Printmaking workshops with City of Glasgow College and Art Trek

Project Ability tutor Iona Grey has been working with a group of young adults with autistic spectrum conditions from the City of Glasgow College (formerly Glasgow Nautical College), with help from Art Trek artists Cameron Morgan and John Cocozza.

During the 8 sessions they have been exploring printmaking techniques - monoprinting, blockprinting and colograph. Colourful water based printing inks have been used throughout and the students have derived inspiration from a variety of sources from Aboriginal art to sci-fi.

Posted on 24th January 2012 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  News  Trongate 103  Workshops 

There are still a few places available in our Saturday classes

The new block of our Saturday visual arts workshops will start this Saturday (28 January). We still have a few places available in each workshop, but they are filling up quickly! If you are interested in booking a place, please download the booking form and bring/send it back to Project Ability, Trongate 103, Glasgow G1 5HD.

Posted on 23rd January 2012 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  News  Workshops 

Reminder: Outside In 2012 Induction Day

Don't forget to book a place to the Outside In 2012 Induction Day, taking place in Project Ability on Thursday 26 January, 1.30pm - 4pm.

Outside In 2012 is a National Open Art competition for people who find it difficult to access the art world, whether due to disability, health, social circumstance or art process.

Come along for a chance to meet the Outside In team and an artist engaged with the project. We will tell you how you can get involved, how to create an online gallery and all about the Outside In: National in 2012 and the regional exhibitions in 2013.

For more information on the event, please click here.

Posted on 18th January 2012 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  Exhibitions  News  Trongate 103  Workshops 

On Your Radar

Many of Scotland’s leading learning disabled artists, dancers, musicians and actors live and work in Glasgow. On Your Radar is an annual celebration and showcase of their talent.

On Wednesday 7th December 2011 Project Ability, Indepen-dance, Theatre Arts and Artform took over the Tramway for a day of workshop, performance and exhibition.

A team of artists from Project Ability had prepared a GIANT painting depicting the new transport museum (thereby linking the work to the Tramway) and its surroundings. This was installed on the day and added in situ while performers from Theatre Arts used the imagery as inspiration for physical theatre.

In the studio next door Indepen-dance danced to music performed by Artform to celebrate winter festivals.

After lunch everyone came together and shared their work. Over sixty people took part in this day of celebration and everyone reported that they had a fine day.

Posted on 12th December 2011 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  News  Workshops 

First Light Film Workshops are back!

Project Ability are pleased to announce the return of First Light film workshops for 14 to 25 year olds with disabilities from January 2012.

The workshops will be running on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, from 18:00 to 20:30, for 8 weeks from 10 January to 01 March 2012. The provisional date for film screenings is 10 March 2012.

Each class of 8 participants will have the opportunity to create 2 comedy shorts, up to 90 seconds in length, based on the following film ideas, created in collaboration with young people from previous film workshops:

Tuesday Class (14 to18 years)

‘Wizzy’
Wizzy and his friends are an accident prone bunch and never seem to miss trouble when they are out and about. Whether they are being locked in prison when a silly joke gets out of hand or getting lost on the bus there is always plenty of humour and camaraderie to get them out of any situation.

‘The Lowest form of Whit?’
A short sketch illustrating some comical Scottish slang, common misunderstandings and double meanings.

Thursday Class (18 to 25 years)

‘The Empty’
A comical yet cautionary tale of a house party gone wrong.

‘Disability Mockumentary – the media portrayal of disability’
A witty mockumentary style film with a light hearted look at the serious subject of how the media portrays people with disabilities. The young film makers will look at just how far the media's portrayal and public perception of disability has come in recent years and whether any real ground has been made in the representation of people with disabilities in TV and film.

The cost for the 8 week workshop is £40. Bookings can be made for these workshops by completing the attached form and returning it to Project Ability, Trongate 103, Glasgow G1 5HD by no later than Thursday 22 December 2011 (please note we can not accept telephone or email bookings).

