christmas exhibition of 2018 celebrates the artist! Our only theme this year is size: all works, whether framed or unframed, must be 30 x 30 cm. All work must hang on the wall.
We want to see your painting, drawing, print making, photography, collage and whatever other mediums represent you and your art practice.

We’re giving each artist complete freedom over subject matter, material and medium. There are no other rules to follow, just get out your ruler and measure your paper, canvas or whatever support you want to use.

This show will be uniformed in appearance by the size of each work, and apart from that it aims to celebrate the individual artist, and their individual practice.
_________________________________________________

The deadline for submitting work is 2 November. Artists will be notified by 5 November if their work has been selected. *Not all work submitted will be included in the exhibition*.

All accepted work must be delivered to Project Ability by 13 November.  Project Ability has a commission on all sales of 40%.

If you have questions please email exhibitions@project-ability.co.uk

Up to 3 submissions per artist.

Please email your Submission Form (click to download) along with photos of the work to exhibitions@project-ability.co.uk

Posted on 20th August 2018 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  Exhibitions  News 

Seminar & Book Launch: Friday 03 August

As part of the Festival 2018 we have teamed up with artists working at the supported studio within St Hedwig Hospital in Berlin and will be exhibiting works by over 15 artists from Germany, with a small number of them visiting Glasgow during the Festival. We are taking this opportunity to hold a seminar on Friday 03 August which will look at the ways in which individual artists can gain confidence, skills and a sense of community through working in a supported studio.

We’ve asked artists from Berlin and Glasgow to share their thoughts about their artistic practice and the way in which a supported studio such as Project Ability and St Hedwig Hospital can help individuals with lived experience of mental ill health to achieve their artistic potential. For anyone interested in finding out about Project Ability, we will be introducing the organisation and talking a bit about all three of our studio programmes, but the focus will be on our ReConnect studios. We are delighted to be able to invite the public to this event, which is part of the official Festival 2018 programme.

In addition to promoting the exhibition of work from Berlin, which will be on show in the gallery,’ Neu Begegnung’, we will be taking the opportunity to present the release of a publication showcasing artworks and text by most of our current ReConnect artists.

Friday 03 August, Project Ability Gallery, 1st Floor, Trongate 103. Arrive at 12.30pm for tea and coffee ahead of the seminar which runs from 1-2pm. We will be offering tours of the Project Ability studios from 2-2.30pm for anyone who is interested. This will be an informal event and there will be time for questions after.

Posted on 23rd July 2018 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  Exhibitions  News  Trongate 103 

Meet the Maker - Gregor Wright

We were joined on Friday 6th July by visual artist Gregor Wright for the latest in the Meet the Maker series, where artists and makers share insights into their creative practice with us.

Gregor studied Fine Art at Glasgow School of Art, graduating in 2001, and has been practicing as an artist in the city ever since. Gregor shared with us some insights from his recent collaboration with Cameron Morgan, resulting in the pop up exhibition, Abstract Domestic.

Gregor showed us images of works by painters George Condo and Philip Guston, and talked about what he found inspiring about them. He talked specifically about their relationship with abstract and figurative painting and their use of colour; in the case of George Condo, his kaleidoscopic range, and with Philip Guston a more controlled palette. He referred back to the conversations he and Cameron had had during their collaboration, around use of figuration and abstraction, and how this had evolved from working together.

Gregor also shared with us images from his series of Cyborg drawings that he’s been working on over the last few years. Gregor talked about how, by defining these as portraits, it gave the works specific rules and parameters connected to portraiture that he could operate in. However by the fact that these portraits are of cyborgs rather than humans, it gives him the freedom to break some of the rules, particularly in relation to use of colour and form.

Gregor also showed us the recent digital drawings he’s been working on, that were built up of many layers of different types of digital mark making and a wide palette of colours. He was captivated by the speed that he was able to create these drawings at, and how this allowed him to work through ideas that on canvas would take much longer, as he had to wait for paints to dry before applying another colour. 

It was an inspiring and thought provoking talk and gave many artists and particularly painters in the audience much to think about.
Thank you Gregor.

