Open Gallery - George Stevenson Solo Showcase

Drama artist Claire Hume led another lively session in Project Ability's workshop and gallery space on Tuesday 14th May.  The captive audience from Crookston Speech and Language Unit were led on an exciting, tactile, multi sensory adventure inspired by the ceramic sculptures of George Stevenson. 

Tales of monsters, mud, mountains and seas left everyone in awe and inspired our young art critics to touch, talk about and recreate some of the fascinating pieces on display.

The Open Gallery workshops are funded by the Bank of Scotland Foundation and provide children and adults with learning disabilities, sensory impairments and autistic spectrum disorders, their teachers and carers, with opportunities to explore and engage with contemporary visual art

Posted on 20th May 2013 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: All  Exhibitions  News  Workshops 

Friends and Family Fun Weekends: Glass-painting

The last workshop of our Friends and Family Fun Weekends series took place on Saturday 18 May and was all about glass painting. And what a fun day it was: glass plates and jars turned into wonderfully colourful pieces of art!

The Friends and Family Fun Workshops have proven very successful throughout the year, and we would like to thank all the young (and not so young) artists who came along. Here are a few quotes from participants on what they thought about the workshops:

"They offer fun, knowledge and therapy and allow us, as a family with a child who needs extra support, to just 'switch off' and live in the moment, where all we have to worry about for that hour and a half is where to place the next line or wonder about what colour would look best. "

"Great for bringing our family together; no need to worry about our daughter or what she's doing"

"The opportunity to attend projects/clubs which cater specifically for kids with learning difficulties are minimal in Glasgow. This is a project which really delivers on all levels, artistic, therapeutic, teamwork and enjoyability. Thank you."

"Being creative in a relaxed environment - trying something new with the kids."

"A great way to spend some interesting time with the whole family. My 15 year old was initially reluctant but he seemed to really enjoy it and it was great building something together."

"Working together with the family, with expert tuition, there is nothing else like it in Glasgow."

Posted on 20th May 2013 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  News  Workshops 

Sculpting with Jason

Over the next six weeks, sculptor Jason Pyper-Davis is in the studio on Friday's teaching ReConnect artists the basics of portrait modeling in clay.

Jenny and David starting work on their armatures.

Margaret starts work.

David, Jenny, Veronica, Margaret and Norrie make a start!

Posted on 17th May 2013 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: News 

Artwork of the Week - ‘Sky Cloud’ by Sandra Ormiston

Sandra makes texts and images and in her pictures she often fills the blanks with words that she has invented to sound like the object she is trying to portray. Her work recalls everyday life, yet always remains whimsically illustrative; creating a narrative account of her life through a unique visual onomatopoeia.

Posted on 16th May 2013 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: News 

Sally Hackett on her collaboration with George Stevenson

Our current exhibition Solo Showcase: George Stevenson features a series of ceramic sculptures which he made in collaboration with artist, Sally Hackett; exploring abstract forms and an organic approach to artistic collaboration.

Watch here a short interview of Sally talking about their collaboration.

Posted on 15th May 2013 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  Exhibitions  Film & Animation  News 

Mental Health Awareness week 2013

The theme for this year's campaign, which runs from 13-19 May 2013 is physical activity and exercise, highlighting the impact they have on mental health and wellbeing. We agree but let's hear it for visual arts activity and participation in the arts !

ReConnect is a dynamic visual arts project for people in recovery from mental ill health. Each week sixty people have access to studio space at Project Ability to make work, develop their practice and right now prepare for their forthcoming exhibition which will be on show in our gallery in August.

Posted on 15th May 2013 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  Exhibitions  News  Workshops 

Casting with Aelfred

A group of ReConnect artists has recently started a series of casting workshops with tutor Aelfred de Sigley. 

"We began the workshops last week by reading aloud a series of poems by Jakie Kay from her book Life Mask (a series of poems in part written in response to the casting process) and two Edwin Morgan poems which examine trace, memory and the mask- and I invited each of the artists to respond in any way that they wished to in relation to the casting process. Today Dibby, one of the participating artists re-read aloud Life Mask which I felt informed the day's casting.

Two of the artists made face moulds today which so far is proving to be quite an intense process both physically and personally. One participating artist said that he imagined what it was like to be buried and there is something about the process of casting the face and going under, and committing to a process and trusting another to cast, which is immediate and vulnerable, especially in a group context when there is a lot going on.

