Congratulations to Michelle Topps for completing her Arts Awards Advisor Training this month, making The Forge gallery arts awards friendly.
If you are aged between 11 and 24 you can find out more about the Arts Awards here: http://www.artsaward.org.uk
At The Forge we can offer a gallery visit with fine art and heritage crafts including sculpture for you to review. Free exhibition space for one month on our community exhibition wall.
Many of our artists and crafters are able to offer group and one to one have a go sessions, and demonstrations.
Many of our artists and crafters are able to work with groups on arts awards projects.
We can offer marketing experiences, creating posters and web campaigns.
Volunteer opportunities to see the sales side of things.
Whatever you are planning we are happy to discuss where we can help so please e.mail, phone or pop in for a chat.
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Avon Valley College Student Success
Well done to Harriett Capewell, A-Level art student at Avon Valley College, for successfully selling her brilliant picture of a winter sheep from our community exhibition space. Avon Valley College used our free exhibition space for the month of January with a winter themed exhibition including paintings, photography, and sculpture.
If you would like to book our exhibition space for your local, youth or community group please do get in contact. The space is available from April.
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December 2011
The first Stonehenge to Amesbury Solstice Lantern Parade
On the 21st of December 2011 a 5000 year old tradition made a comeback in Amesbury. More than 500 people took part in the first mid winter solstice parade. The parade took inspiration from the ancient legend of the light bearer, the solstice fairy charged with keeping the light burning through the longest night. It was truly an amazing and magical site to see the procession stretch out across the beautiful Wiltshire landscape. Once the procession reached Amesbury the light was transferred to the Solstice Lantern and kept safe overnight at The Holiday Inn in the care of the mighty Ancestor, before being returned to Stonehenge for a spectacular sunrise. We will let the pictures speak for themselves.
Above left, Stonehenge at sunset in the form of the solstice fairy, inspired by Michelle and Andy’s sculpture ‘Tarja’-the light bearer, students at Avon Valley College created the lantern to lead the parade, and carry the light into Amesbury.
Above, Setting off from Stonehenge.
Above Right, rare sight as Lantern parade moves underneath the A303.
Above Right, The Mayor and Mayoress of Amesbury Andy and Becky Rhind-Tutt with Cathy Hollis and her winning lantern. Cathy was thrilled to be the first person to light the lantern which will be exhibited in the new Amesbury Museum.
Above Left, The Solstice Lantern, a collaboration between Andy Rawlings, metal artist, and Billy Morrison, glass artist, both masters of their craft using traditional techniques with stunning contemporary design. The glass is inspired by winter sunsets, cloudy skies and the weak morning light has a definite astronomical feel with globules of glass being almost planetary. Inspired by Billys wintery landscape Andy looked to snowflakes and icicles for the design of the lantern, successfully marrying abstract and precision metalwork which enhances the wintery colours and sparkle in the glass
Above Middle, The Lantern and the light bearers crown. Traditional ivy, the crown of bards, storytellers and poets , creates a circlet adorned with a silver hare and worked copper discs by Michelle Topps metal artist and delicate porcelain Stars and Moons by Sarah Mills Ceramic Artist.
The Hare is our most magical creature steeped in ancient history and culture, associated with the moon goddess in traditional tales. The fortune telling prowess of the hare gave rise to the greatest Warrior Queen we have known when, legend tells us, Boudicca opened her skirts and released the hare basing her decision to fight the Romans on the direction it took.
A husk of hares inhabits the great stone circle today, and if you are very lucky you might just see one.
Above Right, The Light Bearer returns the light to Stonehenge on the 22nd December so that the sun can rise.
Protected through the longest night by the mighty Ancestor the single flame remained lit on its long journey. As sunrise approached and the glow reached the horizon an arrow formation of birds flew overhead and split into two spirals. The lantern was raised skywards and the wind reclaimed the light for the stones.
The Solstice Fairy, Solstice Lantern and Light bearers crown will be on exhibition at The Forge community gallery in Amesbury throught January and February. ‘Tarja’ the light bearer, currently on exhibition as part of The Angel Garden at Mottisfont, will join the exhibition in February. Alongside the artworks we are inviting people to bring in pictures, photos, poems and memories of the night to share in creating a giant community collage in the gallery. People will be able to add to the display throught the exhibition.