Posted on 17th July 2018 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  Exhibitions  News 

Artwork of the Week - ‘The Duke’ by Cameron Morgan

'The Duke' by Cameron Morgan is our Artwork of the Week! Currently on display as part of a collection of ceramic footwear, 'The Duke' can be seen in our Gallery II. 'These Boots Were Made' is a small showcase of new ceramic works by Morgan, all inspired by classic footwear. We have a reception this evening for the event, (6-8pm), along with the opening of our flash exhibition, 'Abstract Domestic', which exhibits work made by Cameron Morgan and Gregor Wright, the culmination of a collaborative residency project between the two. 

Posted on 5th July 2018 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  Exhibitions  News  Residency  Trongate 103 

Project Ability at Art Car Boot

We are delighted to announce that we will be at Art Car Boot in SWG3 this weekend (07-08 July), with a selection of prints, drawings & canvases for sale.

Come see us and get yourself a unique piece of art from one of our amazing artists!

ART CAR BOOT part of the HYPERMARKET series at SWG3. Featuring limited editions, prints, artist books and unique works (drawing, painting, sculpture, and photography) by 100 contemporary artists including: Beagles and Ramsay, Claire Barclay, Christine Borland, Rachel Duckhouse, Helen de Main, David Eustace, Michael Fullerton, Alistair Gow, Ilana Halperin, Mads Holm, Jim Lambie, Tessa Lynch, France-Lise McGurn, Toby Paterson, Ciara Phillips, Baldvin Ringsted, Kate V Robertson, Bronwen Sleigh, Abigail Simmonds, Ross Sinclair, Gregor Wright + many more.

Posted on 2nd July 2018 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  Exhibitions  News 

Artwork of the Week - Untitled by Dominique Liccia

Artwork of the Week this week is Dominique Liccia’s untitled pen and ink piece.  This work, which is part of ‘Polysémie Collection - Les Amis de Marseille’ - an exhibition soon to be on display in our gallery - is really something! The modest use of pen and ink to create such intricate art is truly captivating, and you can really sense the hours of work on the page to make these otherworldly machines and figures. 

The exhibition includes numerous, excellent works, and runs from the 2nd of June until the 30th of June, with an evening event taking place on the 7th form 6-8pm. Exhibiting artists include: David Abisror, Philippe Azema, Davide Cicolani, Davood Koochaki, Dominique Liccia, Izabella Ortiz, Evelyne Postic, and Maurizio Zappon. One not to be missed!

Posted on 31st May 2018 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  Exhibitions  News 

Nnena Kalu - online book

Nnena Kalu's incredible installation came down this morning, but you can now see her creative process and the resulting artwork in an online book.

‘I found the repetition of movement soothing to watch. The use of materials is clever and colour is fun!’ (Kim Pickett, York)

‘This is one of the best exhibitions in G.I. I love Nnena’s work, I’m really excited to see what she makes in the future. Congratulations!’ (Amy Crear, Shetland)

‘Uplifting, a total sensation of energy, love, fun and happiness. A perfect start to my 2 day GI 2018, thank you Nnena.’ (T. Wilkinson, Granton)

Posted on 29th May 2018 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  Exhibitions  News 

Artwork of the week - ‘Portrait of the Artist’s Mother’ by Angela McLauchlin

This week we bring you an exceptional painting as our Artwork of the Week – ‘Portrait of the Artist’s Mother’ by Angela McLauchlin. Currently on show as part of the l’Art Brut en Ecosse exhibition in the Polysemie Gallery in Marseilles, this piece is a striking example of Angela’s expressive style.  Angela’s figures are bold, colourful, and stylised, which results in high impact, vibrant work. We love it!

The exhibition will run until the 9th of June 2018, so - if you're lucky enough to find yourself in the south of France - why not pay a visit?

Posted on 9th May 2018 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  Exhibitions  News 

“I am going to tell you about my performance experience”

On Sunday 22 April, a group of volunteer performers took part in Spanish artist Esther Ferrer's performance 'I Am Going To Tell You About My Life'. The piece showcases a group of people talking about their life in different languages and BSL. The performance was organised by Monica Laiseca at the Glasgow School of Art and by Project Ability. ReConnect artist Simon McAuley was one of the performers, here is what he said about the event.