Each artist has been engaging in their own process of inquiry and making moulds from the body alongside moulds from objects. Formally the workshops are an opportunity for learning a new skill (we are making moulds from silicone, alginate and plaster) and we will be trying out casts in a variety of materials and from ceramic slip(porcelain and earthenware), wax, pigmented plaster, latex, gelatin and chocolate. Later on in the workshops I will be encouraging the artists to experiment through the production of multiples, pigmentation or painting the casts alongside working into the casts/masks surface or manipulating the casts into finished sculptural works."
-Aelfred de Sigley

Posted on 15th May 2013 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  News  Workshops 

Vacancy: Administrator (Full Time)

Administrator (Full Time). Initially for 12 months with the possibility of extension
37.5 hours per week.
Salary Scale £18441-£19959

We are seeking an organised professional to provide a comprehensive administrative support service for the organisation.

You will have excellent communication skills; verbal and written and first class IT skills including Microsoft office (word, access and excel).
You will be able to demonstrate experience in a similar administrative role and experience of working in a face to face customer service environment.
You will be flexible, able to manage a complex workload and to work on your own initiative without supervision and as part of a small dedicated team.

Closing Date Monday 3rd June 2013

Interviews Wednesday 19th June 2013 in Glasgow

Download your application pack:
- Job description and person specification
- Application form

Tel: 0141 552 2822
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Scottish Charity No: SC005226

Posted on 15th May 2013 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: News  Recruitment & Volunteering 

LATE @ The Arches is back!

The Arches is once again joining forces with Dates n Mates and C-Change to bring you Scotland’s first and only inclusive nightclub.

The next club LATE takes place on Thursday 23rd of May from 7:30pm - Midnight. There will be many DJ’s on the night playing the latest club favourites as well as some dance classics.

Tickets are available now by contacting Dates-n-Mates:
By phone: 0141 427 2957
By e-mail on: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
or you can buy tickets online by visiting the dates-n-mates website: http://www.dates-n-mates.co.uk

Posted on 14th May 2013 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: News 

ReConnect artists attended Arts & Wellbeing conference in Carlisle

On 8th May Veronica, Morag and Celine from ReConnect boarded a train to Carlisle to attend a seminar the following day on ‘Exploring How Participatory Arts Can Improve Wellbeing’ in Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery.

The seminar gave some insight into the workings of other arts projects and delegates were given the opportunity to attend sessions exploring various approaches to delivering music and visual arts workshops.

'We all agreed it was an interesting visit and particularly enjoyed the exhibitions in the venue. There was an exhibition of work from 'Outside In' where some of the artists were present to discuss their artwork and there was also an excellent exhibition of British collage.' said Celine.

The day passed very quickly and on returning to Glasgow all three said they would like to go back to Carlisle, and particularly Tullie House, for further exploration!'

Posted on 13th May 2013 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  News 

Project Ability Film Shorts: George Stevenson Preview

Yesterday, we opened George Stevenson's show as part of our solo showcase season presenting a series of ceramic sculptures, made in collaboration with artist Sally Hackett.

This short film gets up close with the objects and reveals George's first glimpse of the work on show in the gallery.

The exhibition continues until Saturday 18 May, open Tuesday-Saturday 10-5pm - another short showcase not to be missed!

Posted on 9th May 2013 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  Exhibitions  Film & Animation  News 

Next Friends and Family Fun Workshop: Glass painting

The last Friends and Family Fun Weekend will take place on Saturday 18 May. These workshops have proven very successful throughout the year, as they provide the opportunity for young people with disabilities and their friends and families to participate in an exciting programme of visual arts activities.

Participants have had the chance to try their hand at making junk sculptures, snow globes, cards, mosaics, and many more! For our last workshop, young participating artists will try glass painting! What's more you can take away a goody bag of ideas and materials to help you continue structured arts activities at home.

Saturday 18 May, 11am-12.30pm and 1.30pm-3pm. Free.

For more information, please click here or call us on 0141 552 2822

Photo by Tom Manley

Posted on 8th May 2013 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: News  Trongate 103  Workshops 

Art Matters

The Art Matters workshops will be turning one this summer! Now in its fourth block, Art Matters is a supported group for young adults aged 21-28yrs to meet, socialise and create great artwork.

"Art Matters is a group that comprises mostly of artist who have come through Project Ability's Create programme." says Tutor John Fitzpatrick. "Many of these artist have long standing relationships with each other and Project Ability and Art Matters provides a forum to develop their already established practice.

Working on both independent projects and group activity the group is a supported, social and encouraging platform for young artists to make the transition from the children and young persons program to a more independent art practice.

Art Matters recognises the artists as individual and allows them to maintain their own interests and approaches while supporting and motivating new ways of working."

The work created during the workshops will be exhibited in the Project Ability gallery from 05 to 28 September.

For more photos, have a look at our Facebook Page.

