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 

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 

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 

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 

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 

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 

Reminder - Launch of the Lennox Castle Stories website on Wednesday 17 April

Only two days until the launch of the Lennox Castle Stories website! 

Join us on Wednesday 17 April, 2pm-4pm, for an afternoon of conversation, hear how the project developed, what we learnt, and the participants’ stories. 

The project has garnered a lot of interest over the last 12 months, with great attendance to our events and several articles in the press (including today's Daily Record!). Come see the results of the year-long project, and hear the former residents' stories in their own words.

www.lennoxcastlestories.co.uk

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

There are still a few places available in our Create workshops

The new block of Create workshops will start at the end of this week, so make sure you book your place in time! We still have a few places available in our Saturday Visual Arts Classes, except in the 8-12yrs workshop which is sold out.

The film workshops, starting next week, (Introduction, 12-18yrs and 18-25yrs) also have a few places left to grab.

If you need more information, please call 0141 552 2822 or email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Posted on 15th April 2013 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Film & Animation  News  Workshops 

Meet the Volunteers: Ruth Ansell

Ruth Ansell has been volunteering with us on Saturday afternoons, working with our participants in our Create programme. Her contribution to the group has been invaluable, working one to one with many of our children during the course of our last 8 week block of workshops. Her input has been very much appreciated by both the children and the Saturday staff alike.

Ruth joins us with many skills: a BA(hons) in Textile Design from the Glasgow School of Art and a MA in Design Practice and Management from Glasgow Caledonian University.

She said this of her volunteering experience at Project Ability:

"Every Saturday for the past eight weeks I have walked into the Project Ability Studios to assist with the children’s class ‘Create’. Regardless of how wearisome the week has been I have been catapulted into a world of creativity. Through assisting the many experienced art tutors the project has to offer, I have subconsciously been shown the importance of the creative process, developing both confidence and wellbeing within the individual. It has been a truly inspirational experience to observe the children create their individual works. One that I believe may have broken down some of the obstacles I have faced within my own creative work.”

Posted on 10th April 2013 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  News  Recruitment & Volunteering  Workshops 

Launch of www.lennoxcastlestories.co.uk

Funded by The Heritage Lottery and delivered in partnership with C-Change, Project Ability invites you to the launch of www.lennoxcastlestories.co.uk

Over the last twelve months a remarkable group of people have come together to make art, learn new skills, tell their stories, rekindle friendships, remember and immortalise in words and images the story of Lennox Castle Hospital.

The stories span many years. Some people went to the “castle” in the 1950’s and 60’s leaving when it finally closed in 2002. The individual stories have been captured on paper, in words, in print and on film and now this important contemporary collection of memories can be found on www.lennoxcastlestories.co.uk

Join us for an afternoon of conversation, hear how the project developed and what we learnt and the participants’ stories.

17th April, 2 – 4pm at Project Ability, Trongate 103, Glasgow G1 5HD

Posted on 10th April 2013 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  Exhibitions  Film & Animation  News  Workshops 

Open Gallery - March

For the second Open Gallery workshops of the year, artist Clare Hume created a multi-sensory workshop centred around our current exhibition Big Skies, an artistic exploration and celebration of Nordic skies and weather.

The group followed a trail of spotty umbrellas around Trongate 103 and settled in the Project Ability Gallery, where Clare started her story-telling.

Out of Clare’s treasure trunk came colourful fabrics, sand-filled bottles recreating the sound of the rain, a felt hat echoing the colours of some of the artwork, and even some fake snow!

The next Open Gallery workshops will take place on the 25, 26 and 29th of April and will be in response to the Glasgow Print Studios exhibition Tableau Vivant by Callum Mackenzie.

Posted on 3rd April 2013 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  Exhibitions  News  Trongate 103  Workshops 

Meet the Volunteers: Emily Ilet

New volunteers recently started at Project Ability. Let us introduce you to one of them, the lovely Emily Ilet.

‘I have been volunteering with Project Ability for a few weeks now and it has been the most fantastic and inspiring experience. Every Saturday after the classes I leave with a renewed feeling of the excitement and possibilities of art and natural human interaction. The way in which the children interact with each other and the staff is wonderfully honest and open, as is their interaction and engagement with the art materials and themes explored in class. It is bewildering to see and experience the range and extent of creative production in just an hour’s class, and the sense of community and collective enthusiasm in the room is amazing. Project Ability offers a space in which the children can build confidence and express their ideas through creative activity in this warm and equal environment, and as an organisation it is inspiring in itself. Building relationships with the children has been wonderfully rewarding, and the energy in the room early on a Saturday morning is astonishing.