"This was the first time I have performed as an artist and so I was a little nervous. Everyone involved was really supportive and there was a sense of being part of something important. Some of the participants were experienced performers and for others it was a first. The process was really interesting and everyone's confidence grew as we rehearsed. We could really feel the project taking shape. To learn about performance art through the piece and from Esther felt like such a privilege. I am so glad I participated and met such inspiring people. I could see why performance artists were so passionate about their medium. I am looking forward to seeing the film of the piece in Project Ability's gallery."

The video of the performance will be on display in our exhibition 'House Party' featuring works by Esther Ferrer, Louise Ahl and Fritz Welch, Jessica Higgins, Sandra Johnston and Pester & Rossi. Project Room, 3rd floor, Trongate 103, until 07 May.

Posted on 23rd April 2018 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  Exhibitions  News 

Thank you for your donations towards Nnena Kalu’s installation

Many thanks to everyone who generously donated materials towards ActionSpace artist Nnena Kalu's large installation.

We have received some amazing fabric and wallpaper off-cuts from Timorous Beasties, tartan fabric from Gaelic Themes, plenty of vinyl off-cuts from BD Print and a big donation from Re:Craft as well. Many individuals have also donated old VHS, fabric samples, ribbons, shoe laces, wool, plastic, etc. We are still looking for some old newspapers, plastic and old card, so if you have anything, please get in touch as soon as possible: 0141 552 2822.

Thanks to BD Print, Re:Craft, Timorous Beasties, Gaelic Themes, Kirstin Leighton-Boyce & family, Suzanne Field, Mhairi and Mary-anne Macdonald, Morag McGilchrist, Margaret Booth, Vicky Dale, Julie McCabe, Tracy Gorman & family, Bevis Evans-Teush, Roheen Cairney, Claire Forsythe, Elle Elart, Alicia Maciness. Apologies if we have forgotten anyone. 

Posted on 11th April 2018 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  Exhibitions  News 

Artist Talk - ‘Danglers of Today’

Last week we had the pleasure of welcoming Charlie Hammond and Cameron Morgan to the gallery to talk about the work they have in their flash exhibition Danglers of Today. This work has been developed together as part of a residency / collaborative project that took place over the last few months.

Cameron and Charlie explained some of their points of inspiration, and how they had worked to together to develop the screenprints and ceramics in the show.
The collaboration developed and was driven by ongoing conversations between the two artists. These began around three scrap books filled with old match box covers that Charlie had found in a charity shop a number of years ago. The pair worked together to transform some of the retro graphics on the match boxes into a new series of screenprints, playing with shape, colour and scale.

Following match boxes, the conversation led onto what else you might find in your pocket, which in turn led to the development of the series of prints of loose change, or “danglers” as Cameron refers to them.

These two artists, very comfortable in each other’s company, have developed a mutual way of working together, each inspired by the other’s working practice. Cameron, who is a very prolific artist, spoke of how he had tried to teach Charlie to work more quickly, seizing an idea and running with it. Whereas Charlie had attempted to teach Cameron to procrastinate. Whilst we can only speculate on which artist was successful in these aims, what is for sure, is that Charlie and Cameron found a common and fruitful group upon which to make a dynamic body of work.

Posted on 9th April 2018 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  Exhibitions  News 

Call for Volunteers - Esther Ferrer performance

Project Ability is looking for amateur performers to take part in the group performance piece I’m Going To Tell You About My Life, which will premier in April 22nd in Glasgow as part of the Glasgow International festival.

The piece has been conceived by 80-year old Spanish artist Esther Ferrer and involves 10 performers who are fluent in British Sign Language and 10 verbal performers speaking in different languages.

If you are a BSL user or speak a language other than English, and you want to tell others about your life, please get in touch! No previous experience is required.

PRODUCTION INFO

Rehearsal dates: Friday 20th April (pm) and Saturday 21st April (all day)
Performance: Sunday 22nd April, 1-3pm

The rehearsals will be led by Esther Ferrer, assisted by a BSL interpreter.
Project Ability will cover transport costs for all volunteers up to £10 per day

Please note that the performance will be:
- Filmed, and an edited version of the film will be on display at Project Ability’s Project Space for the duration of the festival.
- Professionally photographed, and the images taken may be used for press coverage, promotion of the event on the websites of the project organisers and funders, documentation and evaluation. 

