Stitch Together

This was a project is based on researching both folk and outsider art and bought two artistic communities together. The first was Barrington farm, an internationally renowned art studio. Over the years the Art Barn has gained a reputation as a centre of excellence and many of the artists, have exhibited their work both at home and abroad, including in The Tate.  The other is Well Arty, an arts and well-being group for women run by ArtatWork.  The Well Arty women visited Barrington Farm twice to be taught textiles skills by the Barrington artists, who demonstrated their artistic practice and process.

The initial idea for the project came from the Well Arty women after a visit to Barrington during their brilliant Open Studios event. We then created mind maps with them to further develop the project idea, the women were very much involved in all aspects of the project.

The women created fine art and textile pieces in response to this sharing of skills in weekly sessions over an eight-month period. We also worked with them to develop other textiles skills such as screen printing, applique, batik, sashiko, and shibori as well as visiting local galleries. These works were exhibited with the Barrington artist’s work and displayed in extra-large embroidery hoops, in an exhibition at Barrington Farm. There was a private view event at Barrington Farm for all project participants, families, carers and the wider community. This exhibition will also be online and then archived at www.home.btconnect.com/roarart/.