Posted on 7th May 2013 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: News  Workshops 

George Stevenson Solo Showcase - opening 08/05, 1pm-2pm

Our second Solo Showcase is a series of ceramic sculptures made by George Stevenson in collaboration with artist Sally Hackett.

“The first clay shape George made was a small pinch pot. He began forming the hollow shape. When it was finished I handed him another piece of clay which he proceeded to drop slap bang in the middle of his first creation with great satisfaction. This became the central, joyful feature of his work. Simply making shapes, and putting one on top of another, whether it was a conventional placing or not.”
-Sally Hackett

Join us tomorrow (Wednesday 08 May) for the preview of the exhibition and some refreshments.

1pm-2pm, Project Ability Gallery, Trongate 103.

Posted on 7th May 2013 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  Exhibitions  News 

New stock in Project Ability’s shop

This week we have had various new additions to our shop here at Project Ability. Above is just one sample of some brilliant new watercolour and ink drawings by Cameron Morgan.

We also have a few more of Ruth Mutch's wonderful hand-stitched felt dolls. Each doll is a unique design and they are for sale at a bargain £20.00, and are only available in our shop.

Artist Susan Christie has added to our stock of small drawings with these quirky little pieces, which can also be given as gift cards.

Our shop is open for business Tuesday to Saturday from 10am till 5pm and is right next to our gallery where we are currently showing a solo exhibition by Luigi Bertonesi.

Posted on 3rd May 2013 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  News  Shop  Trongate 103 

Cameron Morgan, Commission for the Golden Jubilee National Hospital – Artwork of the Week #04

This Artwork of the Week features a commissioned painting for the Golden Jubilee National Hospital by Cameron Morgan. Cameron’s work spawned from a visit to the hospital where he sketched and photographed his surroundings and, inspired by the drama of the operating theatre, he created this surgical procedure in paint. 

Cameron’s imaginative skills drive the construction of his paintings where he illustrates how to apply paint, draw a figure and depict a movement with a devoted absorption and curiosity.

Posted on 3rd May 2013 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  News 

‘Time & Process’ - a study of artist Simon McAuley

Filmed over two days in April 2013 at Project Ability's studio in Glasgow, this study of artist Simon McAuley portrays his artistic process, and demonstrates the work developing over this period of time.

Filming and music by Max McIlmunn.

Posted on 1st May 2013 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  Film & Animation  News 

Meet the Volunteers: Gillian Datlen

This week, meet Gillian Datlen, who has been a great addition to the Art Matters team.

"I started at Project Ability in January and have been volunteering on the Art Matters project on a Saturday evening.

Although I have a lot of experience working with children in schools, working with adults has given me a very different, valuable experience. It has been such a rewarding time for me and I have enjoyed meeting and working with the creative individuals who participate. Each person has their own style, unique ideas and very different approaches to their work so it’s great to facilitate this without structuring each week as a lesson. I have been extremely impressed at the quality of work being produced and the skills of the young people, some of whom have been attending Project Ability workshops from a young age. This is proof of how successful Project Ability is, not only for enhancing skills but for providing individuals with an artistic outlet, and ultimately, improving their confidence."

Thank you from all of us at Project Ability for your hard work!

Posted on 1st May 2013 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: News  Recruitment & Volunteering 

‘Shine Like a Diamond’ by Pauline Jackson

With The Voice, Britain's Got Talent and other talent shows back on the telly, we couldn't resist showing you this short movie by Pauline Jackson.

Written and directed by Pauline during last year's Arts Awards workshops, this is a fresh and funny little gem.

Project Ability is currently running three film making workshops, so you can be sure that there will be plenty more films to show you in the near future. In the meantime, you can always have a look at the ones already up on our Youtube channel.

Posted on 29th April 2013 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Film & Animation  News 

Friends and Family Fun Weekends: Mosaic

For our second last Friends and Family Fun Weekend, young artists let their imagination run wild and created beautiful, vibrant mosaics!

It was a lot of fun to add shells, broken ceramics, buttons, feathers and even plastic figurines to the compositions, and turning them into fantastic artworks. 

The final Friends and Family Fun Weekend will take place on Saturday 18th May and will be glass-painting. More photos can be viewed on our Facebook Page.

Posted on 29th April 2013 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  News  Workshops 

Luigi Bertonesi, Untitled – Artwork of the Week #05

To mark the first exhibition in our Solo Showcase season, we bring you this colourful drawing by Luigi Bertonesi as the Artwork of the Week!

Luigi has been attending Project Ability’s studio for over ten years, the exhibition presents drawings that he made in the workshop alongside a selection made at home of his own accord.

