Going silver for summer-Devon Guild's new exxhibition

A Silver Thread: Saturday 2 July - Sunday 4 September 2011

The Devon Guild’s summer exhibition has extra cause for celebration this year as the craft centre marks its silver jubilee at Riverside Mill. Formed in 1955 as a support and networking organisation for professional craftmakers, it was not until 1986 that the Devon Guild of Craftsmen took the major step of purchasing Riverside Mill in Bovey Tracey. With a new gallery space built on in 2004 the Mill accommodates both traditional and modern aspects and is the perfect home for its exhibitions, events and sales of contemporary crafts.

Throughout 2011 Members, Friends and the local community have taken part in practical textile workshops, making bunting to celebrate the opening of A Silver Thread. Artist and Devon Guild Member Bridget Arnold has worked with local groups in a series of textile workshops to create swathes of colourful bunting from recycled materials. Decorations were made by local schools, the Bovey Youth Café, kids at the Contemporary Craft Fair and visitors to nearby Yarner Wood NNR. These events aimed to get people interested in sewing again, linking with the Devon Guild’s educational and community work. The bunting will be ceremonially hung around the outside of Riverside Mill at the end of June to celebrate the Jubilee and new exhibition. The official launch happens on Friday 2 July with preview, dining, awards and local MP Mel Stride giving an opening speech.

The work in this exhibition features South West-based Guild Members whose remit is to produce new, experimental designs with a silver theme - an element that threads its way round the building, from a silvery activity area and spiderweb quiz - to the coinage of prizes for the best work in the show. The President’s Prize of £500 will be presented at the Private View and a People’s Choice Award of £250 will be voted for by visitors with the winner announced online.

With free gallery entry (open daily 10am – 5.30pm) and all exhibits for sale, the Guild invites us to appreciate new hand-made work and hopes to sustain the work of independent makers and small studios in the region.
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For more information visit http://www.crafts.org.uk/