All of the artworks created for the festival will become exhibits in the new Amesbury Museum as artefacts of our time. A theme that is mirrored throught the whole event looking to our ancient culture and heritage, inspired by our local environment and putting our modern take on it. The artists of The Forge are honoured to provide the inspiration and creative direction for this historic event.
Photographs: Chris Pethick, Andy Rhind-Tutt, Simon Banton, Peter Horne, Camilla Pountain, Julie Currin, Tish Plain
Special thanks to the Amesbury Rotary Club and Jasmine Gould MA Director of Research Archeaosophia, Affectionally known as 'the fairy guru'
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November 2011
Amy Goodman's gets public Commission
A Maple tree was planted to mark The Light Theatre's fifth birthday, and a new piece of public art unveiled, a stainless steel tree guard created by Amy Goodman, and commissioned by Test Valley Borough Council.
Amy also ran a very popular workshop with children from the Anton Junior School in connection with this commmission, some of whom were present at the
unveiling along with the Mayor of Andover Zilliah Brooks, Amy and Lights Director Heather Whittam.
International recognition for Paul Hope, photographer, who's picture
'Eco Harmony' scooped first prize at the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association yearly photographic competition. . 'This shot was taken at the end of June, I had been out on the course nice and early to photograph the sunrise. I was standing off to the side of the second green when this gorgeous roe deer buck came leisurely wandering out from the trees behind the green and eventually stopped about ten yards right in front of me. I could not believe my luck and was able to get quite a few shots before he moved on.' said Paul.
Plans for the very first Mid Winter Lantern Procession are unveiled
Amesbury 2012 is set to recreate the 5000 year old lantern parade from Stonehenge to Amesbury on the eve of Mid-Winter Solstice
On Wednesday 21st December, there will be a special lantern parade along the original processional route of the avenue, leading away from Stonehenge as the sun sets at 4pm and arriving in Amesbury at about 5.30pm for refreshments provided by the Rotary club of Amesbury and Mince pies from Reeve the baker, Mulled wine, last chance market and craft stalls and plenty of Christmas cheer.
Through the town's Amesbury 2012 initiative and following on from the incredible success of The Ancestors Crown,Avon Valley College have again teamed up with Michelle and Andy of A&R Metalcraft to work on a sculpture that links to this historical processional recreation. This years A-Level students with teacher Jules Rifat met with Michelle to see and discuss the latest sculpture by the local artists 'Tarja-the light bearer.'
The sculpture, which tells the story of the ancient fairy charged with keeping the light safe on the longest night, provides the creative direction for the first mid-winter lantern procession. 'Unfortunately our piece is not available for the parade as she has been selected for exhibition in The Angel Garden at Mottisfont.To interpret the legend properly we had to have a fairy,' said Michelle, 'so we asked the students if they would like to make a lantern to lead the procession. I can't wait to see what they make.'
The solstice fairy will carry the light from Stonehenge at sunset into Amesbury to light the solstice lantern which will keep it burning through the night before returning to the stones for sunrise.
Both the fairy lantern and the solstice lantern will be on show at The Forge Gallery in Amesbury for the month of January and we want to ask people to bring in pictures, poems and photographs to put on the wall to make a big community collage of the event, which is another first for the Amesbury 2012 and Beyond initiative.
'Its going to be wonderful ',said Michelle, 'Salisbury has its Cathedral, Bath its waters and Amesbury has its ancestors. By remembering them we can establish a real sense of place for both locals and visitors alike, people have settled in Amesbury for 8000 years and their influence is everywhere'.
Mayor of Amesbury, Andy Rhind-Tutt, who launched Amesbury 2012 during his inauguration in May, said "this is a fantastic opportunity for our community to come together for this magical experience, recreating a 5000 year old tradition and especially during the build up to the Olympics, when we will see the real torch travel through our town. I hope this will create a legacy for the future at this festive time of year and as many people as possible join in".
To take part in this historical occasion you will need to obtain a lantern kit from the Amesbury 2012 committee via the Community shop or the Forge gallery and this will also entitle you to a lift to Stonehenge from Amesbury, thanks to Wilts and Dorset buses and refreshments on your arrival back in Amesbury. Winter clothing and footwear is essential as this involves crossing uneven farmland.
Everyone is invited to take part in the parade and lantern kits and vouchers are available from the Bowman Centre, community shop or the Forge Gallery for £5 from Wednesday, 7th December.
If you would like to help avertise this special event, please download a free printable poster HERE!