Luigi’s work is currently on show in Project Ability Gallery until 4 May – don’t miss the chance to see this remarkable collection of visionary images of autobiographical content, mastered into hundreds of hand-coloured, panoramic drawings of spanning Africa, South America, Holland and Gibraltar.

Luigi Bertonesi is the first in three consecutive weeklong solo showcases presenting the diverse artistic practices of the artists from our Aspire programme.

Posted on 27th April 2013 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  Exhibitions  News  Trongate 103 

Open Gallery @ Glasgow Print Studio

On Thursday 25^th April drama artist Clare Hume invited Aspire artists to join her at Glasgow Print Studio for a multi-sensory exploration of the exhibition Tableau Vivant by Calum Mackenzie.

The multi textured artworks were a gift for the group.  They told each other stories, danced, sang and were transformed into living sculptures. 

“she had as walking about kidding on we were partying - smoking and drinking and living the “good” life, shaking hands and introducing every one. We crinkled up wrapping paper and bubble wrap and shook it about. We put on angel wings like John Travolta in Michael.”  Tommy Mason

Tomorrow is the turn of Eastmuir Primary School.

The Open Gallery workshops are funded by the Bank of Scotland Foundation and provide children and adults with learning disabilities, sensory impairments and autistic spectrum disorders, their teachers and carers, with opportunities to explore and engage with contemporary visual art.

Posted on 27th April 2013 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: News  Trongate 103  Workshops 

Project Ability is now recruiting Board Members: closing date 20th May 2013.

Project Ability is now recruiting Board Members.

2014 is our 30th anniversary, a significant achievement and testament to the efforts of our hard working staff team and the commitment of the Board. At Project Ability we aim to have a spread of skills and experience within our Board.

As a Board Member you will be able to offer the organisation experience and expertise in one or more of the following areas of work:
• Visual arts practice
• Learning disability
• Mental health and wellbeing
• Education and learning
• Health and social care

In new Board Members we are keen to find people who are willing to give the necessary time and effort to contribute to strategic planning, take part in events and support excellence in learning, development, delivery and training.

Click here to download more information on the role of Board Member (Word document).

Closing date 20th May 2013. 

Please send a note of interest to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). If you would like further information please contact Elisabeth Gibson, Artistic Executive Director at: 0141 552 2822 email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Posted on 24th April 2013 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: News  Recruitment & Volunteering 

Friends & Family Fun Weekend - Saturday 27 April

Free Mosaic workshop this Saturday as part of our Friends and Family Fun Programme!

Bring the family along and create your very own mosaic art! Learn how to arrange, cut and set your tiles to create an amazing mosaic plaque. What’s more you can take away a goodie bag of ideas and materials so you can continue to be creative at home.

For more information on our Friends and Family Fun Programme, including how to book, please click here.

Posted on 23rd April 2013 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: News  Trongate 103  Workshops 

Meet the Volunteers: Theresa Malaney

This week, let us introduce you to another fantastic volunteer: Theresa Malaney, who has been a great addition to the Aspire team.

"I am delighted to have the opportunity to volunteer with Project Ability. My role is as a Printmaker, encouraging, enabling and facilitating the artists taking part in Aspire groups on Mondays.The work I see being done in these groups, the enthusiasm, passion and energy of both participants and tutors confirms my beliefs about the importance of understanding and acknowledging that the practice of each Artist is equally valid. Visual Art is a means of communication, self expression, interpretation of ourselves, our environment, emotions, beliefs.

Within Project Ability, Artists with mental health, learning disabilities and sometimes physical disabilities can utilise the space, time and resources to create their own Art Practice, and I see people being empowered by being able to make aesthetic choices, and moreover, the work created being valued for what it is- a true and significant Art Practice.

In my own practice, I am interested in exploring the relationship between the conscious and the unconscious, within self, and in relation to other. I mainly work within the media of Fine Art Printmaking, and try to experiment, expand and develop my skills within these media.

My work with the Artists taking part in Project Ability has reminded me that play is an essential part of the creative process, and also that within a limited time frame, much can be achieved."

Posted on 23rd April 2013 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  News  Recruitment & Volunteering  Workshops 

Artwork unveiled at the Golden Jubilee National Hospital

In 2012, the Golden Jubilee National Hospital commissioned Project Ability to create artwork to mark the 10th anniversary of the hospital as an NHS centre of excellence. On Friday 19th April 2013, artists Cameron Morgan, John Cocozza, John McNaught, Steven Reilly and Robert McCamley attended the hospital for the unveiling of the work.