By participating in the event you agree to be filmed or photographed for these purposes.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply for this opportunity, or find out more, please contact:

Mónica Laiseca at monica_laiseca@outlook.com and
Celine Mcilmunn at celine.mcilmunn@gmail.com

Deadline for applications: Tuesday 10 April, noon. Shortlisted volunteers will be notified by email on Friday 14 April.

Posted on 12th March 2018 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  Exhibitions  News  Recruitment & Volunteering  Trongate 103  Workshops 

Cameron Morgan and Charlie Hammond’s residency draws to a close.

For the past few months, Cameron Morgan and Glasgow-based artist Charlie Hammond have been meeting every week for their collaborative residency. The pair got to know each other's work and to create a series of prints inspired by Charlie's matchbox collection.

"I liked working with Charlie very, very much – he has a good sense of humour, is a lot of fun, and has a really good nature. I really enjoyed myself’ said Morgan.

The residency, which ended last week, resulted in an impressive body of work.

"Working together with Cameron has been a joy", Hammond said. "Like many good collaborations we started with no clear direction but found our way through action, the work itself the result of these ongoing and very natural conversations.

Cameron’s energy is infectious (though a few more tea breaks wouldn’t hurt!) and his ability to translate the essence of an object into a direct and playful drawing or ceramic allowed us to progress quickly, screen-printing layer upon layer and developing the works far beyond our initial thoughts.

Not only have we ended up with a great body of work but also a great friendship."

Cameron and Charlie's work will be on display in our gallery in a short exhibition in early April. 

Posted on 30th January 2018 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  Exhibitions  News  Residency  Trongate 103  Workshops 

We need you!

Action Space artist Nnena Kalu will be in residence at Project Ability in April and will make a large installation in our gallery for Glasgow International.

We are looking for large quantities of the following materials:

-old VHS videos
-offcuts of carpet or fabric
-ribbons
-plastic wrap, bubble wrap
-coloured tape
-wool

If you have any of these lying about that you are not using, we will happily take it off your hands! Just get in touch info@project-ability.co.uk or drop them at:
Project ability, 3rd floor, Trongate 103, Glasgow G1 5HD. 

Posted on 17th January 2018 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  Exhibitions  News 

Artwork of the Week -  ‘The Old Man of Storr’ by Margaret Booth

Artwork of the Week time again, and this week we bring you a classic Scottish treasure – the Skye landmark ‘The Old Man of Storr’ by the talented Margaret Booth. Margaret’s work is always of an exceptional quality; being able to capture the subject with stunning detail, while incorporating her own vibrant, painterly style.  The work is currently on show as part of our exhibition ‘Scotland, The Land Beneath Our Feet’ which is available to view all the way up until the 22nd of December in our gallery.  Not to be missed!

Posted on 7th December 2017 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  Exhibitions  News 

Project Ability Fundraising Survey

Like many charities, Project Ability faces funding challenges and we must find more ways of generating income to allow us to continue to deliver our vital work.

With many not-for-profit organisations fighting for the attention of the general public, we understand that it is important to be focused, imaginative and offer something that is genuinely going to engage and benefit our audience.  That’s why we need your opinion on what we should do next. 

It will only take a couple of minutes to answer the four questions here but it will make a huge difference to us if you do it as it will help us to plan effectively for the future.  If you provide your contact details, we would like to offer you 10% discount next time you visit our shop in the Gallery or online.

Thank you!

Posted on 27th November 2017 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  Exhibitions  Fundraising  News  Trongate 103  Workshops 

Artist talk by James Jimbo

Last Thursday, former artist in residence James Jimbo came back to Project Ability to showcase the work he produced during his residency. Artists from Aspire and ReConnect came to engage with James and his work, and it was very interesting to see what inspired him during his time with us. The work was very well received and artists enjoyed the skills and playfulness in each drawing and painting.

‘Brilliant work – great colours’
-Edward Henry, Aspire

‘I liked the Elvis one and George Michael, I painted George Michael too, mine was much more colourful'
-Tommy Mason, Aspire

‘Refreshing to see work that’s been created a framework of joyfulness and freedom’
-Richie Davis, ReConnect

‘I really loved the use of line and for me being here in my first week of my residency, it couldn’t have come at a better time to see James work, someone so confident in their own practice – very inspiring’
-Emma Aitken, current artist in residence

Thank you, James Jimbo!