Places are booked on a first come, first served basis and we expect these workshops to be very popular, so please book early to avoid disappointment.

Posted on 12th December 2011 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Film & Animation  News  Workshops 

Meet the Volunteers: Lauren Bryden

This week, meet our fantastic volunteer Lauren Bryden.

Lauren recently graduated from the Glasgow School of Art in Textile Design and later went on to complete a Creative Start-up Programme at Ico Ico. Throughout her studies, Lauren has gained a variety of experience delivering art activities to many groups including young people with challenging behaviour and additional support needs. Lauren was keen to extend her experience in this field by volunteering at Project Ability. She has been working with us for 10 weeks, supporting the artist’s and young people in our Saturday afternoon classes. Her input to the classes has been very much appreciated by both the artist’s and the children she has worked with.

Thanks for everything Lauren!

Posted on 23rd November 2011 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: News  Recruitment & Volunteering  Workshops 

Xmas pound Appeal Update

In four weeks we have raised a massive £783.

This is a considerable amount of money and we are thankful to every person who has been kind enough to donate. This money will help us provide more visual art workshops and film classes to more people.

‘Gives you something to get up for in the morning, mixing with other people, gives you the opportunity to do things that if you didn't come you wouldn't take on” - participant on the Connect programme. Connect is our specialist arts and well-being programme for people with mental health issues.

“My seascape picture has worked out beautifully and I feel confident that I have achieved something.” – young person attending the Saturday Art Class.

You can help us reach our target of £2500 by donating money – cash, cheque or card or through JustTextGiving (text PABL11 £10 or any other amount of your choice to 70070), buying our original xmas cards and 2011 calendar, purchasing original art work from the gallery (Project Ability takes a 40% commission on all sales) and publications and gift items from our shop and coming along to our fantastic fundraiser on the 15th December at Mono.

“Keep up the awesomeness!” - Create participant.

Posted on 23rd November 2011 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  Exhibitions  Film & Animation  Fundraising  News  Shop  Workshops 

Winter workshops: Introduction to Film

There will be a new block of Introduction to Film workshop for 6-12 year olds with disabilities, from Wednesday 23 November.

* Time: 18:00-19:30
* Dates: 23 November - 14 December 2011 and 11 January - 1st February 2012. Note: there will be a break in the middle for Christmas.
* Cost: £40 for 8 weeks

To book a place, call us on 0141 552 2822 and ask for a form. Places are given on a first come first served basis.

Posted on 16th November 2011 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  Film & Animation  News  Workshops 

Free Visual Arts Workshops for schools with Project Ability

We are pleased to announce the opportunity for school groups to participate in an exciting 2hr flag making workshop. Funded by the Inspiration Festival 2011, pupils will have the opportunity to create their own colourful canvas flags inspired by the different Commonwealth nations.

This opportunity is open to Primary Schools only and places are given on a first come first served basis. Maximum group size 12 pupils. Workshops can take place at our excellently equipped and fully accessible Trongate 103 workshops or our tutors can travel to the school for a classroom based workshop. Workshop dates and times are negotiable.

To book a place for your school please email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or call us on 0141 522 2822.

Posted on 16th November 2011 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: News  Workshops 

Xmas Pound Appeal update: over £500 already!

We have reached a staggering £512.50 – in 3 weeks!!! We are truly grateful for every pound and pence donated, thank you.

Our xmas cards are also selling well. This year's top seller is without a doubt Skye McLaughlin’s “Birds”. There are only a few packets left. Well done Skye! All proceeds from the sale of xmas cards and calendars will be added to our Xmas Pounds Appeal helping us reach our target of £2500.

Click here to see how you can help!

Posted on 15th November 2011 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  Fundraising  News  Workshops 

On Your Radar

On Your Radar is back! The day of celebration of Arts and Disability in Glasgow will take place in Tramway this year, and be a collaborative effort between 4 organisations.

Come join Project Ability, Theatre Arts, Indepen-dance and Artform for a day of performances, exhibition and worshops.