Since graduating in Sculpture & Environmental Art from The Glasgow School of Art in 2011 I have been involved with The Pipe Factory, an artist-led studio and exhibition space in the East End of Glasgow. As part of Glasgow International Festival of Visual Art 2012 I co-curated Ok-yuh-pahy, a two-day performance event situated across three floors of The Pipe Factory, which was one of many events organised by The Pipe Factory as part of Least Event which lasted the length of the festival. I also volunteered with The Travelling Gallery in 2012, an experience which made me want to work more with children in an artistic environment as the curiousity, questioning and forthright opinion with which the students responded to each exhibition was refreshingly uninhibited.

My artistic practice is often situated in the public realm and I am intrigued by the ways in which people encounter a work and respond to it. I work with performative gesture, drawing and writing, exploring in an absurd and poetic way attempts to engage, communicate with, and disappear into nature. I have really enjoyed volunteering at the Saturday Create classes and this has encouraged me to pursue work in art education/workshops with other organisations in the future.’

- Emily Ilett,  Saturday ‘Create’ Volunteer

Posted on 27th March 2013 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: News  Recruitment & Volunteering  Workshops 

Join us this Saturday and create your own Fancy Cards!

The theme of this month’s Friends and Family Fun Workshop is Fancy Cards. Join us this Saturday and create your own fabulously fancy cards for Easter, or any other occasion. Use collage and drawing to construct exciting imagery or make your designs jump out of the page with a fun pop-up card!

These classes provide the opportunity for young people with disabilities and their friends and families to participate in an exciting programme of visual arts activities. What's more you can take away a goody bag of ideas and materials to help you continue structured arts activities at home.

All young people must be accompanied by an adult.

Date- Saturday 23rd March 2013

Time- 11:00-12:30 and 1:30-3:00

Cost- Free

These workshops are free but booking is essential. Please contact us on 0141 552 2822 to secure your place.

Posted on 20th March 2013 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: News  Trongate 103  Workshops 

The Lennox Castle Stories group are back!

We are delivering four more visual arts workshops leading up to the launch of a website on the 17^th April.

The website will tell the story of Lennox Castle Hospital through the words and pictures of people who were residents in the “Castle”.  The group will be making new work which celebrates their achievements since leaving the “Castle”.

Save the date! Website launch, 17^th April, 2 – 4pm at Project Ability.

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

Cut!

We have uploaded ten new films to Project Ability’s You Tube account.  Made by our talented young film makers the films are outstanding.  They are original; fresh, funny, charming and clever.  Pauline Jackson’s Shine Like a Diamond will make you smile, wonder at part 1. of A Reindeers’ Tale by Ian Bruin.  Follow the twists and turns of Sam McIlmunn’s film noir A Mistake Somewhere.  Long, short, complex, experimental there is a film for everyone.

Several of the film makers are at college or applying to college to study aspects of film production such as animation, graphics, model making.  We wish them well in their studies and are proud of the part we have in building their career.

Our thanks to the project funder - Cashback for Communities and the efforts of our fundraisers who in 2012 secured over £10,000.00 to replace our worn out film equipment with state of the art HD technology.

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

Create Friends and Family Fun Workshops this Saturday

Our next Friends and Family Fun Workshops will take place this Saturday, 23rd February.

Explore Mobile Making with our artists using a variety of materials including wire, wood, card, paper, fabric and found objects.  Decide if you want to make an indoor mobile or even a windchime for outside.  Explore texture, sound and colour by trying out different materials and objects and take away a goodie bag 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 19th February 2013 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: All  News  Workshops 

ARC workshops

Project Ability's workshops in collaboration with the Autism Resource Centre have been very popular, and are into the 2nd block already!

 

Today's workshops were very busy with participants trying out different methods of printing, and despite the cold and rain outside we had some smiley faces appearing in print.

Just incase all those smiles didn't cheer everyone up, here is a picture of a rather wonderful chicken!

Posted on 13th February 2013 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: News  Workshops 

Oska Bright Visit

Friday evening's Young Talent on Screen group were treated to an exciting and informative talk by Matthew Hellett from Oska Bright.  Matthew spoke of his experience as an Oska Bright Committee Member, organising the Oska Bright Film Festivals, as well as his time with Oska Bright on the Road, delivering workshops and seminars.

As well as lots of useful tips and information for our young festival organisers Matthew also treated the group to a screening of some of Oska Bright's award winning films.