Posted on 14th November 2017 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  Exhibitions  News  Residency  Trongate 103  Workshops 

Project Ability pop-up shops coming soon!

Save the date! We will be hosting a series of pop-up shop in the gallery in the run up to Christmas! 

Looking for something original, inspiring and that can't be found in the high street shops? This is your chance, our pop up shops will be packed with original gift ideas, cushions, cards, ceramics, artworks, mobiles, wooden objects, and plenty more! 

Saturday 25 November, 2nd & 9th December, 10am - 5pm in our gallery in Trongate 103.

Posted on 31st October 2017 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  Exhibitions  Fundraising  News  Shop  Trongate 103  Workshops 

Project Ability artists at Manchester Buy Art Fair 2017!

Now recognised as one of the UK’s leading festivals of visual arts, Buy Art Fair 2017, featuring The Manchester Contemporary, will bring galleries and artists to Manchester from across the UK. Over 3,000 original artworks will be for sale and we are delighted to announce that three Project Ability artists will see their work exhibited during the fair.

Grace McArthur and Tommy Kemp are two of the very talented artists that will show some work with Heart and Sold, a pioneering arts initiative that promotes and supports artists with Down Syndrome and provides a platform from which to sell their work. More info here.

We are also very excited to announce that Cameron Morgan has been selected to exhibit work at the Manchester Contemporary this year with Venture Arts! Venture Arts are partnering with Castlefield Gallery for the event from 27 – 29 October. He will be showing some of his ringtone ceramics and 'The Three Stooges', a print made during his residency in Wakefield. More info here. 

Manchester Buy Art Fair 2017
27-29 October 2017.

Image: 'One Direction' by Grace McArthur

Posted on 23rd October 2017 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  Exhibitions  News 

Artwork of the week - ‘Laundry Day’ by Jim Feeney

'Laundry Day' by Jim Feeney is our Artwork of the week! This painting has Feeney's signature brick reds and browns, surrounding the figure in the foreground and the laundry hanging above her. As usual with Jim Feeney's paintings, there's little guessing that Glasgow is the depicted subject, and certain visual clues help to place the scene quite awhile back in Glasgow's contemporary history. 

This is a very fine example of Jim's work, beautifully painted and nostalgic. You can see more of Jim's newest oil paintings in our Gallery II until 23 September. Titled 'squalor', this exhibition focuses on Glasgow, its people and its streets. Read more about the show here and stop in when you can. We also have Leslie Thompson's solo show in the main gallery, up until 23 September as well.

Posted on 31st August 2017 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  Exhibitions  News  Workshops 

Walking Group - Week 16: Glasgow School of Art

"On Wednesday 23rd August the Walking Group were invited to a tour of the Against Landscape exhibition in the Reid Gallery at the Glasgow School of Art.

We were treated to lovely weather and enjoyed a stroll though the city from Trongate 103 up to GSA, via George Square. Once there we met Caroline Grape who would show us around and talk about the pieces and artists a little. She was very nice and had a lot of information about the work and also how the gallery works.

The GSA students themselves invigilate the gallery between lectures, giving them an experience in another area of the broader field of art. We saw many works in a wide variety of mediums including video installations, photography, paintings and sculpture.

We were also shown how the exhibition had been installed via basic wooden stacking blocks made especially so they could travel and be used to display work anywhere. It was actually the final day of this particular exhibition but the gallery space was fantastic and I would recommend keeping a look out for further exhibits on there, you can check out their website at http://www.gsa.ac.uk/visit-gsa/exhibitions/"
-Morag McGilchrist

Posted on 30th August 2017 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  Exhibitions  News  Walking group  Workshops 

Artwork of the week - ‘Big Daddy and Giant Haystacks’ by Leslie Thompson

'Big Daddy and Giant Haystacks' is our Artwork of the Week! This drawing was made by Leslie Thompson, who had his first Scotttish solo show open with us last Friday. The exhibition, titled 'Leslie Thompson the Superstar Artist Drawer' is packed full of exciting and fascinating works of art. Leslie Thompson is from Manchester and works with Venture Arts studios, and is a prolific artist. This exhibition shows off some of his most impressive artworks which includes drawing, textile and scultpure. 'Big Daddy and Giant Haystacks' is a fun colourful artwork that packs a punch! Below is a photograph of Leslie when he was at Project Ability last Friday for the opening of his exhibition!