Wednesday 7th December 2011

• 10am - 12pm: workshops
• 1pm - 1.45pm: performances
• 1.45pm - 2.30pm: social time

Places are limited, so make sure you book in advance: just contact us on 0141 552 2822.

Posted on 9th November 2011 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  News  Workshops 

Xmas pound Appeal update

We have received some fantastic donations this week, and after only two weeks the appeal has reached £300.00

If all of us were to give even just £1, we would have no problem reaching our target of £2500! Just text PABL11 £1 (or any other amount of your choice) to 70070, or click here to see how you can donate.

After the successful sale of books at last week’s First Thursday, Stirling Books have agreed to keep a stock of quality second-hand books in the shop through to the end of the Collected exhibition on the 19th November. Project Ability will receive a third of sales proceeds.

You can also contribute by purchasing our original Christmas cards and calendars.

We really appreciate your support and all funds raised goes towards our year round arts programme of classes, workshops, exhibitions and events for people with disabilities.

Thank you all!

Posted on 8th November 2011 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  Fundraising  News  Trongate 103  Workshops 

Young Carers Workshops

To celebrate the Scottish Mental Health Arts & Film Festival Project Ability hosted three workshops for Young Carers groups in Glasgow.

Participants got the chance to try their hand at building a ceramic mug, decorating their own canvas bags and creating beautiful hand crafted books.

Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the workshops and some of their amazing work can be seen here.

Posted on 1st November 2011 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: News  Workshops 

Meet the Volunteers: Michelle Roberts

Michelle  Roberts graduated from Glasgow School of Art in Painting and Printmaking, earlier this year. Throughout her studies she has sought opportunities to gain experience teaching and has been involved in several programmes teaching school children of both primary and secondary school. Michelle also volunteered in India for 10 weeks, teaching in schools for children living in extreme slums and orphanages, an experience that she found to be very rewarding and one that she will treasure.

At present she has been helping to support our younger participants on the Saturday morning visual arts classes. Both she and our other Saturday volunteers have been a fantastic addition to our workshops, appreciated by both our staff and participants alike.

Posted on 12th October 2011 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: News  Recruitment & Volunteering  Workshops 

First selection of work for the SECC Project

The SECC Project is about to come to an end, after many weeks of hard work from the selected artists.

Today, two people from the SECC team came over to have a look at the work produced, and make a first selection. It was not an easy task! There were over 100 pieces, drawings or paintings, and all very striking, beautiful and interesting. We were all very impressed with the quality of the work, and would like to say a big WELL DONE to everybody involved!

Keep an eye on the website for more information on the exhibition at the SECC.

Posted on 11th October 2011 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  Exhibitions  News  Workshops 

Oil painting workshops

During the last Connect block, tutor John Fitzpatrick taught an oil painting workshop to a small number of artists.

Over the course of three weeks (one day per week), the artists learnt the different stages of oil painting, from 'toning out' (painting the board in a burnt umber background colour), to mixing and applying the colour. The artists, who work from photographs, were mostly interested in landscapes and portraits. Check out our Facebook page for more photographs.

Note: some of the work is still in progress.

Posted on 5th October 2011 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: News  Workshops 

Meet the volunteers: Sheena Leach

Sheena Leach is currently volunteering with Saturday art classes for younger children within our Create project. She graduated from Edinburgh College of Art in Sculpture, in 2010 and has since sought opportunities to work within group environments where she can share her skills and experiences with people. Sheena runs local art workshops for children in North Berwick and also volunteers for Firsthand, where she befriends a young boy with learning difficulties, supporting him to do recreational activities of his choice.

Sheena has been with Project Ability for six weeks so far and her expertise and enthusiam is a fantastic addition to our Saturday morning team. Sheena is one of four volunteer artists giving their time to the Saturday classes.  Thier support allows the young participants to have more one to one time with the artists, helping to bring their ideas and art work on even further than before.

If you want to read more about some of our other volunteers, please click here.