To start the project off, the artists visited the hospital to sketch and took photographs. Back in the studio they developed their ideas; working on large canvases they selected a variety of subject matter. Cameron was inspired by the drama of the operating theatre; illustrating both cardiology and orthopaedics. Robert chose the iconic Titan crane which is visible from the hospital and very familiar to Robert who was born and brought up in Clydebank. John Cocozza, John McNaught and Steven explored the hospital architecture, Steven employing vibrant colour to eye-catching effect while the Johns focused on the buildings’ geometry.

The six paintings in the collection are on show in the hospital conservatory before they are moved to their final locations within the hospital.

The artists relished the challenge of working to a brief and are extremely proud to have their work in such a prominent public collection.

Posted on 22nd April 2013 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  Exhibitions  News  Workshops 

Artwork of the Week - ‘Untitled’ by George McLeod

This week, we are very pleased to bring you a painting by Aspire artist George McLeod. Sequences of yellow, white, blue & green lines hover above a flaming red background like sparks; this painting has depth and a colossal build-up of colour and is full of emotional matter. We are excited that George, among a group of Aspire artists, will be presenting a huge installation of paintings at Platform, The Bridge in August to September 2013.

Posted on 22nd April 2013 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  News 

Project Ability & C-Change Present the Lennox Castle Website

On the 17^th April 2012, Project Ability and C-Change launched the website www.lennoxcastlestories.co.uk.

This remarkable social history project, funded by the Heritage Lottery, has brought together ex-residents, ex-staff, professionals, family and friends to share their memories of Lennox Castle Hospital. 

The project began in 2012, to coincide with the tenth anniversary of the closure of Lennox Castle Hospital and while yesterday marked the end of the project it was also the launch of the website which we hope will reach out to people far and wide who are connected to and interested in Lennox Castle. 

Lennox Castle closed ten years ago yet the impact of the hospital environment and its model of institutional care is still felt today by everyone who was connected to the place.

At the launch we heard stories from Cllr Malcolm Cunning, chairman of C-Change, Marie Christie an ex-resident, John and Sam Bryan; John was a resident at Lennox Castle Hospital and Sam is his older brother. 

After a short break when people were invited to give feedback the artists leading the project; Kate Burton, Tracy Gorman and Meredith Crone shared their experience of introducing the group to a vast array of media and artistic processes.  Elisabeth Gibson, Project Ability’s Director showcased the website and Doreen Kay an ex-resident shared her story.  Doreen’s story was followed by people who had worked at Lennox Castle Hospital and who had delivered the hospital closure programme.

“It was great to hear the patients and their families talk about the project.”

“The best part is hearing the stories and experiences of the people from the Castle.”

“Happy but a bit sad about wasted lives.”

“I didn’t like being in the castle.”

“U need 2 look inside the people.”

“ I have enjoyed Project Ability, my bad memories of Lennox Castle are away now. I have met old friends and new ones.”

“Stories – seeing end results and all the work that was put in.”

“We have a bright future!”

Posted on 18th April 2013 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: News 

ReConnect trip to Culzean Castle

'On Tuesday 16th April a group of 19 ReConnect artists left a wet and stormy Glasgow for a coach-trip to Culzean Castle in Ayrshire. On approaching the castle the clouds parted and the sun came out and stayed out for the rest of the day so the group were able to make the most of the various activities that were on offer.

Everyone started with a tour of the main castle. Unfortunately photography is not permitted inside the main building but we can report that there are many fascinating things to see and helpful and knowledgeable staff throughout to answer questions and provide historical information. One of the things that our group discovered is the fact that there is a little Lego person hidden in each room. This is to keep visiting children amused whilst their adults enjoy the finer points of the architecture and furnishings but it certainly gave most of our group a great deal of fun as well!

After the tour inside some of the group went for a walk in the gardens and others for a wander on the beach or a look in the bookshop. Sadly the day passed all to quickly and it was time to get back on the coach and make the return journey to the city. There was lots of talk on the way back about other interesting places we could visit on future trips.'
- Celine McIlmunn

Posted on 17th April 2013 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  News 

Fantastic dolls by Ruth Mutch now on sale in our shop

After producing two books ('Say What You Mean' and 'It Might Look Simple to You'), this year's calendar, and showing her work in several exhibitions (including You, me and ASD currently on show in Trongate 103), the very talented Ruth Mutch has started a new artistic endeavour: these beautifully crafted dolls. 

It's as if Aspen and other characters in her illustrations came to life! The felt dolls are now on sale in our shop in Trongate 103, for only £20. You can also order your own customized doll, like the Loki doll below, for £35.

If you are not yet familiar with Ruth's illustrations, just have a look at her blog: http://www.penguinparade.co.uk/

Posted on 16th April 2013 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  News  Shop  Trongate 103