The show is well worth a stop into Trongate 103. It is truly an impressive exhibition showing a variety of Thompson's exquisite work.

Posted on 24th August 2017 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  Exhibitions  News  Trongate 103 

Wanted for exhibition: DOLLS

Public call out to artists! Wanted for exhibition: DOLLS

Not just a child’s toy, the doll has been part of civilization since as far back as 2000 BC. The Paddle Doll, pictured above, is thought to be one of the oldest type of doll.

Every civilisation has their own evolution and history of doll making. Materials such as corn, bone, clay, cotton, wood and much more have all been used to make dolls. They’ve acted as fertility charms, company in the afterlife and as important symbols during religious ceremonies.
Project Ability is looking for artists to explore the idea of the doll for an exhibition in January 2018.

Russian Nesting dolls, (the matryoshkas) have been around since 1890 and have become much loved by all cultures. More recently, of course, are plastic and rubber dolls like the infamous Barbie and action figurines such as GI Joe and Marvel.

We are looking for artists who are already working with this idea, or artists who would like to try something new. As usual, we are hoping for extremely creative and unusual works of art. We want to celebrate the many charms and eccentricities of the doll.

Important info & dates:

Where: Project Ability, Trongate 103, Glasgow
When: 20 January – 24 February 2018

Deadlines:
Email submission only: on or before 3 November 2017
Please include: title, description of the piece, size, materials and an artist’s price. If exhibited, we will add 40% onto your artist’s price. You may choose for the work not to be for sale.

We will notify all applicants that their submission has been received.

Notification of successful artworks: by 17 November
Delivery of work: on or before 8 December (artist responsible for all carriage costs)

Other info: Artwork must be ready for display with instructions if needed
Artists can submit up to three artworks & up to three images per artwork
Please email questions & submissions to: exhibitions@project-ability.co.uk

Posted on 21st August 2017 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  Exhibitions  News 

Artwork of the week - ‘Cleaning Up’ by Jim Feeney

Artwork of the week features a painting from one of our two exhibitions which open tomorrow. 'Cleaning Up' by Jim Feeney is painted in oil on stretched canvas. It takes us back a few decades in Glasgow's history;  evident through the dresses worn by the two young girls. Jim Feeney paints mainly Glasgow scenes, often from long ago, and usually in areas of squalor. The graffiti on the walls allows us a look into the mind of the artist and gives you an idea of the things that play on Feeney's mind.

Feeney has a selection of new paintings on display in our Gallery II from tomorrow. Titled 'squalor', this selection of work is a very fine example of Feeney's skills in painting with oil. He has a distinct and easily recognisable style, often using rich blues and reds which stand out against the grays and rust colours so familiar to anyone who's lived in or around Glasgow's tenements.

You can read about this exhibition here, and everyone is welcome along to see the show, tomorrow for the preview from 1 -3pm, or anytime after that until 23 September. At the same time we are also showing a large selection of work by Venture Arts, Manchester based artist Leslie Thompson.

Posted on 17th August 2017 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  Exhibitions  News  Trongate 103 

Artwork of the Week - ‘The Three Stooges’ by Cameron Morgan

'The Three Stooges' by Cameron Morgan is our artwork of the week! This screen print takes inspiration from a recent trip to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park in Bretton. 'The Three Stooges' comes from the 80 strong assembly of identical two-metre-tall graphite figures titled, 'Black and Blue: The Invisible Man and the Masque of Blackness' by British-Trinidadian artist, Zak Ove. Cameron Morgan visited the scultpure park during a two week residency at The Art House in Wakefield where he was working with printmaker Richard Marsden. 'The Three Stooges' is part of an exhibition of prints and mixed media pieces that will preview tonight at The Art House. You can read more about this exhibition, titled 'First Edition' here. We've also made an online book featuring images of all of the work in the exhibition. These prints are all small editions of ten and they are for sale. Please contact the gallery if you are interested, exhibitions@project-ability.co.uk or 0141 552 2822. 

If you are a visual artist and would be interested in sharing your skills with Cameron, please follow this link to read about an opportunity to do just that.