Posted on 5th October 2011 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  News  Recruitment & Volunteering  Workshops 

Drypoint workshop

This month, tutor John Fitzpatrick held a week-long workshop for three members of Connect, during which they explored the printmaking process of drypoint. The length of the workshop allowed participants to properly explore the medium and to familiarise themselves with it.

The three artists -two of whom had never tried drypoint before- learnt the basics of the technique and then experimented to create a finished work. Most of the work was made with two plates (two colours), and one of the artists used the chine-colle technique which mixes printing and collaging.

Posted on 28th September 2011 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  News  Workshops 

Home Works artists celebrate the show

A group of Aspire artists, including quite a few currently showing in our exhibition Home Works, took over the gallery this morning to view the show together and celebrate their participation in it.

The theme being Home, the exhibition showcases eclectic objects including customised crockery, cupcakes sculptures, and tea cups. So what better than a tea party in the gallery to celebrate? Real cupcakes joined the fake ones, and everybody cheered to the artists and the work.

The exhibition runs until the 1st of October, Tuesday - Saturday, 10 am - 5pm.

Posted on 14th September 2011 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Exhibitions  News  Workshops 

More images from the SECC Project

The SECC Project is well under way now, and the artists involved have made an amazing amount of (great) work!

For three days, every week, they paint and draw images relating to the SECC one way or another: boxing games, Batman, the Cirque du Soleil, dodgems, landscapes past and present, and even Kylie Minogue! We don't envy the SECC team when they'll have to chose only 25 artworks! There are so many great pieces already.

Click here to see more photos (or here for a slideshow).

Posted on 12th September 2011 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  Exhibitions  News  Workshops 

Mugs, Mugs, mugs!

The Connect participants have been taking part in some mug design workshops, and the results are brilliant! Abstract motifs, cows, rorschach images, text, they have shown great inspiration!

If you would like your own Project Ability mug, come see our shop, as we have a few left from the Young Talent show. We will also have some new ones in for Christmas, which will make for lovely, original presents.

Posted on 7th September 2011 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: News  Shop  Workshops 

The video of Clare Hume’s talk is now available

Drama artist Clare Hume spent three days in residence in Trongate 103 last June, as part of the Everyone@T103 programme. She then gave a very interesting talk about her few days here, which you can now see here.

Everyone@Trongate103 is an action research programme exploring public engagement and access throughout Trongate 103, in particular how visitors with profound and complex learning disabilities occupy and inform the space. The next talk will be by artist John Shankie on Thursday 1st September, 5pm-6pm.

Posted on 24th August 2011 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  Film & Animation  News  Trongate 103  Workshops 

There are still a few spaces available in our Saturday classes

Create Saturday classes take place in our spacious accessible workshop in Trongate 103.

The classes start on Saturday 27th August and are booking up fast, but we still have a few spaces available in the 8 – 12 and 12 – 18 age groups.

 8 – 12 years: 11.30 – 12.30 am
12 – 18 years: 13.00 – 14.00

For further information please email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or phone us on 0141 552 2822.

Posted on 22nd August 2011 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: News  Trongate 103  Workshops 

The Indepen-dance performance is now on video

For those of you who missed their brilliant performance earlier this month, you can now see Indepen-dance and the young Project Ability artists dancing all around Trongate 103 on video!

Once again, a big thank you to everybody involved, and a huge well done to all the dancers!

Posted on 17th August 2011 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Film & Animation  News  Trongate 103  Workshops 

Create Open Day on Saturday 20th August

The Create Open Day is a family event that will coincide with the end of the Young Talent 2011 exhibition. There will be a series of workshops for children and young people with disabilities aged 5 - 25yrs.

5-12 years

- 10-11am: Marvellous Masks – Use fabrics, coloured papers, sequins and more to create your very own fantasy mask!
- 10-11am: Plasticine Portraits – Make a plasticine portrait of yourself, a friend or your favourite character in only 1 hour!
- 11.30-12.30: Custom Bags – Create your very own canvas bag! Use printing and drawing techniques to personalise your very own tote and use it everywhere you go!