We would all like to say a big thank you to Matthew and Lizzie for travelling all the way to Glasgow to work with our young people and staff.  If you would like to see Matthew's video diary of his journey please visit the Oska Bright Blog. 

If you would like more information on how to enter your own film to the 2013 Oska Bright Festival please click here.

Posted on 4th February 2013 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: All  Film & Animation  News  Workshops 

The Stewart Centre

Friday afternoon, the sun is shining and the workshop is full.  ReConnect artists are at work preparing for a new show. 

Artist, Patrick Butterworth painting a gothic interior.

Aspire studio artists are collaborating on a series of collage pieces inspired by the forthcoming Big Skies exhibition,

and a group from the Stewart Centre, Castlemilk are here painting on canvas and silk, printmaking and drawing.

The Stewart Centre is a regular visitor at Project Ability and staff and service users have attended a Friday afternoon art workshop for over five years. 

“……….it makes my week………..gives me real purpose……...it’s lovely, a really supportive environment.”  group attendee.

Posted on 1st February 2013 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: News  Workshops 

Create Saturdays back today!

One Direction made an appearance in today's workshop, along with Simon Cowell (the cartoon version of course!)

Smiley faces are always welcome!

Owen hard at work, always has a smile for us too!

Its great to have all our young artists back in the workshops and to hear the usual buzz of excitement and creativity!

Posted on 26th January 2013 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: News  Workshops 

Friends and Family Fun Workshop this Saturday

Our first friends and family workshop of 2013 is this Saturday 26th January.

The theme for the day will be Shoe Box Dioramas.  Create an exciting scene inside a shoe box using layers of objects and images to add depth to your diorama.  Bring in your own small scale objects or images to work from or simply decide on the day what you would like to make.  There's no limit to the possibilities!  Why not try an underwater or space scene or even something from your favourite computer game or film?

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

Posted on 25th January 2013 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: News  Workshops 

Aspire is back

After a very long winter break we are pleased to announce the classes have resumed.  Canvases are being primed, the paint is flowing, colour and texture abounds.  It’s wonderful to see the artists back in the workshop fizzing with creative energy. 

This year, so far, one hundred and fourteen people are attending the weekly programme.  That’s an awful lot of ART! 

Watch this space for project updates and remember work is available for sale.

Do you have a special occasion coming up, perhaps a housewarming, anniversary or birthday? Why not commission a unique art work from Project Ability? All our work is original and affordable and the proceeds from art sales go back into funding classes, and generating more opportunities for people with disabilities and people with mental health issues, aged 5 years to 80 plus, to express themselves and achieve artistic excellence.

Posted on 23rd January 2013 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: News  Workshops 

ReConnect is back!

The Connect programme re-emerged as ReConnect in August 2012.

ReConnect is the result of a very determined group of Connect artists who are supporting us to find a sustainable future for the programme. 

Initially the Studio reopened, two days a week, through to December 2012.

Now, through the commitment of the artists it is open on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays for the foreseeable future.

Project Ability are very pleased to have all the artists back in the studios and we can see from these photos taken in the workshop this morning, that Lea and Johanna are getting off to a flying start!

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

Workshops: You, Me and ASD

Project Ability and the Autism Resource Centre have joined forces to provide a programme of visual art workshops for young people and adults with autistic spectrum conditions and Asperger syndrome.

The classes take place at Project Ability’s Centre in Trongate 103.

Tuesday 22th January: 6 – 8pm: 16 to 25 years Asperger syndrome

Wednesday 23^rd January: 10 – 12noon: adults with learning disability and autistic spectrum disorder

Wednesday 23^rd January: 2 – 4pm: adults with Asperger syndrome

Thursday 24^th January: 6 – 8pm: 16 – 25 years with learning disability and autistic spectrum disorder

Please contact the Autism Resource Centre for further information: 0141 276 7182

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

Create Saturday Workshop Bookings Are Open

Bookings are now being taken for our Saturday Visual Arts Workshops and Art Matters Classes.

Workshops will start on Saturday 26th January and run until Saturday 23rd March (excluding 9th February).

To book your place return a completed booking form by post or in person.

Our first Friends and Family Fun Workshops of 2013 will also be on Saturday 26th January.

The theme for the day will be Shoe Box Dioramas.  Create an exciting scene inside a shoe box using layers of objects and images to add depth to your diorama.  Bring in your own small scale objects or images to work from or simply decide on the day what you would like to make.  There's no limit to the possibilities!  Why not try an underwater or space scene or even something from your favourite computer game or film?

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

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