Posted on 26th July 2017 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  Exhibitions  News  Residency 

First Edition opens tonight in The Art House

Last June, Cameron Morgan spent two weeks in residency at The Art House in Wakefield, where he experimented with screen-printing.

The work produced is now being exhibited in a solo show titled First Edition, at The Art House, until 31 August. Opening: Wednesday 26 July, 5pm-9pm.

If you can't make it to the exhibition, have a look at Cameron's prints in our online book. 

Posted on 26th July 2017 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  Exhibitions  News 

Royal visit at Project Ability

On Monday 24th July, we were delighted to welcome Princess Eugenie in our studios, accompanied by Glasgow's Lord Provost Eva Bolander.

After a short meeting with our Director Elisabeth Gibson, where she learnt more about our charity and the work we do, the Princess was introduced to the Aspire, ReConnect and Create artists present on the day and spent some time in the workshops.

She took time to talk with everybody, signed our comments book and even took part in our young people's performance workshop!

"What an amazing organisation. Thank you for sharing with me and I hope to see you all soon. 
Eugenie"

For more photos of the Princess's visit, please see our Facebook Page. 

Posted on 25th July 2017 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  Exhibitions  News  Workshops 

Artist Residency / Creative Partnership opportunity

Project Ability has a new opportunity for a visual artist to develop a creative partnership with artist Cameron Morgan, FRSA. 

Cameron Morgan is a prominent learning disability artist.  He has received a professional development award from Creative Scotland to support his continuing artistic practice.  He is based in Glasgow and works in Project Ability’s studio in Trongate 103.

Fee: £2000
Closing date: 25th August 2017, 5pm.
Interviews: 1st September 2017, Project Ability, Trongate 103, Glasgow, G1 5HD

This is a call for an artist to open their studio to Morgan and share their practice.  It’s a “residency”, in your own studio; a day a week over 12 weeks to reflect, create, experiment, and learn while collaborating, conversing and working alongside Morgan.
What you choose to do and the approach taken will be a conversation negotiated between you, Morgan and facilitated by Project Ability.  Possible project outcomes if new work is made is a shared exhibition or artist talk.
This is the first of three opportunities that will be offered over 12 months.  Your commitment to the partnership will be approx. 12 days, 60 hours.

Morgan has exhibited widely and received public and critical accolades for his work.  He is expert in creating temporary gallery installations; large scale paintings worked directly onto the fabric of the gallery and his humorous ceramic sculptures.  He spent much of 2016, in the studio working on his Glasgow International commission TV Classics Part 1 (http://www.tvclassicspart1.co.uk): Project Ability, April 2016 and Put Your Sweet Lips Closer to the Phone: Tramway, September 2016. 

Learning disabled artists are under-represented in every area of contemporary visual arts; their work is not held in national collections and it has little exposure in public galleries.  The work is seldom researched, documented or critiqued.  There are a few notable artists who are change makers.  Through their talent and determination and the expertise of their support studios, their work is reaching audiences.  Cameron Morgan is a change maker.

The project explores the nature of artistic collaboration, knowledge and skill exchange and works towards a more equal and improved integration of inclusive arts practice. Project Ability supports artists with learning disabilities to develop their artistic practice and contribute to the contemporary visual art landscape. 

Interested? Send a covering letter describing your interest in the project, your C.V. and 6 images to director@project-ability.co.uk by Friday 25th August. 

Posted on 25th July 2017 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  Exhibitions  News  Recruitment & Volunteering  Residency  Workshops 

Shop Item of the Week - by Tommy Mason

Shop Item of the Week is this lovely drypoint print by Tommy Mason. Titled 'Hill', this piece measures 20 x 28 cm and is priced at £25. You can view it on our online shop here, or pop by the gallery to see it in person. As always, if you would like this print framed, we can assist. Just contact us at exhibitions@project-ability.co.uk or ring 0141 552 2822.

Tommy Mason has work in a show that opens this evening at the Lighthouse in Glasgow. Organised by RECOAT, 'This WIll Ruin Everything' features the work of 40 fine artists who cross over into design. We are delighted that Tommy has been invited to exhibit with RECOAT. Please follow this link for more info about his exhibition.

Posted on 14th July 2017 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  Exhibitions  News  Shop