12-18 years

- 11:30-12:30: Quirky Collage – Enjoy this great opportunity to experiment with collage and drawing techniques to create your very own accordion book.
- 1-2pm: Custom Bags – Create your very own canvas bag! Use printing and drawing techniques to personalise your very own tote and use it everywhere you go!

18+yrs

1-2pm: Glass plates – Using specialised paints to decorate one of our glass plates, or why not bring along your own favourite glass piece to transform on the day!

All young people under 18 should be accompanied by an adult. Workshops cost just £1 (pay on the day) and can be booked by calling 0141 552 2822. Places are limited so early booking is advised.

Posted on 15th August 2011 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: News  Workshops 

Project Ability animation film wins Runner-up prize in GFT competition

In early July, a group of children aged 6 - 12 years old directed a short animation film entitled 'Remote Control and the Bird Brain Menace'. They wrote a story, created the characters and produced all the props.

Kate Burton, one of the tutors, decided to enter the film in the GFT Wee Movies competition, and the results are just in: our film is runner-up! The children have won free cinema tickets, and will have their film shown before suitable films at the GFT. They will also be eligible to win a special grand prize at Glasgow Youth Film Festival 2012.

Well done to all the children, to the competition winners, and a big thank you to our tutors Kate and Sandi!

Click here to see the winning films.

Posted on 3rd August 2011 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  Film & Animation  News  Workshops 

Everyone at Trongate 103: Indepen-dance

As part of the Everyone@Trongate103 audience development programme the Glasgow based dance company Indepen-dance will be in residence in the building on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th of August 2011.

Members of the company will be joined by four young artists from Project Ability’s Create programme for children and young people with disabilities. The young artists each have work on show in the Young Talent exhibition in Project Ability’s gallery.

During the residency the team will journey through the public spaces and galleries in Trongate 103 and respond through movement to produce a piece of choreography that reflects their passage and exploration of the building.

This work will be shared in a public event on Thursday 4th August at 5pm.

Everyone is operated by engage Scotland and is supported by the National Lottery through Creative Scotland.

www.Indepen-dance.org.uk

Image: work in progress by Jim Feeney (2010)

Posted on 1st August 2011 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  News  Trongate 103  Workshops 

NGARN workshops at Project Ability

As part of NGARN's ‘Create Yourself’ programme Project Ability delivered an intensive day of ceramics and glass workshops for the young people involved. They have just four weeks to organise and stage their own one day Arts Festival ‘Reverse Universe’ on Friday 5th August. The work looks great and we can’t wait to see how they use their newfound skills on the day!

For more information on the project or how to become involved in ‘Reverse Universe’ please visit http://www.toonspeak.co.uk/ReverseUniverse.htm

Posted on 25th July 2011 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: News  Workshops 

Project Ability and the SECC are partners in a very exciting project

A group of Connect and Aspire artists have been chosen to produce 25 installations in a variety of medium for the SECC. The work will be used as a permanent display within the venue towards the end of the year.

Today, most of the artists involved took a trip to the SECC in order to see what the venue was like, and where their work will be exhibited. The theme of the project is 'How does the SECC inspire you?', and by the looks of it, heads were buzzing with ideas!

We will keep a photo diary of the project on Facebook, so make sure you check our page!

Posted on 20th July 2011 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  Exhibitions  News  Workshops 

Great animation/film workshops at Project Ability

In early July, we held two animation/film workshops for children aged 6 to 12 years old.

The children learned how to make props, animated characters and backgrounds, and how to use the camera. They even did their own voice-over! Everybody had a lot of fun, and the results are great little films.

The animated film produced in the first week 'Remote Control and the Bird Brain Menace' was finished just in time to be entered in the Wee Movies competition at the GFT. Fingers crossed we get chosen!

For some photos of the workshops, please check our Facebook page.

Posted on 20th July 2011 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Film & Animation  News  Workshops