Plans for The Amesbury Cultural Market start coming together. Aiming for next Spring the call goes out to local artists, heritage crafters and local producers for expressions of interest. If you are interested in a pitch please contact us via this website with some examples of your work and a little bit about you.
Michelle and Andy of A&R Metalcraft to exhibit in Mottisfont
The Light Bearer by Michelle and Andy of A&R Metalcraft is accepted for 'The Angel Garden' at Mottisfont , near Romsey , exhibition in December.
Find out more here www.nationaltrust.org.uk/mottisfont
Sir Patrick Moore Presented with Artwork from The Forge Gallery!
Sir Patrick Moore is presented with a Stonehenge Trilithon set against the sun by Frank Somers of the Stonehenge Druids. He was delighted and intrigued with the artwork and rang Michelle to thank her personally. Find out more here www.thestonehengedruids.co.uk
The Amesbury Heritage Day, a Huge Success! 2nd October 2011
Amesbury Town showboats its incredible heritage. The Amesbury Heritage Day commences at The Ancestor. Part of the tour included a flint knapping demonstration by Phil Harding assisted by Chris Allen of One Day Woodcraft flint carving wood. A visit to The Forge Gallery scored highly as a place to visit with a metalforming demonstration by Andy Rawlings and top quality arts and heritage crafts on view. Find out more here www.thestonehengedruids.co.uk
Below Left:Timeteams Phil Harding and The Forges very own Chris Allen, woodcarver, demonstrate the ancient skills of stoneage tool making. Below Right: Archaeologist and historic buildings expert Tim Tatton-Brown discussed the Henge Hares Disc with Michelle of A&R Metalcraft.
Bolivian Ambassador Presented with Artwork from The Forge Gallery!
Her excellency Beatriz Souviron, the Bolivian Ambassador to Great Britain is presented with a weld sculpted trilithon set against a polished 'moon', at a special evening at the Bolivian Embassy in London to mark the end of her term in office. The gift was presented by Cllr Andy Rhind-Tutt the mayor of Amesbury.
Find out more here http://www.stonehenge-druids.org/embassy%20celebration.html
The Forge Gallery opens with resounding Success & The Ancestor wears Solstice Crown!
The Ancestor wears a community built crown for summer solstice 2011. The crown was created at The Forge Gallery by the community who were asked to bring in something on the theme of summer.
First summer solstice event at the Antrobus Arms Hotel with arts and crafts, hog roast a storyteller and a band.
The first edition of the mini Ancestor is launched.
From The Forge Gallery to The Amautus tribe in Bolivia
Michelle and Andy are asked to create a gift to be presented to The Amautus tribe in Bolivia on behalf of the Stonehenge Druds and the people of Amesbury. The Henge Hares Disc was presented to the tribal elders on 21st June 2011 and now resides in the Bolivian Parliament Building.. Available as a ltd edition of 10, you can view the disc at The Forge Gallery. The Amautus will be visiting Amesbury for winter solstice 2011. The Bolivian ambassador visits The Ancestor.
Find out more here www.thestonehengedruids.co.uk
Michelle and Andy call for artists and crafters as the concept of The Forge gallery is born. Setting up as a social enterprise to provide opportunity for the best local arts, heritage crafts and works inspired by our ancient culture and Stonehenge.
The first meeting of the Amesbury 2012 and Beyond working party takes place in the Bowman Center and designer Chris Pethick creates the official Amesbury 2012 logo.
Andy and Michelle start talking to Deputy Mayor Cllr Andy Rhind-Tutt about the Heritage Sculpture Trail. The Amesbury 2012 and beyond initiative concept is born.
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December 2010
December 2010 Winter Solstice
Wearing a natural crown created by the community The Ancestor celebrates winter solstice. Blizzard conditions forced cancellation of the event which was rescheduled for the first full moon of the year.
Andy and Michelle launch the second sculpture inspired by ancient forgotten folklore The Light Bearer. The sculpture tells the story of the ancient fairy charged with keeping the light safe through the longest night. The idea for the winter solstice lantern parade is born
The Ancestor is officially opened by the Mayor of Amesbury Richard Crook. Until a permanent home is found The Ancestor remains on display at The Holiday Inn on solstice Park where he welcomes travellers from the East.
Created by local artists Andy and Michelle of A&R Metalcraft The Ancestor is launched at Stonehenge for summer solstice 2010 to a crowd of 20,000 people, cementing himself into Stonehenge Legend and securing the worlds first contemporary art installation at World Heritage Site Stonehenge.
